Superstar Francisco Lindor to repeat as Puerto Rico World Baseball Classic captain

The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation (FBPR) announced that Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Francisco Lindor will repeat as team captain at the World Baseball Classic 2026.

"Honored to be the captain," commented Lindor on social media, adding in Spanish "Vamos mi borinquén!".

The New York Mets' star shortstop captained Puerto Rico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, when the Boricuas lost to Mexico in the quarterfinals. He was part of Puerto Rico's 2017 second-place team and earned All-World Team honours.

Born in Caguas in 1993, Lindor moved to Central Florida at 12. While attending the Montverde Academy Prep School, named after him in 2013, he helped the United States win the WBSC U-16 Baseball World Cup 2009.

He signed for the Cleveland Indias in August 2011, receiving a US$2.9m bonus. He made his MLB debut in 2015. He played the first of his four All-Star Games in 2016, earning also a Gold Glove. He starred in the 2016 World Series.

The Indians traded Lindor to the New York Mets ahead of the 2021 season. Hours before the 2021 Opening Day, he agreed to a 10-year deal worth US$341m.

World No. 9 Puerto Rico will host Group A of the VI World Baseball Classic from March 6 to 11, 2026, in San Juan. They will face No. 22 Canada, No. 10 Cuba, No. 8 Panama, No. 13 Colombia.