Miguel Rojas Denied WBC Opportunity Due to Insurance Rule

The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) has introduced a new insurance provision that prevents players from having their contracts insured once they turn 37 years old. This rule has directly affected Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, who is set to turn 37 on February 24. Rojas expressed frustration over being denied the chance to represent Venezuela in what could be his final season as a professional player. He stated, "It's really tough... I just wanted to be available for my country."

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The insurance issue has become a significant concern as the tournament approaches, with other notable players like Jose Altuve and Francisco Lindor also facing similar denials due to their contracts not being insured. The Puerto Rican national team is reportedly missing several key players, including Carlos Correa and Victor Caratini, leading Dr. Jose Quiles, president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, to consider withdrawing from the tournament.

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Major League Baseball (MLB) contracts are fully guaranteed, which means teams are financially protected against player injuries during the WBC through insurance. For instance, the New York Mets were not liable for Edwin Diaz's salary after he sustained a serious injury while playing for Puerto Rico. The insurance is provided by NFP, which has been involved in insuring multiple WBC events as agreed upon by MLB and the MLB Players Association.

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Players classified with "chronic" injuries face challenges in obtaining insurance. Criteria for this classification include being on the injured list for at least 60 days in the previous season or undergoing multiple surgeries. Rojas, despite having a one-year, $5.5 million contract and no recent injuries, was denied insurance solely based on his age.

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Rojas raised concerns about the fairness of the insurance provision, questioning why it disproportionately affects players from Latin American countries like Venezuela and Puerto Rico. He remarked, "It's really hard to not have the opportunity to put my country on my chest... and not have the opportunity to do it because I'm 37 years old. That's not right."

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This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among players who feel that age should not be a barrier to representing their countries in international competitions.

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The Dodgers have yet to confirm whether they will allow Rojas to participate without insurance, a decision that must be made quickly as WBC rosters are due soon. Rojas indicated he received a HIPAA form too late to explore alternative insurance options, further complicating his situation.

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As the WBC approaches, the implications of the new insurance rule may lead to further discussions about player eligibility and the need for policy revisions. The tournament is set to take place from March 6 to March 11 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the final rosters will be announced shortly.

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