In a recent interview with former Puerto Rican Major League Baseball player Carlos Baerga, Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo confirmed he plans on pitching for Puerto Rico at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
When asked if he was gonna be wearing the Puerto Rico jersey again at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Lugo said, “Absolutely. Can’t wait.”
Lugo pitched for Puerto Rico at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He threw 15 innings in three starts with 12 strikeouts and had a 4.20 ERA. He started in the WBC final against Team USA and took the loss. He is coming off a breakout season in MLB in 2024. He threw 206 2/3 innings and struck out 181, both of which were career highs. He posted a 3.00 ERA, was named an National League All-Star and was one of Kansas City’s best starters. That will be the case for Puerto Rico in 2026.
Lugo should be, at minimum, Puerto Rico’s No. 2 starter, and a big addition to bolster a rotation that had a few question marks.
Photo: Puerto Rico catcher Yadier Molina, left, talks with pitcher Seth Lugo during the second inning against the United States in the final of the World Baseball Classic. in Los Angeles, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
