As spring training gets underway, baseball fans are eagerly anticipating the World Baseball Classic, which kicks off on March 4 with Chinese Taipei taking on Australia. With rosters finalized, it's clear that many MLB stars will be representing their countries. However, the Houston Astros will have a limited presence in the tournament, not due to lack of interest, but because of insurance hurdles.
For players on a 40-man roster to participate, they need insurance that covers their team in case they miss part of the regular season due to injury. Players with higher injury risks struggle to get this coverage. Carlos Correa, despite his consistent performance, has been deemed too risky, echoing the concerns that arose during his free agency.
Jose Altuve, another key player, faced a similar situation. After sustaining a thumb fracture in the 2023 WBC from a wild pitch, he was limited to 90 games that season. Although he excelled when he played, this incident raises red flags for insurers.
The timing of the WBC, coinciding with spring training, adds another layer of complexity. Players must ramp up their activity sooner, which poses its own risks.
The Astros, aware of these challenges, are being cautious, especially with Tatsuya Imai. Imai, part of Team Japan's designated pitcher pool, will only join if needed after pool play.
He'll be prepared as usual in the Astros' camp, but his role would shift to a reliever if he participates.
Salaries also play a role in the insurance dilemma. With Altuve and Correa earning over $30 million each and Imai at $18 million, insurers are hesitant to provide coverage.
While the Astros' situation might seem particularly challenging, they're not alone. Stars like Jose Alvarado, Francisco Lindor, and Mike Trout are also sitting out due to similar concerns.
Houston's cautious stance, though frustrating for fans, is understandable. They're focused on a postseason return, and even with a fully healthy roster, the team doesn't feel as robust as in previous years.