Carlos Correa Misses WBC 2026 Opportunity

In ongoing discussions about player participation in international competitions, Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa revealed that he will not be representing Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) due to insurance complications. Despite a generous offer from Latin music superstar Bad Bunny to cover insurance costs, Correa deemed it unsafe.

Bad Bunny’s Support for Team Puerto Rico

Correa expressed his appreciation for Bad Bunny’s involvement, highlighting the singer’s dedication to the island. "It means a lot that he's that involved," Correa stated in an interview, as reported by Chandler Rome of The Athletic. He noted, "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."

Insurance Concerns and Implications

However, the insurance bag was not as straightforward as it seemed. Correa indicated that the insurance provider proposed by Bad Bunny was not approved by Major League Baseball (MLB), the Astros, nor his agent, Scott Boras. "They all told me it was a bad idea,“ Correa explained. “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."

Injury Woes

This decision comes in light of Correa's recent struggles with injuries. Over the past four seasons, he has missed at least 20 games in three of them, which includes his 2024 campaign where he saw action in just 86 games due to plantar fasciitis affecting his right foot.

With the start of the 2026 regular season on the horizon, the Astros are understandably keen on ensuring that Correa remains healthy. In 2025, his performance showcased his resilience, as he amassed a considerable tally with 13 home runs, 29 doubles, and 52 RBIs, alongside a .276/.332/.402 batting line over 144 combined games with the Astros and the Minnesota Twins.

Team Puerto Rico's Challenges

Unfortunately, Correa is not the only MLB player facing hurdles when it comes to the WBC. Francisco Lindor, a star shortstop for the New York Mets, has also encountered difficulties in securing contract insurance due to the same broker—National Financial Partners—providing WBC insurance. Both players’ inability to secure insurance underscores the challenges MLB athletes face when participating in international competitions, especially when their health and financial security are on the line.

Conclusion

Correa's dedication to his homeland is commendable, reflected in his desire to play for Team Puerto Rico. Sadly, due to insurance intricacies and advice from trusted parties, he will miss this opportunity. As anticipation builds for the 2026 WBC, it remains to be seen how the health and availability of key players like Correa and Lindor will affect Team Puerto Rico’s quest for glory.