Carlos Santana to Compete in World Baseball Classic Despite Insurance Denial

Carlos Santana, the new first baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, will participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) for the Dominican Republic, despite Major League Baseball's (MLB) insurance company denying coverage for players aged 37 and older. Santana, who turns 40 in April, signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Diamondbacks, who have decided to assume the financial risk associated with his participation.

New York PostDiamondbacks’ Carlos Santana playing in WBC despite insurance issuesNew York Times

The Diamondbacks' management, including general manager Mike Hazen, consulted with team ownership and decided to allow Santana to play, recognizing the potential benefits of his involvement alongside teammates Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo. Hazen emphasized the value of Santana's leadership and influence on Marte, who faced challenges last season. “If those two guys weren’t playing, I’m not sure we would have seen this in the same light,” Hazen stated, highlighting the team's rationale for absorbing the risk.

New York Times

The insurance issue has affected several players, including notable stars like Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets and Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros, who are unable to participate due to their medical histories. Lindor's recent injury evaluation has raised questions about his eligibility for the tournament, while Correa's situation is similarly complicated. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns clarified that the club had no role in the insurance decisions, which are managed by the MLB Players Association and MLB.

New York Post

Santana's opportunity to represent the Dominican Republic is significant, as he previously played in the WBC when the team won the tournament in 2013. Hazen acknowledged the importance of this event for Santana, stating, “I know it’s a big deal for him representing his country, maybe for the last time in something like this.” The Diamondbacks view Santana's participation as a way to build rapport and trust, especially given his recent performance, which included a disappointing season with a .219 batting average.

New York Times

While the Diamondbacks have embraced the risk, the decision has drawn attention to the broader implications of MLB's insurance policies, which have left several players sidelined. Critics argue that the insurance restrictions disproportionately affect older players, limiting their opportunities to compete internationally.

New York Post

• “If those two guys weren’t playing, I’m not sure we would have seen this in the same light,” — Mike Hazen, General Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

New York Times

• “But everybody’s different. The Diamondbacks supported me, and it’s wonderful they’re giving me the opportunity to play.” — Carlos Santana, First Baseman, Arizona Diamondbacks

New York Times

• “I know it’s a big deal for him representing his country, maybe for the last time in something like this,” — Mike Hazen, General Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

New York Times

The World Baseball Classic is set to begin on March 5, and Santana's participation marks a notable moment for both the player and the Diamondbacks as they navigate the complexities of player insurance and international competition.

New York Post