Insurance Becomes a Key Concern for World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is currently encountering significant challenges related to player insurance. Recent developments have prompted several notable athletes to withdraw due to inadequate insurance coverage. This situation places considerable strain on the participating teams as they prepare for the tournament.

Insurance Issues Threaten WBC Participation

The Puerto Rican team has felt the impact severely. Their captain, Francisco Lindor, has withdrawn after not receiving insurance coverage. Alongside Lindor, players such as Carlos Correa, José Berríos, Emilio Pagán, Victor Caratini, Alexis Díaz, and Yacksel Ríos have also been denied insurance, jeopardizing Puerto Rico’s lineup.

Reports indicate that the MLB and MLBPA are advocating for changes to the WBC insurer’s policies. This lobbying is aimed at reversing the decisions denying coverage to these prominent players. However, there have been small victories; pitchers Jovani Morán and Luis Quiñones were recently approved for participation after earlier denials.

Reasons for Denial of Insurance

Insurance coverage is vital for players participating in the WBC. It protects them financially in the event they sustain injuries during the tournament, which may inhibit their participation in the MLB season. If a player is insured and gets injured, the insurer is responsible for compensating the player’s salary for missed games. On the other hand, uninsured players do not receive such protection, placing their salaries and careers at risk.

• Players must pass physical examinations before and after the WBC.
• Players with recent injuries may not receive insurance approval.
• Typically, players aged 37 or older are also denied coverage.

Lindor’s history of elbow surgery and persistent injuries likely influenced the insurer’s decision. Notably, players like Jose Altuve and Elly De La Cruz have also faced denial due to similar insurance criteria.

Options for Players Without Insurance

Players who are denied insurance have three basic choices:

• Play without coverage, risking their salary if injured.
• Purchase private insurance, which can be financially burdensome.
• Opt not to participate in the WBC altogether.

The insurance dilemma has become increasingly pressing. Past injuries from the WBC, including Edwin Díaz’s knee injury and Altuve’s thumb fracture, underscore the risks players face. The deadline for finalizing 30-man rosters is fast approaching, with full rosters set to be unveiled ahead of the tournament’s commencement on March 5. As teams scramble to make necessary adjustments, the outcome of the insurance crisis remains uncertain.