What's Happening?
Carlos Santana, a first baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been granted permission by his team to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) despite not being covered by insurance. The insurance policy for Major League Baseball (MLB) excludes players aged 37 and older, and Santana, at 39, falls outside this coverage. The Diamondbacks' general manager, Mike Hazen, after consulting with his team, decided to allow Santana to play for the Dominican Republic, which includes other Arizona players like Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo. This decision comes amid broader discussions about insurance coverage for players in the WBC, with other notable players like Francisco Lindor and Astros stars Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa also not receiving
insurance coverage.
Why It's Important?
The decision by the Diamondbacks to allow Carlos Santana to play in the WBC without insurance highlights the complexities and challenges of insurance policies in international sports tournaments. This situation underscores the potential risks teams are willing to take to support their players' participation in prestigious events like the WBC. It also raises questions about the criteria used by insurance companies to determine coverage eligibility, which could impact team dynamics and player participation in future tournaments. The lack of insurance for older players could lead to broader discussions within MLB and the MLB Players Association about how to address these coverage gaps, potentially influencing future policy changes.
What's Next?
As the WBC approaches, teams and players will need to navigate the implications of insurance coverage decisions. The MLB and the MLB Players Association may face pressure to revisit and potentially revise insurance policies to ensure broader coverage for players, regardless of age. Additionally, teams like the Diamondbacks will need to manage the risks associated with allowing uninsured players to participate in international competitions. The outcomes of these discussions could set precedents for how insurance is handled in future international tournaments, potentially affecting player participation and team strategies.
