Jose Altuve won’t be suiting up for Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic – and this time, it’s not his call.

Despite Altuve’s desire to once again represent his country on the international stage, the Houston Astros have asked the veteran second baseman to remain stateside and focus on preparing for the upcoming MLB season. The decision, according to reports, stems from the club’s preference to have their longtime star fully locked in for spring training.

“I signed the paper that I’m willing to go play, like I did the last two WBCs,” Altuve told reporters Saturday. “Always an honor to represent my country.

I played in the last one and the one before, and I’m trying to do it in this one. I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes, but it seems this year is not up to me.

Hopefully everything clears up and I’ll be able to go.”

Altuve’s passion for playing for Venezuela is well-documented. He’s already competed in two previous WBC tournaments and was hoping to join a roster managed by none other than Astros bench coach Omar López. But Houston’s cautious approach is understandable – especially considering what happened the last time Altuve suited up in the WBC.

In 2023, Altuve took a pitch to the hand during the tournament and fractured his right thumb. The injury required surgery and forced him to miss 43 games during the MLB season. That absence was a major blow for the Astros, and it’s clear the organization doesn’t want to take a similar risk with their 35-year-old cornerstone, especially heading into a season where every game counts.

Adding to the concern, Altuve also underwent a foot procedure in November to address a lingering issue. While he’s expected to be fully healthy for spring training, the Astros are clearly prioritizing his long-term availability over international competition. And given Altuve’s importance to the lineup – he’s played in 308 games over the last two seasons – it’s hard to fault the organization for wanting to keep him in camp.

This is the kind of tough call that underscores the tension between club and country – especially in a sport where durability and timing are everything. For Altuve, the WBC is more than just a tournament; it’s a chance to represent his roots and play alongside fellow countrymen on a global stage. But for the Astros, it’s about protecting their investment and ensuring their leader is ready for the grind of 162 games.

With spring training just around the corner, all signs point to Altuve being healthy and ready to go. And while he won’t be wearing Venezuela’s colors this time, Astros fans will be glad to see No. 27 back in orange and navy when it matters most.