The Toronto Blue Jays pitcher has been one of several players unable to get approval for the international tournament

Puerto Rico has long been a baseball power on the international scene and finished as runner-up in the WBC in both 2017 and 2013. As for the 2026 tournament, the United States is widely regarded as the favorites going in with a roster that includes the likes of Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and others.

Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, among other notable MLB players, were denied insurance coverage and thus are unlikely to compete in the upcoming tournament.

Per Puerto Rican outlets, there is still a chance Lindor gets approved to play if a private insurer agrees to cover him.

Amid insurance concerns and denials of coverage for key players, Puerto Rico may not be represented in the WBC. Visit MLB Trade Rumors for more.

Some of baseball’s biggest stars won’t be playing in the global tournament next month after not receiving insurance to play. Here’s what’s going on.

After playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic the last two editions, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado decided to switch jerseys and represent Team Puerto Rico in this year’s Classic — a decision that hasn’t sat well with some Team USA fans.

One Mets star won’t be participating in the World Baseball Classic after all. Francisco Lindor will not represent Team Puerto Rico this spring because of an elbow procedure he underwent in October and “insurance constraints” of the international tournament,