The 2026 World Baseball Classic faces a major challenge as insurance complications prevent several star players from participating. NFP, the sole insurance provider for the tournament, has tightened its parameters, particularly regarding player age and injury history. This has resulted in notable absences including Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and key players from Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

Insurance denials stem from MLB's guaranteed contract structure, where teams seek protection against injuries sustained during the WBC. NFP introduced an age cutoff of 37 years old, affecting veterans like Miguel Rojas. Players with chronic injury histories face additional scrutiny, requiring HIPAA releases for deeper medical examination. The process becomes more stringent for players with larger contracts and extensive injury records.

Puerto Rico faced the most significant impact, with stars Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa denied coverage. Despite attempts by Bad Bunny to provide alternative insurance, the efforts failed. Other notable absences include Jose Altuve, Elly De La Cruz, and Mike Trout. MLB officials appear satisfied with NFP's services but acknowledge the growing challenge as player contracts continue to increase in value while injury risks remain constant.