New York Yankees right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz confirmed he will play for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his second consecutive appearance in the tournament. He made the announcement in Spanish during an interview at Yankee Stadium before the Yankees began a road series against his former team, the Cincinnati Reds.
🇵🇷 Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz says in a Spanish interview he intends to pitch for Puerto Rico at the 2026 WBC.
“I’m absolutely willing to represent Puerto Rico. It’s my greatest wish.”
🎥 via @tusabordeportivo @hectorgomez__27 @johnsang89 on IG
đź”— https://t.co/HBJOl2AaxR pic.twitter.com/ugEsLXu8k5— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) June 25, 2025
Cruz, who is of Dominican descent but was born in BayamĂłn, Puerto Rico, pitched for the island in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, striking out six batters over 3.1 innings while allowing just two hits.
In a recent interview — shared by @tusabordeportivo, with contributions from @hectorgomez__27 and @johnsang89 — Cruz expressed his intent to represent Puerto Rico again in 2026. While he remains committed to playing, he emphasized the need to speak with the Yankees front office first, noting that next season will be his first year of arbitration.
Cruz said he feels a responsibility to consider the club’s wishes given his age and contract situation, but made clear that wearing Puerto Rico’s colors remains his top priority.
“If I’m going to play in the Classic, I’m going to play for Puerto Rico,” Cruz said. “I’m absolutely willing to represent Puerto Rico, and it’s my greatest wish.”
Watch the full interview here.
Now 35, Cruz is in his first season with the Yankees after three years in Cincinnati, where he made his Major League debut in 2022 at age 32. Originally drafted as an infielder by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB Draft, he spent more than a decade grinding through winter ball, independent leagues, and international circuits before reinventing himself as a pitcher.
In 2025, Cruz has emerged as one of the Yankees’ most dependable bullpen arms. Through 29 appearances, he owns a 3.26 ERA with 50 strikeouts, a 1.088 WHIP, and a .179 opponent batting average across 30.1 innings. He recorded his second career save earlier this season and currently ranks among American League relievers in strikeout rate. Over 170 big league outings, Cruz has a career 4.31 ERA with 278 strikeouts in 177.2 innings.
Fernando Cruz was downright NASTY last night against the Diamondbacks in 2 scoreless innings of reliefđź‘Ź
2.0 IP | 0 H | 0 ER | 4 K | 0 BB | 22 P | 17 S
CRUZ CONTROL🔥#Yankees pic.twitter.com/x2ZxzFB8Uh
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) April 2, 2025
Puerto Rico’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is beginning to take shape. Francisco Lindor has reaffirmed his role as team captain, with Carlos Beltrán serving as general manager and Joey Solá as chief operating officer. Yadier Molina will return as manager for a second consecutive WBC.
Puerto Rico will compete in Pool A at the 2026 tournament, hosted at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, alongside Cuba, Canada, Panama, and a to-be-determined qualifier.
For more on Puerto Rico’s roster decisions, coaching staff, and player evaluations ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, please visit our full coverage here: Yadier Molina To Manage Puerto Rico In 2026 World Baseball Classic. That article includes details on Yadier Molina’s return as manager, Carlos Beltrán’s role as general manager, and scouting efforts across MLB, winter ball, and beyond.
