Puerto Rico Loses Stars for World Baseball Classic

Lindor, Correa, and Báez out due to insurance coverage issues

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Major League Baseball stars Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Javy Báez will not be representing Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic due to concerns over their insurance coverage, according to reports.

Why it matters

The absence of these high-profile players is a significant blow to Puerto Rico's chances of competing for the championship in the prestigious international baseball tournament. Their star power and talent are crucial to the team's success.

The details

The three players, who all have lucrative MLB contracts, were unable to reach an agreement with organizers over the insurance coverage for potential injuries sustained during the tournament. This is a common issue that has impacted the participation of top players in past World Baseball Classics.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place in March.

The players

Francisco Lindor

An All-Star shortstop for the New York Mets.

Carlos Correa

An All-Star shortstop who currently plays for the Minnesota Twins.

Javy Báez

An All-Star infielder who plays for the Detroit Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“It's a huge loss for Puerto Rico to not have those guys. They are some of the best players in the game.”

— Carlos Beltrán, Former Puerto Rico national team player (nhregister.com)

What’s next

The Puerto Rico national team will need to find replacements for these star players as they prepare for the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

The absence of Lindor, Correa, and Báez highlights the ongoing challenges of insuring top MLB players for international tournaments, which can impact the competitiveness of national teams.