The upcoming World Baseball Classic is already facing significant roster adjustments as several high-profile players will not participate. Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa were left off Puerto Rico’s roster due to insurance coverage concerns, even as Javy Báez is ineligible following a positive marijuana test in 2023. Venezuela’s Jose Altuve will also not play due to insurance issues.
Roster Impacts and Insurance Concerns
Puerto Rico’s team has been particularly affected by these developments. Lindor, a 32-year-old shortstop with the Modern York Mets, underwent a right elbow debridement after last season. Correa, a 31-year-old shortstop and third baseman with the Houston Astros, previously had surgery in 2014 to repair a broken right tibia. Báez, a 33-year-old infielder and outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, is unable to compete due to a suspension related to the 2023 positive test, which runs through April 25.
The insurance policies for the tournament, provided by National Financial Partners and agreed upon by Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association, cover a player’s guaranteed salary if injured during the WBC. Coverage extends for two years for position players and four years for pitchers. The policies review players with recent surgeries and have age-based cutoffs – a position player with a contract extending into their age-37 season, or a pitcher into their age-37 season.
Team USA and Other Rosters
The United States roster features Cy Young Award winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, and is captained by AL MVP Aaron Judge. Bryce Harper and Bobby Witt Jr. Are also on the U.S. Team, while Mike Trout, the 2023 captain, was not selected. Japan, the defending champion, will be led by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, though Ohtani will not pitch in the tournament.
Seventy-eight All-Stars are on the rosters of the 20 participating teams, with the U.S. Boasting the most at 22, followed by the Dominican Republic with 16. Cuba’s Alexei Ramírez is the oldest player at 44, while Brazil’s Joseph Contreras, at 17, is the youngest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some players unable to participate in the World Baseball Classic?
Some players, including Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Jose Altuve, were left off their respective rosters due to issues with insurance coverage. Javy Báez is ineligible due to a positive marijuana test in 2023.
What is the role of insurance in the World Baseball Classic?
Insurance policies, provided by National Financial Partners, cover a player’s guaranteed salary if they are injured during the tournament, protecting their major league team financially.
Which teams are considered strong contenders in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The United States and Japan are considered strong contenders, with the U.S. Featuring Cy Young Award winners and an MVP captain, and Japan led by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
As the tournament approaches, it remains to be seen how these roster changes will impact the competition and whether insurance concerns will continue to affect player participation.
