Overview
- Team Puerto Rico says pulling out is on the table after eight to ten expected players were denied coverage, with rosters due Feb. 3 and San Juan slated to host pool play in March.
- The MLBPA confirmed Francisco Lindor and José Altuve are ineligible under WBC insurance, with other notable denials reported for Carlos Correa, José Berríos, Emilio Pagán, Victor Caratini and Jovani Morán.
- The league-approved broker NFP has tightened standards that flag recent surgeries, long 60-day IL stints, multiple procedures and a practical age cutoff around 37, which sidelined Miguel Rojas.
- Denial of insurance does not automatically bar participation, but any player would need his MLB club to accept full financial risk for WBC-related injuries, an uncommon step.
- Shohei Ohtani has clearance only to hit for Japan, not pitch, while Juan Soto confirmed he will play for the Dominican Republic on a roster already loaded with MLB stars.