Bad Bunny wanted to pay Carlos Correa's WBC insurance. Officials said 'it was a bad idea'

Correa could not receive insurance to play for Puerto Rico in next month's World Baseball Classic

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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After Houston Astros third baseman Carlos Correa could not receive insurance to play for his native Puerto Rico in next month's World Baseball Classic, the country's biggest celebrity, music superstar Bad Bunny, offered to pay for his insurance. However, Major League Baseball, the Astros, and Correa's agent, Scott Boras, did not approve of the insurance provider Bad Bunny proposed, telling Correa it was a "bad idea" to sign with them.

Why it matters

Correa's inability to secure insurance to play in the World Baseball Classic is a setback for the tournament, as he and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor were two of the most prominent players expected to represent Puerto Rico. The situation highlights the challenges of obtaining insurance coverage for players participating in international tournaments, which has become an increasing concern after injuries to players like Edwin Díaz and Jose Altuve in previous WBC events.

The details

Correa confirmed that Bad Bunny offered to pay for his insurance, but the provider was not approved by MLB, the Astros, or Boras. Correa called them to discuss the feasibility of the arrangement, but they all told him it was a bad idea. Astros owner Jim Crane had previously asked Correa to focus on spring training and the upcoming season. Both Lindor and Correa were denied coverage through National Financial Partners, which brokers WBC insurance, due to their extensive injury histories.

  • On Thursday, commissioner Rob Manfred described the situation as 'a little misunderstanding by one federation in particular about how the process worked.'
  • Correa reported to Astros camp on Thursday and participated in his first workout on Friday.

The players

Carlos Correa

A third baseman for the Houston Astros who was unable to receive insurance to play for his native Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Bad Bunny

A music superstar from Puerto Rico who offered to pay for Correa's insurance to play in the World Baseball Classic, but the provider was not approved by MLB, the Astros, or Correa's agent.

Scott Boras

Correa's agent, who did not approve of the insurance provider proposed by Bad Bunny.

Jim Crane

The owner of the Houston Astros, who previously asked Correa to focus on spring training and the upcoming season.

Francisco Lindor

A New York Mets shortstop who, like Correa, was denied coverage through National Financial Partners to play in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“It hurts because I was envisioning my kids in the stands watching me play in my hometown and the crowd roaring and me hitting homers and the kids celebrating and me talking to them about that.”

— Carlos Correa (The Athletic)

“They all told me the insurance company that was proposed to me had cases where they were not paying players back. Since it was not approved by MLB, not approved by the organization and not approved by my agent, I could not sign my life away with something that three people that I trust are telling me not to do.”

— Carlos Correa (The Athletic)

“It means a lot that he's that involved. He tried to do everything possible. I wanted to play and make sure that I was going to go out there and play for Team Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico (which is hosting pool play). The fact that he did that means a lot in how much he cares for the country, how much he cares for the fans back home. I'm deeply grateful that he tried that hard.”

— Carlos Correa (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.