The Arizona Diamondbacks have decided to let first baseman Carlos Santana participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic despite the absence of insurance coverage. At 39 years old, Santana does not qualify for MLB’s player insurance, which excludes athletes 37 and older, yet the team has accepted any potential risks related to his involvement in the tournament.
Diamondbacks’ Decision to Allow Santana’s Play Without Insurance
Carlos Santana recently signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Diamondbacks and is preparing for his 17th Major League Baseball season. Despite the MLB insurance company’s refusal to cover players aged 37 and above, the Diamondbacks’ general manager Mike Hazen, after consulting with his front office deputies, approved Santana’s participation with the Dominican Republic team. This squad also features Arizona stars Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo. The organization will shoulder any financial or injury-related repercussions resulting from Santana’s play in the WBC.
Insurance Challenges Hinder Several Stars’ Participation
Insurance coverage has emerged as a significant obstacle for many high-profile players ahead of this year’s international competition. Notably, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, recovering from debridement surgery on his throwing elbow after the 2025 season, was denied insurance and will sit out the tournament representing Puerto Rico. Mets president David Stearns clarified the club’s role, stating,
“We had nothing to do with that, I actually don’t know why he wasn’t given the clearance, he wasn’t approved for insurance. Clubs have no part in that. That’s all done through the MLBPA and Major League Baseball.”
Other prominent players missing insurance coverage include Astros stars Jose Altuve of Venezuela and Carlos Correa from Puerto Rico, further reflecting the growing reluctance of the insurance provider to cover risks for older or recently injured athletes during the WBC.
The Broader Impact on the World Baseball Classic and Teams
The Diamondbacks’ choice to permit Carlos Santana’s participation without insurance brings attention to the growing tensions between player availability and risk management in international tournaments. The absence of insurance for key players like Santana, Lindor, Altuve, and Correa could affect team rosters, competitive balance, and fan interest in the event scheduled for March. Santana’s decision to play despite the risks suggests a commitment to national pride and team dynamics, but it also raises concerns about injury liabilities and long-term implications for the players’ MLB careers.
As the WBC approaches, teams and league officials will continue navigating the delicate balance between safeguarding their investments and allowing their players to compete on the international stage. How these insurance policies evolve and how other teams respond to similar situations will be critical factors shaping the future of player participation in global baseball tournaments.
