As the 2026 World Baseball Classic edges closer, one of the tournament’s traditionally strongest teams — Puerto Rico — is facing an unexpected crisis that could lead to them pulling out entirely. And the trigger isn’t injuries, poor form, or even supporting Bad Bunny in the face of White House abuse, but because of insurance paperwork.
Yep. Baseball in 2026, where underwriters are more influential than starting pitchers.
At the centre of the storm is Francisco Lindor. The Mets superstar was expected to captain the Group A favourites with their sights set on the WBC final in Miami on 17 March.
And then, the bombshell. On the final weekend before final rosters were due, Puerto Rico was informed that Lindor was ineligible.
It all stems from insurance cover. Under WBC rules, every player on a 40-man MLB roster must be fully insured against injury; otherwise, the financial risk is simply too high.
As reported in The Athletic, Puerto Rico’s Operations Manager, Joey Sola, isn’t impressed,
“Especially when you are three days from submitting your final roster. Who in the world would think Lindor wasn’t on the (eligible) list? You wait until the last weekend to get an answer on Lindor? C’mon.
It took us by surprise. I know the WBC isn’t in those decisions. It’s the insurance companies. But you have guys on other teams, they have an injury history and then I got guys on my roster who will be playing at the Double-A level with no (major-league) guarantee, no MLB invitation (to spring training), and they get flagged. And guys on other teams who can play in the WBC are earning $30 million per year. It’s kind of tough to understand it.”
And it’s not just Lindor. Carlos Correa, José Berríos, and Victor Caratini are among at least eight Puerto Rican players denied coverage as insurers tighten their criteria after high-profile WBC injuries – remember Edwin Díaz’s knee tear in 2023? Exactly.
Puerto Rico has threatened the nuclear option of withdrawing from the tournament if replacements can’t be found. Not ideal preparation for a nation that was expected to contend – they are fourth favourites behind the USA, Japan, and the Dominican Republic.
With Cuban and Venezuelan rosters already decimated by US political decisions, having a third Latin team shredded knocks some of the enthusiasm for the tournament.
However, before we start rewriting the tournament bracket, there’s still a flicker of hope.
Puerto Rico’s federation is scrambling to secure private insurance for Lindor. His reinclusion would instantly transform the outlook – both competitively and emotionally – of a team built on national pride.
The issue has raised eyebrows across the game, with some observers believing players from Latin American nations are being judged more harshly. Lindor played more games last season than Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge. In fact, he played more games than every player on the US roster apart from Kyle Schwarber.
Simultaneously, a new age-based rule – WBC prevents players from having their contracts insured once they turn 37 years old – has already blocked Miguel Rojas from representing Venezuela. Rojas’ teammate, Jose Altuve, has already been ruled out due to the insurance issue.
Final rosters must be submitted on 3 February 2026, and the results announced worldwide on 5 February. Until then, it is rumour and speculation.
Who knew that Puerto Rico’s biggest opponent wasn’t going to be the USA, Japan, or the Dominican Republic, but the insurance small print?
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Featured image of Francisco Lindor by Eric Espada
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