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The talented closer for the New York Mets, Edwin Diaz, suffered a significant injury during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. However, this setback will not deter him from participating in the 2026 edition of the prestigious international tournament.
Diaz, who is 31 years old, sustained the injury while celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory over the Dominican Republic. He tore the patellar tendon in his right knee, causing him to miss the entire season.
Edwin Diaz, a pitcher for the New York Mets in the National League, is seen in action during the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025, in Cumberland, Georgia. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
“I didn’t get hurt pitching,” Diaz stated in an interview with the New York Post last week. “That’s something that can happen at my house or wherever. If I was pitching, maybe I would be a little bit scared to return.”
Diaz is not fully committed to playing for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but he expressed openness to the idea.
“As of now, I would play if given the opportunity. I would play to represent my country,” Diaz stated.
Edwin Diaz, a pitcher for Puerto Rico, is wheeled off the field after a leg injury during the team’s celebration against the Dominican Republic at LoanDepot Park on March 15, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)
The three-time All-Star acknowledged that if he were to sustain an injury while pitching, his perspective on participating in the World Baseball Classic might change.
“But I just want to go there and represent my country and have fun,” Diaz added.
One of Diaz’s teammates on the Mets, star shortstop Francisco Lindor, also played for team Puerto Rico. Diaz expressed his desire to play with Lindor again if given the chance to represent Puerto Rico.
New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens, left, and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz celebrate after their baseball game against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Diaz has been performing exceptionally well for the Mets this season, earning a spot on the National League All-Star team. In 40 games, Diaz boasted a 1.55 ERA with a 5-0 record and 21 saves.
Diaz and the Mets (59-44) are set to begin a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants (54-49) on Friday at 10:15 p.m. ET.
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