The intentions of Team Puerto Rico were very clear coming into the WBC with their additions of players like Nolan Arenado. The intention was to go out and win the WBC, but it looks like that dream has some political tensions in between.

Insider Hector Gomez reported that the team is considering pulling out of the upcoming WBC after a denial to give medical insurance to their players.

“BREAKING: Puerto Rico is considering pulling out its national team from the World Baseball Classic,” wrote Gomez. “Due to the denial of medical insurance coverage for several of its players, including Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa.”

MLB rules require 40‑man roster players to have insurance for the Classic to protect teams financially.

Reportedly, several stars, including Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, cannot secure the coverage required for WBC participation. Insurers deemed them uninsurable under WBC rules, leaving their MLB salaries at risk if injured.

A full withdrawal remains possible as the federation evaluates its options amid the insurance crisis.

Francisco Lindor confirmed he won’t play after a right elbow cleanup procedure flagged insurance problems ahead of the tournament. Lindor, named captain, had been expected to lead Puerto Rico after batting .450 in the 2023 WBC.

Carlos Correa also withdrew, acknowledging the large risk to his $31.5 million MLB salary without insurance coverage. Correa had prepared in the offseason for live pitching for the Classic before coverage was denied.

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Now, both stars’ absence deeply weakens Puerto Rico’s competitive outlook in March.

Insurance is crucial because without it, teams risk paying full MLB salaries if players are injured playing for national teams.

Correa’s injury history and missed games over recent seasons made insurers unwilling to underwrite his risk.

Jose Altuve faced a similar exclusion, having missed 43 MLB games after a thumb fracture in the 2023 WBC.

Correa told reporters that playing uninsured was “too big a risk to take.”

The lack of coverage highlights growing tension between international play and MLB contract protections. If Puerto Rico pulls out, the impact will go beyond losing Lindor and Correa from the Pool A competition in San Juan.

Puerto Rico pulling out might not only affect the WBC. It might worsen their relationship with the USA. Things have been tense ever since the US Army has been increasing its presence in the Caribbean nations.

Puerto Rico has reached the WBC final twice, in 2013 and 2017, and has advanced past the first round in every Classic. The team was expected to host first‑round games from March 6 against Columbia, Cuba, Canada, and Panama.

With Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, a withdrawal would reshape tournament dynamics and disappoint fans. Amid rising military and political tensions around the island, this moment underscores how off‑field issues now shape Puerto Rico’s international sports stage.

The WBC will also miss the Dodgers’ World Series hero

Miguel Rojas will not play for Team Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic because he could not secure the required insurance.

Rojas, who turns 37 in February, spent time on the injured list in 2023 and 2024, making insurers wary. He hit .262 with 7 homers and 27 RBIs over 114 games last season with the Dodgers.

Rojas announced on Instagram that the denial left him “very sad,” unable to represent his country.

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A strict WBC rule protects MLB teams by providing insurance if a player gets injured and misses regular-season games. Players on 40‑man rosters must receive coverage or risk forfeiting their MLB pay if hurt in the tournament.

Rojas previously missed the 2023 WBC when roster needs kept him in the Dodgers camp. This marks his second lost chance to wear Venezuela’s colors on the global stage. Fans know Rojas from his clutch Game 7 World Series home run that helped the Dodgers win.

If this keeps up, future WBCs risk becoming showcases of paperwork over passion.