Newly acquired Diamondback will play for Puerto Rico in WBC over U.S.

Earlier in the week, eight-time All-Star and freshly acquired Arizona Diamondback Nolan Arenado announced he will represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, which takes place in the coming months.

This may come as a shock to some, considering the third baseman played for the United States team in 2017 and 2023, which can be confusing and lead people to ask what ties the 10-time Golden Glove winner has to Puerto Rico.

Arenado's mother is of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, which explains the formal connection to the star third baseman and the country. Still, of course, for Arenado to make the sudden change, it did not go well with the American fanbase.

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Arenado's decision surprised many American fans on social media. Still, it has become official: Arenado will also be joined by New York Mets All-Star Francisco Lindor, who will play shortstop for Puerto Rico.

In the country's history competing in the Classic, Puerto Rico has finished as the runner-up twice, in 2013 and 2017, with 2017 being the year Arenado helped defeat Puerto Rico while playing for the United States.

As the former Silver Slugger slowly approaches the final seasons of his career, maybe choosing Puerto Rico comes from him believing this is the last time he gets to represent his mother's home country as a gift to her, as the all-star has credited his mother for giving him the passion he has for baseball to this day.

Many will see how Arenando performs in front of the home crowd, as Puerto Rico will host the classic from March 6-11.

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