Insurance hurdles threaten to sideline WBC stars
Insurance constraints for the World Baseball Classic are sidelining several star players, with eight to ten Puerto Rican teammates potentially blocked from coverage and Team Puerto Rico weighing withdrawal; Francisco Lindor is among those denied due to elbow surgeries, as insurers tighten criteria after injuries in 2023. Rosters loom, and MLB/MLBPA are lobbying to loosen rules, while an age cap of 37 excludes some veterans and teams may have to absorb risk if players lack coverage.