In a recent interview with PelotaCubanaUSA, Yadir Drake revealed that his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic is in serious jeopardy.
Drake disclosed that he tested positive for a banned substance during the WBSC Premier12 tournament this past November. While he did not specify the substance, he indicated it was part of a medical treatment. Initially handed a one-year suspension, Drake says the penalty was later extended to two years—ruling him out of the WBC. He is currently appealing the suspension in hopes of representing Cuba in the tournament.
Drake’s absence would be a major blow for Team Cuba. He was one of the team’s few standouts in the 2023 WBC, where he posted an impressive .934 OPS. At last year’s Premier12, he posted a 1.034 OPS. He was one of the bright spots on a Cuban squad that went 1-4.
This season, he’s continued to excel, slashing .381/.437/.628 with 15 home runs for the Leones de Yucatán in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol—the most homers he’s ever hit in a regular season. Drake was widely considered a leading candidate to start at designated hitter in 2026.
Cuba is slated to open their WBC campaign on March 6, 2026, against Panama in San Juan. If Drake’s appeal is unsuccessful, his absence will be deeply felt.
WBN WBC: https://worldbaseball.com/league/wbc/
Photo: Yadir Drake of Cuba reacts while batting during the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game between Cuba and Australia at the Tokyo Dome Tokyo, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Toru Hanai)
