Francisco Lindor to Miss 2026 WBC With Elbow Injury, Latest Updates, Timeline on Mets Star

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will miss the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to the elbow surgery he had at the end of last season.

Per a statement from the MLB Players Association, WBC insurance constraints will prevent Lindor from suiting up in the tournament but he remains on track to fully participate in all spring training activities with the Mets.

The Mets announced on Oct. 22 that Lindor underwent a right elbow debridement procedure to remove bone spurs, but he was expected to make a full recovery prior to the start of spring training.

He had a similar procedure after the 2023 season and was in the Opening Day lineup for New York in 2024.

Lindor has played for the Puerto Rican team in the WBC in 2017 and '23. He helped them advance to the final against the United States during the 2017 tournament. It remains Puerto Rico's best finish in the event since it was established in 2006.

The 2023 team advanced to the knockout stage before losing to Mexico in the quarterfinals. Lindor hit .450 and drove in five runs in five games.

Lindor committed to play for Puerto Rico in April 2025 and was going to serve as the team's captain.

Puerto Rico is one of the three host countries for the 2026 WBC, along with the United States and Japan. Games in Pool A will be played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.

The Puerto Rican team will open tournament play against Panama on March 6.

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training for the Mets on Feb. 11. Their first full squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 16 and will play their first spring training game against the Miami Marlins five days later.

Lindor is coming off his first All-Star season with the Mets and fifth overall. He hit .267/.346/.466 with 31 homers and 31 stolen bases in 160 games during the 2025 campaign.