The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is in trouble as many players are dropping out due to insurance issues. Captain Francisco Lindor of Puerto Rico was one of the first to back out. He joined a group of star players, including Carlos Correa, José Berríos, and others, who cannot participate because they were denied insurance.
Insurance is crucial for players. If they get hurt during the WBC, the coverage would pay for their salaries during recovery. Without insurance, MLB teams are not required to pay players if they are sidelined. Some teams can choose to waive this rule, but that’s a complicated decision.
Recently, MLB and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) have been trying to persuade the WBC’s insurer to approve more players. Some pitchers, like Jovani Morán and Luis Quiñones, were allowed to pitch after originally being denied coverage.
Players over 37 or those with recent injuries are often denied. For instance, Lindor had elbow surgery and was denied insurance because of it. Even stars like José Altuve were not covered, raising concerns for the upcoming tournament.
The potential fallout from these insurance denials is significant. Edwin Díaz missed the entire 2023 MLB season after an injury sustained during the WBC. Swelling frustration is evident among fans and players alike on social media, echoing concerns about how injury risks are managed in international play.
As teams scramble to adjust their rosters, they face a tight deadline. The complete 30-man rosters will need to be submitted shortly, and many teams are racing against the clock to replace players who can’t compete. It’s a high-stakes game, both on and off the field.
This situation highlights the ongoing struggle athletes face regarding health insurance, not just in baseball but across many sports. It’s a complex issue that impacts players, teams, and fans alike as we approach the tournament set to kick off on March 5.
For further insights, you can check the detailed report from The Athletic.
