Puerto Rico Considers Withdrawing From the 2026 World Baseball Classic Over Insurance Dispute
The baseball world is watching a developing controversy as Team Puerto Rico seriously weighs the possibility of withdrawing from the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) due to unresolved insurance issues affecting multiple key players. The news, first reported by Sportsnet.ca, comes just weeks before the global tournament is set to begin in March.
Insurance Roadblock Threatens Participation
According to Sportsnet, Puerto Rico’s national team has already lost several of its projected roster stars because they were unable to secure the required insurance coverage for the WBC. This coverage is mandated so that a player’s regular-season salary is protected if they suffer an injury during the tournament, a condition Major League Baseball requires for players on 40-man rosters.
Multiple reports indicate that at least eight to ten Puerto Rican players have been denied insurance by the league-approved provider, placing their clubs and the players themselves in a difficult position. Without coverage, clubs face the risk of paying millions in guaranteed salary if a player gets injured before the MLB season starts.
Star Players Impacted
Among those affected is Mets shortstop and Puerto Rico captain Francisco Lindor, who underwent a minor elbow procedure in the offseason. Despite being cleared physically and expected to participate fully in spring training, Lindor was denied insurance coverage for the WBC, effectively ruling him out of the tournament.
Other notable players whose insurance issues have disrupted Puerto Rico’s roster include Carlos Correa, José Berríos, Víctor Caratini, Emilio Pagán, and Alexis Díaz, all of whom may be unable to play unless coverage is resolved.
Why It Matters for Puerto Rico and the WBC
This insurance dispute has broader implications beyond missing a few stars. Puerto Rico was set to host Pool A games in San Juan from March 6–11, making them one of the tournament’s key early hosts. Pulling out now would impact not only their competitive chances but also the structure of the opening rounds of the event.
Team operations manager Joey Sola acknowledged that withdrawing from the Classic is “on the table” if Puerto Rico cannot assemble a competitive roster under fair conditions.
A Reflection of Broader WBC Insurance Challenges
Puerto Rico’s situation isn’t isolated. The 2026 Classic has seen insurance challenges affect multiple teams and players, with high-profile names like Jose Altuve also being denied insurance due to past injuries, which has impacted Venezuela’s lineup.
These restrictions have prompted questions about how the WBC’s insurance structure might need to evolve to protect players, clubs, and the integrity of the competition. Many critics argue that the current rules put national teams in a tough spot: either take on significant financial risk or risk losing their best talent.
What’s Next
With final team rosters due soon and the WBC scheduled to begin on March 5, Puerto Rico’s federation is under pressure to find a resolution. Negotiations involving the World Baseball Classic organizers, MLB, and insurance providers are reportedly ongoing as all sides attempt to avoid a rare and disruptive withdrawal.
For now, baseball fans will be closely watching how this insurance battle unfolds and whether it could reshape not only Puerto Rico’s participation but the future framework of international baseball tournaments.
Source: Sportsnet
Image Credit Wikimedia Commons
