Why Seth Lugo is excited to represent Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Seth Lugo to start for Puerto Rico in 2026 WBC opener against Colombia.
- Lugo emphasizes family, bringing his two sons to experience Puerto Rico.
- Veteran starter aims to lead pitching staff and help Puerto Rico reach medal rounds.
When Puerto Rico steps onto the 2026 World Baseball Classic stage, there will be a new set of eyes watching.
Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo will draw the start Friday against Colombia at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
And he will have his two sons cheering for him.
“The most important part for me is for my kids to experience this,” Lugo said. “The last time I did this tournament, I didn’t have kids. So I’m really excited for them, and (they) get to go to Puerto Rico and see baseball in a different light.”
Lugo played for Puerto Rico in the 2017 WBC. He posted a 4.20 ERA in three starts while guiding the country to the WBC title game.
Puerto Rico ultimately fell short to the United States. Lugo — who started the WBC finale — enjoyed the experience. He felt honored to represent Puerto Rico as his paternal grandfather hailed from the country.
“You know, winning the silver (medal) is a pretty big accomplishment,” Lugo said. “I don’t consider that a loss. I consider that a win, especially, you know, watching the (Winter) Olympics. It brings up memories from the last WBC. So hopefully we play well and get a lot of these new guys who weren’t a part of the team in 2017 a medal, too. That would be pretty special.”
Puerto Rico will play in Pool A during the WBC. The group includes Canada, Colombia, Cuba and Panama. The top teams in pool play will advance to the championship bracket and compete for the WBC title.
Lugo is ready to showcase his skills. He became a full-time starter after his last venture into WBC play. He also made his first All-Star team and won a Gold Glove. Additionally, the Royals signed him to a contract extension in 2025.
Lugo is now a different pitcher. Nearly a decade ago, he was 27 years old and still looking to establish himself. He is now a frontline starter and key veteran with a wealth of experience.
The WBC means more to him and his family. He gets to celebrate his heritage while also building lasting relationships with his teammates. And it’s why he was honored to take the baseball for the WBC opener.
“I mean, you know, they’re still young,” Lugo said of his kids. “I don’t think they’ll quite understand what it’s about until we get with the team. I expect it to be similar to the last time I played in it.”
Lugo was able to get the necessary reps this spring with the Royals. He made two Cactus League starts while continuing to build up in Surprise, Arizona.
Now, he arrives in Puerto Rico to headline a pitching staff that includes Jorge Lopez, Jose Espada and Edwin Diaz.
Puerto Rico also features MLB veterans such as Nolan Arenado, Willi Castro, Heliot Ramos and former Royal MJ Melendez.
Lugo will enter his 11th MLB season this year. He focused on being a consistent pitcher this offseason with a goal to return to the playoffs.
He will get his chance later this month with the Royals. For now, he is prepared to help Puerto Rico experience success on the global stage.
“You know, the team turns into a family really fast,” Lugo said. “You know, a lot of the families travel with the other players. The stuff MLB does for the tournament and those little cities and at the hotels is really nice. It’s the most memorable part is the accommodations to make it such a unique and personal thing.”
This story was originally published March 3, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Why Seth Lugo is excited to represent Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic."
