Astros’ José Altuve to Miss 2026 World Baseball Classic as Venezuela Prepares Without Star

The 2026 World Baseball Classic kicks off on March 5, and Venezuela will enter the tournament facing stiff competition in Group D, which includes the Dominican Republic, Israel, the Netherlands, and Nicaragua. A headline matchup against the Dominican Republic on March 11 is already generating anticipation, but Venezuela will have to move forward without one of its most seasoned stars.

José Altuve, the veteran second baseman for the Houston Astros and a key figure in Venezuela’s baseball history, will not be playing in this year’s tournament. The decision comes at the request of the Astros, who are prioritizing Altuve’s health and preparation for the upcoming Major League Baseball season.

Although Altuve had expressed interest in representing his country once again, concerns over past injuries and his importance to Houston’s roster ultimately kept him off Venezuela’s WBC squad. The call was made despite the unique twist that the national team is being managed by Omar López—Altuve’s bench coach in Houston.

With Altuve out, Venezuela’s path to advancing from a difficult group becomes more complex. The team will now need to rely on a mix of other established MLB talent and emerging players to carry the load through the tournament.

1. Astros Prioritize Health and Availability

Altuve’s absence from the WBC is not due to injury, but rather precaution. The Astros requested that the 35-year-old remain with the club throughout spring training after a 2023 incident in which he fractured his thumb during the WBC and subsequently missed a significant portion of the regular season. Though Altuve had recovered fully and logged a full 2025 campaign, the team remained cautious, not wanting to risk another setback so close to Opening Day. That cautious approach is indicative of how valuable Altuve remains to Houston, especially as he enters his 16th MLB season. Omar López, who is both Venezuela’s manager and the Astros’ bench coach, had said he would start Altuve at second base and bat him third if available. Altuve, for his part, said during the Astros’ FanFest that he wanted to play and had completed the necessary steps to do so. Ultimately, however, the Astros’ preference won out. The organization has emphasized long-term health and consistency, especially following a season in which Altuve played a career-high 155 games for the first time since 2016.

2. Venezuela Moves Forward Without Its Veteran Leader

With Altuve sidelined, Venezuela will turn to a strong supporting cast that includes major league talent such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Salvador Pérez, Gleyber Torres, and others. The roster still has the potential to produce at a high level, even if it’s missing one of its most accomplished players. Salvador Pérez brings leadership and power behind the plate, while Acuña Jr. remains one of the most dynamic outfielders in the game. Torres and other infield options offer solid replacements defensively and at the plate, giving manager López options in building his starting lineup. López, who knows many of these players from both MLB and previous international play, is expected to rely on a balance of veterans and rising stars to guide Venezuela through the tournament. The team will need cohesion and strong pitching to advance from one of the most competitive pools in the event. Though Altuve’s absence will be felt, the depth of talent on Venezuela’s roster ensures the team still has the tools to compete with top-tier nations, including their March 11 rival, the Dominican Republic.

3. The WBC and the Club vs. Country Dynamic

Altuve’s situation highlights a long-running tension between club teams and national representation. While players often view the WBC as a chance to proudly represent their countries on a global stage, MLB organizations are frequently more focused on protecting investments and avoiding unnecessary injury risks ahead of the regular season. The World Baseball Classic continues to grow in prestige and fan interest, but decisions like this show the challenges in balancing international competition with club priorities. Players like Altuve, who deeply value both commitments, are often caught in the middle. For Venezuela, the focus now shifts to adjusting its tournament strategy and making the most of the talent available. Group D offers no easy matchups, and every lineup decision will carry weight in what could be a tightly contested battle for advancement. Still, the experience of past tournaments and a motivated group of veterans provide Venezuela with a path forward. Altuve may be watching from afar, but his influence on the team—and the tournament—remains strong.