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4d ago

Astros’ Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa to Miss 2026 WBC After Insurance Denials

Correa confirmed the decision after a call with owner Jim Crane, citing the risk of playing without coverage.

Sep 24, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws the ball to first to record an out against the Athletics in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Sep 24, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a fly ball against the Athletics in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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Carlos Correa (left) and Jose Altuve are both interested in playing in the World Baseball Classic, but are uncertain on if it'll happen.

Overview

  • Both players were unable to secure third-party insurance for WBC participation, leaving any injury-related MLB salary at risk, according to The Athletic and other outlets.
  • Carlos Correa told The Athletic he would not jeopardize his roughly $31 million 2026 salary and said Jim Crane asked him to focus on the team and spring training.
  • Jose Altuve’s absence was first reported as an Astros request, with subsequent reporting tying it to insurance concerns following his 2023 WBC thumb fracture.
  • Altuve underwent a minor right foot procedure in November but said at FanFest he is 100% healthy and expressed a desire to represent Venezuela.
  • The World Baseball Classic runs March 5–17 with games in Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan as Venezuela and Puerto Rico finalize plans without the Astros stars.