Aroldis Chapman Barred from Great Britain’s WBC Team Due to Lineage Rules
Aroldis Chapman, the closer for the Boston Red Sox, will not participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) this year. He was excluded from Great Britain’s roster due to not meeting the blood lineage requirements needed to play for the team.
Aroldis Chapman’s Background and Eligibility
Chapman, 37, was initially named to Great Britain’s preliminary roster. His eligibility was based on his grandparents’ emigration from Jamaica, a country with historical ties to Britain. However, the organizers concluded that he did not fulfill the necessary lineage criteria.
Impact on the World Baseball Classic
This decision marks yet another significant absence for the tournament, which has seen multiple high-profile players withdraw. Chapman, who represented Cuba in the 2009 WBC, had been expected to bolster the team’s chances.
Other Player Withdrawals
- Team Puerto Rico may consider withdrawing from the tournament after losing star players such as Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa.
- Venezuela faces challenges with key players like José Altuve and Miguel Rojas also dropping out.
Chapman’s Recent Performance
In the 2025 MLB season, Chapman delivered an impressive performance. He achieved a 1.17 ERA over 61 ⅓ innings, contributing significantly to the Red Sox with 32 saves. His excellence in pitching earned him American League Cy Young and MVP votes, marking only the second time in his career he garnered such recognition.
Contract and Future with the Red Sox
After joining Boston as a free agent, Chapman signed a one-year extension worth $13.3 million. His contract includes a mutual vesting option for the 2027 season, showcasing the team’s confidence in his abilities.
Great Britain’s WBC Aspirations
Great Britain, competing in its second WBC, is led by Jazz Chisholm Jr. He missed the previous tournament in 2023 due to injuries. The upcoming WBC begins on March 5 in Japan, and the absence of key players like Chapman could impact Great Britain’s performance.
