Podcast Summary: Noticias con Calle

Host: Jay Fonseca
Guest: Dr. José Quiles, Presidente de la Federación de Béisbol de Puerto Rico
Episode: PR AMENAZA DE RETIRARSE DEL WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC
Date: January 31, 2026

Main Theme

This episode centers around the emerging crisis facing Puerto Rico's national baseball team, following the last-minute withdrawal of several star players from the roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC)—notably Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and key relief pitchers. Jay Fonseca and Dr. José Quiles discuss the underlying reasons, perceived injustices compared to other countries, and the serious consideration by Puerto Rico of withdrawing from the WBC if fair play and equal conditions aren't restored.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shock & Frustration Over Player Exclusions

• The host, Jay, opens expressing collective indignation (“no son buenos días... estamos todos molestos, indignados, frustrados”) [00:00].
• Dr. Quiles reveals that at 5 PM the previous day, he was officially informed that not only Lindor, but also José Berrío, Yaxiel Río, Giovanni Morán, and Caratini could not participate, despite having been on the initial list submitted in early December [01:04].
  • “Yo te entrego una lista... el 3 de diciembre por los 35 nombres y tú me escribes... el 30 de enero a las 5 de la tarde que esos jugadores no pueden participar...” [01:17].

2. Unfair Treatment and Timelines

• Major League Baseball’s delayed communication of player ineligibility is called out as unfair and destabilizing. Dr. Quiles notes that the MLB itself named Lindor team captain, only to ban him shortly before the roster deadline [01:20].
• Comparison made with other countries: while USA and Japan have top players available, Puerto Rico is facing exceptional restrictions [05:00].

3. Conspiracy or Pattern?

• Jay voices what many fans feel: that these restrictions seem to target Puerto Rico, questioning if the tournament is rigged or biased. Dr. Quiles clarifies that it’s not the WBC’s office, but mostly MLB team owners hindering participation [05:37].
  • “...los que están boicoteando el Clásico... son los dueños de los equipos.” [05:53].

4. Should Puerto Rico Withdraw?

• The Federation is openly and seriously evaluating non-participation if elite players can’t compete. This isn’t a bluff; a decision is expected imminently [06:44].
  • “Estamos contemplando no participar en esta edición del Clásico.” [06:44].
  • "La decisión está casi casi tomada. Que es posible que Puerto Rico no participe..." [06:57].
• The host explores whether this is a negotiating tactic or a true warning; Quiles confirms the seriousness [07:09].

5. Fan Outrage and Repercussions

• Significant mention is made of the widespread public anger, with fans considering returning tickets and boycotting, seeing this as a slight to Puerto Rican pride [08:24].
  • “Miles de personas que compraron miles y miles... en boletos... están diciendo, bueno, si van a maltratar a Puerto Rico, yo no voy a participar.” [08:45].
• The host and guest discuss possible mass requests for refund if the team withdraws [16:18], and Quiles agrees this is a possibility.

6. Players’ Reactions

• Lindor is reported as devastated, feeling he failed the country due to his minor procedure [10:42].
  • "Lindor está indignado... está destruido, completamente destruido." [10:42].
• Not all are accepting: "Jaxiel Río... dijo a mí no me importa lo que diga Major League Baseball, seguro o no seguro, yo voy a jugar." [11:07].
• Misinformation about player conflicts with the Puerto Rican Federation is discredited [11:51].

7. Structural & Administrative Problems

• The convoluted approval process is criticized: teams submit lists in December, but denials come just days before the final roster, leaving little time to replace top talent [23:17], [26:27].
• Jay and Dr. Quiles agree the schedule is part of the issue; suggest the WBC be moved (e.g., after the MLB season, or during the All-Star break) to ensure player availability and reduce owner interference [28:33], [31:09].

8. Inequitable Treatment Compared to Other Countries

• The only other notable exclusion is Venezuela’s Altuve, but overall, only Puerto Rico faces these mass removals; other questioned players from Venezuela, USA, and Japan are being approved [17:58], [18:01], [24:11], [34:57].

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Dr. Quiles (on fairness and dignity):
  “Yo entiendo que en igualdad de condiciones, por dignidad, el pueblo de Puerto Rico no debe participar en el Clásico.” [07:53]
• Jay Fonseca (on the impact on fans):
  “...la cantidad de gente que me habló de este tema como con una indignación total de que quieren hasta devolver los boletos que compraron...” [08:36]
• Dr. Quiles (on owner influence):
  “...se supone que los dueños no intervengan directamente, pero... indirectamente los dueños de equipo le meten el pie a los jugadores para que no puedan participar.” [26:27]
• On moving forward:
  “Si no competimos en igualdad de condiciones con los demás equipos no debemos participar.” – Quiles [17:53]
• Jay Fonseca (on context):
  “El béisbol acaba de pasar a ser el cuarto deporte en viewership en Estados Unidos... la liga va a convertirse en una liga irrelevante si no llega a nivel global...” [31:21]
• Dr. Quiles (on potential withdrawal):
  “...hoy vamos a formalmente comunicar a los directivos de World Baseball Classic que Puerto Rico considera retirarse del Clásico ante no darle igualdad de condiciones para jugar... si no se le permite... va a retirarse Puerto Rico del evento el mismo martes.” [35:58]

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Jay’s emotional opening and introduction of Dr. Quiles | | 01:04 | Dr. Quiles recounts the sequence and timing of MLB’s player restriction notifications | | 05:37 | Dr. Quiles points to MLB team owners as the real block to star participation | | 06:44 | Serious consideration of Puerto Rico withdrawing: “Ya está contemplado...” | | 08:24 | Host describes public indignation and ticket-holder frustration | | 10:42 | Lindor’s emotional reaction to being barred | | 11:07 | Jaxiel Río declares intent to play regardless of official obstacles | | 16:33 | Discussion about possible mass ticket refunds and boycotts by fans | | 17:53 | Quiles states withdrawal is likely unless conditions change | | 24:11 | Frustration over last-minute player denials after months of planning | | 26:27 | Detailed explanation of the (problematic) player approval process | | 28:33 | Suggestion to change WBC dates; critique of scheduling during MLB preseason | | 31:21 | Broader context: Baseball’s global struggles vs. other sports | | 35:58 | Final stance: Puerto Rico’s likely withdrawal if not granted fair play | | 37:07 | Formal “by Tuesday” deadline for withdrawal decision |

Flow & Tone

• The tone is urgent, emotional, and anchored in a sense of injustice and national pride.
• Host and guest both express frustration, but also clarity—outlining the sequence of events, the decision-making process, and the psychological and financial impact on fans and players alike.
• Dr. Quiles is candid, direct, and unafraid to critique MLB systems and defend Puerto Rico’s dignity.
• The conversation closes with a clear ultimatum: if equal opportunities for Puerto Rican players are not restored by Tuesday, a formal withdrawal will occur.

Conclusion & Next Steps

• Puerto Rico, via its Federation, is issuing a formal warning to the WBC: allow equal participation for its elite players—mirroring the treatment of the USA and Japan—or Puerto Rico will withdraw, possibly prompting a broader scandal and fan backlash.
• Decision deadline: the coming Tuesday, at which point a withdrawal letter will be issued if the situation remains unchanged [35:58].
• The episode is a pivotal, unfiltered snapshot of a moment when pride, sport, and international politics collide—and listeners are left with both the facts and the emotions fueling this unprecedented decision.