Overview
- MLBPA said Francisco Lindor is ineligible for Puerto Rico after an October elbow cleanup, though he will take part fully in spring training.
- MLBPA also confirmed Jose Altuve cannot play for Venezuela under WBC insurance criteria, and Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas previously announced he was denied coverage for Venezuela.
- Puerto Rico is considering withdrawing from the tournament, according to reporter Hector Gomez, with no final decision announced.
- Puerto Rican federation president Jose Quiles told El Nuevo Día that several others lacked approval, with reports naming Carlos Correa, Jose Berrios, Victor Caratini, Yacksel Rios, Jovani Moran, Emilio Pagan and Alexis Diaz.
- MLB policy requires 40-man roster players to obtain insurance that protects club payroll for WBC injuries, with approvals commonly affected by recent procedures, injury history, age and large contracts; caution has grown since high-profile 2023 injuries to Edwin Díaz and Altuve.