Puerto Rico’s WBC Participation in Doubt Due to Insurance Issues
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January 1, 2026 – A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Puerto Rico’s preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with the team perhaps withdrawing from the tournament due to insurance issues impacting its roster. At least eight players,most notably New York Mets star Francisco Lindor,have been denied insurance coverage,throwing the team’s participation into doubt.
Roster Concerns Mount as Insurance Policies Stall
Puerto Rico is facing a potential roster crisis ahead of the World Baseball Classic due to difficulties securing insurance coverage for key players.
Lindor’s case centers around a pair of elbow surgeries he underwent in the past three offseasons.According to reports, the WBC’s insurance provider declined to cover his salary obligations given his surgical history. Despite this, Lindor is expected to have a normal spring training with the Mets leading up to the 2026 MLB season, as his recent elbow procedure is considered minor.
- Insurance issues are preventing several Puerto Rican players from being covered for the WBC.
- Francisco lindor is among those denied coverage due to past elbow surgeries.
- Puerto Rico is considering withdrawing from the tournament if a suitable roster cannot be assembled.
- The team had been considered a strong contender, with the fourth-best odds to win.
Beyond Lindor, Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos, and Minnesota Twins catcher Victor Caratini are also facing insurance hurdles. Joey Sola, Puerto Rico’s team operations manager, stated that withdrawing from the tournament is “on the table” if adequate replacements cannot be found.Puerto Rico had been viewed as a favorite, recently holding the fourth-best odds (+1100 at DraftKings) to win the championship, trailing only the United States, Japan, and the Dominican Republic.
Frustration Over Insurance Decisions
“In some ways, I think it’s a little bit unfair,” Sola said. “Especially when you are three days from submitting your final roster. Who in the world would think Lindor wasn’t on the (eligible) list? You wait until the last weekend to get an answer on Lindor? C’mon.”
Sola also expressed frustration with the perceived inconsistencies in the insurance process. “It took us by surprise. I know the WBC isn’t in those decisions. It’s the insurance companies. But you have guys on other teams, they have an injury history and then I got guys on my roster who will be playing at the Double-A level with no (major-league) guarantee, no MLB invitation (to spring training), and they get flagged. And guys on other teams who can play in the WBC are earning $30 million per year. It’s kind of tough to understand it.”
Puerto Rico is scheduled to host pool play at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan from March 6 to March 11, adding further pressure to finalize the roster by Tuesday’s deadline. Former All-Star catcher Yadier Molina is set to manage the team in the WBC.
Increased Scrutiny Following Past Injuries
Insurance policies for the WBC, provided by a league-approved insurer, cover a player’s salary in the event of injury during the tournament. The underwriting process has become more stringent following injuries to Jose Altuve and Edwin Díaz during the 2023 WBC. Additionally, players age 37 or older are no longer eligible for coverage, according to reports.
Puerto Rico boasts a rich baseball tradition, having finished as the runner-up in the WBC in both 2017 and 2013. The United States is currently favored to win the 2026 tournament, with a roster featuring stars like Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr.,Tarik Skubal,and Paul Skenes.
