Insurance Denials Put WBC Rosters at Risk
The World Baseball Classic faces a participation crisis as multiple stars, notably Puerto Rico captain Francisco Lindor, are denied insurance to play and risk withdrawing. MLB and the MLBPA are pressuring the insurer to reverse decisions, while players without coverage can still play at their own expense, risk salary loss, or skip the tournament. Denials frequently cite age or recent injuries, and the situation echoes past injuries that have raised the stakes. With rosters due soon and the March 5 start approaching, teams may need last-minute replacements.