Puerto Rico Faces Major Roster Setback Ahead of 2026 WBC Due to Insurance Snags
With the 2026 World Baseball Classic fast approaching, the spotlight has largely been on powerhouse rosters like Team USA and the Dominican Republic. But Puerto Rico, a perennial contender with a passionate fan base and a deep well of talent, was shaping up to be right in that mix-until a wave of insurance denials threw their plans into chaos.
Several of Puerto Rico’s biggest stars, including Carlos Correa, José Berríos, Emilio Pagán, and Victor Caratini-each with ties to the Minnesota Twins-have reportedly been denied insurance coverage to participate in the WBC. And perhaps most shocking of all, Francisco Lindor, a future Hall of Fame shortstop and one of the faces of Puerto Rican baseball, was also denied coverage.
Now, let’s be clear: these aren’t fringe players. These are cornerstone talents who have defined Puerto Rico’s international success in recent years. Without them, the team’s depth and overall ceiling take a significant hit.
The issue? Insurance.
More specifically, the inability to secure coverage for MLB players participating in the WBC. Without that safety net, teams are understandably hesitant to allow their stars to compete.
If an uninsured player gets injured during the tournament, their MLB club is still on the hook for their salary-with no financial protection.
And it’s not just a logistical headache-it’s a potential deal-breaker. Joey Sala, Team Puerto Rico’s operations manager, has even floated the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament altogether. That would be a stunning development, especially considering Puerto Rico is set to host Pool A action in San Juan at Hiram Bithorn Stadium from March 6-11, with Cuba, Canada, Panama, and Colombia all coming to town.
This isn’t just about pride-it’s about practicality. Puerto Rico doesn’t have the same player pool depth as some of the larger countries in the field.
Replacing players like Correa and Lindor isn’t as simple as calling up the next man on the list. These are elite, All-Star caliber players who bring leadership, experience, and game-changing ability.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope. According to Gabriel Quiles of El Vocero, Dr.
Jose Quiles-president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation-is optimistic that some of the insurance denials could be reversed before the final roster deadline on Tuesday. That would be a massive win for the team and the tournament as a whole.
In the meantime, the Federation is exploring private insurance options to try to get their stars cleared. Behind the scenes, the MLB Players Association and MLB itself-co-owners of the WBC-are reportedly working to convince insurers to change course. If that fails, it may be time for MLB to step in directly.
And frankly, they should.
MLB has both the resources and the incentive to make this right. The WBC is a global stage that showcases the league’s brightest stars.
It builds fan engagement, drives international interest, and acts as a perfect springboard into the regular season. But it only works if the best players are on the field.
Yes, there’s risk involved. If a player gets hurt and MLB has to foot the bill, it’s a financial hit.
But the upside-both in terms of revenue and long-term brand building-far outweighs that risk. A fully loaded WBC, with every team at full strength, is a win for everyone involved: the players, the fans, the league, and the sport itself.
Puerto Rico has long been one of the heartbeats of international baseball. From the electric energy of their fans to the undeniable talent on their rosters, they’ve brought passion and excellence to every WBC. To see them sidelined-or forced to play shorthanded-because of insurance red tape would be a disservice to the tournament and the game as a whole.
There’s still time to right the ship. But the clock is ticking.