Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz will represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, marking a significant return for the star reliever. Diaz, who secured a $69 million three-year contract with the Dodgers, suffered a season-ending knee injury during the 2023 WBC while celebrating Puerto Rico's victory. This injury forced him to miss the entire 2023 season with the New York Mets.

Diaz's participation comes amidst ongoing insurance issues affecting several Puerto Rican players. Francisco Lindor, initially named as the team's captain, is still seeking private insurance coverage after being denied by the WBC's insurer. Other notable players, including Carlos Correa and Victor Caratini, are also expected to miss out due to similar insurance complications. These issues have led to speculation that Puerto Rico might withdraw from the tournament, despite being a host nation.

The WBC's strict insurance policies have been a major topic of discussion, affecting not just Puerto Rico but other teams as well. Miguel Rojas, a Dodgers infielder, was denied coverage due to a new age restriction. The tournament's insurance provider, NFP, has tightened parameters following high-profile injuries in the previous edition, where Diaz and Jose Altuve suffered significant setbacks. Despite these challenges, Diaz's return to the Puerto Rican team bolsters their chances, as he remains one of the game's premier closers with 201 saves since 2018.

As the WBC approaches, all eyes are on Puerto Rico to see how they navigate these insurance hurdles. With Diaz leading the charge, the team aims to make a strong impression, especially with home-field advantage in San Juan. The tournament, set to start on March 6, will be a crucial test for Puerto Rico as they seek to overcome these obstacles and perform at their best.