Why is Francisco Lindor not playing for Team USA in WBC? Understanding New York Mets' star's decision to represent Puerto Rico

Francisco Lindor is one of the best baseball players in America. He's one of the best shortstops in the MLB and a star of one of the league's biggest teams - the New York Mets. Lindor lives in the United States and even played for Team USA for the 18 and under junior league.

He also attended Monteverde Academy, a private prep school in Florida. He has a lot of connections to America, but why is he not headling their World Baseball Classic roster?

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Francisco Lindor is leading Puerto Rico

The simple answer to why he is not suiting up with Mets teammate Jeff McNeil in the red, white and blue is because he's Puerto Rican. Lindor was born there and has a strong love of country.

He's been a driving force behind Puerto Rico's hair-dying sensation, which fits for the bold and colorful athlete. He's a proud Puerto Rican and he's desperate to lead his team to the promised land.

Francisco Lindor represents Puerto Rico

Lindor and the Puerto Rican side came up just short in 2017. They lost the championship to Team USA then and are looking to go all the way this time.

After finishing as the runner-up to Venezuela in Pool D, Lindor and company are avoiding USA for now. They'll face Mexico, who won Pool C.

If they win, they'll go on to face the winner of the USA vs. Venezuela matchup. It's win or go home, so Lindor and his team need to give it all they've got.