As the World Baseball Classic nears, insurance has become a critical barrier, removing several top MLB players from the competition before it even starts. This problem is most pronounced for Puerto Rico’s roster but is affecting teams across the board, with contract-related insurance denials, rather than player willingness, causing withdrawals. The issue has overshadowed excitement for the March 4 tournament at the Tokyo Dome.
Insurance Policies and Rising Costs Following Recent Injuries
The official insurer, National Financial Partners, approved by MLB and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), covers guaranteed salaries for players injured during the Classic—position players for two years and pitchers for four. However, insurance expenses have surged sharply after serious 2023 injuries like Edwin Díaz’s patellar tendon tear and José Altuve’s fractured thumb, both of which were insured. This spike has increased scrutiny over which players receive coverage.
Risk Classification Prevents Many Players from Participation
Players now face categorization based on injury risk; those labeled as having a chronic condition—including multiple surgeries, recent offseason procedures, or repeated 60-day injured list stints—are frequently denied insurance. While players can still compete if their MLB teams agree to assume financial risk, most clubs have refused. This dynamic has left many athletes sidelined despite their eagerness to represent their nations.
Puerto Rico and Venezuela Face Significant Roster Challenges
Puerto Rico is bearing the brunt of this insurance hurdle. Francisco Lindor was ruled ineligible due to insurance denial tied to recent right elbow cleanup surgery, as the Mets declined to cover his insurance risk despite his extensive $194.9 million contract. Other players, including Carlos Correa, José Berríos, and Victor Caratini, are also expected to miss out, with possibly 8 to 10 players affected overall. Team operations manager Joey Sola warned that withdrawal from the Classic could occur if suitable replacements cannot be found.
Venezuela has also lost key players, with José Altuve declared ineligible alongside Lindor. Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas was excluded under a new rule denying coverage to players aged 37 and over, leading to his expressed frustration at being unable to participate for his country.
Japan and USA Navigate Insurance Obstacles Differently
Shohei Ohtani will participate as a hitter for Team Japan but will not pitch, likely due to restrictions linked to the major elbow surgery he underwent in 2023. Conversely, Team USA has avoided significant insurance problems, and former pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who was denied insurance last year, will now take part in the tournament.
Insurance Concerns Cast a Shadow Over What Promises to Be a Thrilling Event
The MLBPA has expressed regret over the loss of players, emphasizing their strong desire to represent their countries despite the challenges. As final rosters are due by February 5, insurance issues continue to reshape the tournament landscape, underscoring how contract risk concerns are altering the WBC’s star power ahead of its highly anticipated launch.
“Players are now categorized by risk. Those labeled chronic condition, including players with multiple surgeries, recent offseason procedures, or repeated 60-day IL stints, are often denied coverage.” ?The Athletic
“Withdrawal from the tournament is on the table if replacements cannot be found.” ?Joey Sola, Puerto Rico Team Operations Manager
