The 2026 World Baseball Classic is on the horizon, but a looming crisis threatens to overshadow the excitement. Team Puerto Rico is now seriously considering withdrawing from the tournament due to a controversial insurance issue that has left key players in limbo. But here’s where it gets even more complicated: this isn’t just about one team—it’s about a system that some argue unfairly targets Latin American players. Is this a case of systemic bias, or simply a matter of policy? Let’s dive in.
Three years ago, the baseball world witnessed an unforgettable moment when Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout, sealing Japan’s victory over the USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Fast forward to today, and the buzz for the 2026 tournament is palpable. Yet, a major hurdle has emerged: insurance denials for a significant number of players. According to reports by Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Team Puerto Rico is on the brink of pulling out entirely because eight to ten of their expected roster players have been denied coverage. Among them is team captain and Mets superstar Francisco Lindor, whose insurance was rejected due to a minor elbow procedure he underwent in October—despite being cleared for Spring Training and playing 160 games last season.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Why are players like Lindor being denied coverage while others with similar injury histories, like Shohei Ohtani, seem to face fewer obstacles? Ohtani, who has undergone multiple surgeries throughout his career, has been cleared to play for Japan—though notably, not as a pitcher. This double standard has raised eyebrows, particularly among Latin American players and their supporters. Miguel Rojas, denied coverage due to his upcoming 37th birthday, bluntly questioned the fairness of the process: ‘Why is it just with our countries [in Latin America]? I don’t see that happening with the United States or Japan.’
The insurance criteria are stringent, to say the least. Players with ‘chronic’ injuries—defined as those who’ve been on the 60-day injured list, missed key games due to injury, or undergone recent surgeries—are often disqualified. Age is another factor, with players turning 37 or older being automatically denied coverage. Even Double-A players without MLB salary guarantees are being flagged, adding another layer of complexity. And this is the part most people miss: Denial of insurance doesn’t automatically bar a player from participating, but it shifts the risk to their MLB club. While rare, some teams have allowed uninsured players to compete, like Miguel Cabrera in 2023. However, this is a gamble few teams are willing to take.
For Puerto Rico, the stakes are especially high. With a population of just 3.2 million, the island lacks deep benches of substitutes. Key players like Victor Caratini, Carlos Correa, and Jose Berrios are expected to miss the tournament, leaving the team in a precarious position. San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, is set to host one of the four pools in Round 1, alongside Houston, Miami, and Tokyo. The potential withdrawal of the home team would undoubtedly dampen the event’s spirit.
Another point of contention is the timing of these decisions. With rosters due on February 3 and announced on February 5, teams are left scrambling as last-minute denials come in. Joey Sola, Team Puerto Rico’s operations manager, called the process ‘a little bit unfair,’ especially when decisions about star players like Lindor are delayed until the eleventh hour.
So, what’s next? Will Puerto Rico withdraw, or will a combination of approved players and substitutes keep them in the game? With less than 48 hours until rosters are due, time is ticking. But the bigger question remains: Is this insurance process fair, or does it disproportionately affect Latin American players? Weigh in below—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of international baseball.
