Miguel Rojas Denied World Baseball Classic Opportunity Due to Insurance Rule

The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) has been marred by a new insurance provision that prohibits players from having their contracts insured once they reach the age of 37. This rule has directly impacted Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, who turns 37 on February 24, 2023. 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 hard to not have the opportunity to put my country on my chest and to represent them and help win a World Baseball Classic -- and not have the opportunity to do it because I’m 37 years old. That’s not right. I don’t feel it’s right.”

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The insurance provision is designed to protect Major League Baseball (MLB) teams from financial losses due to player injuries sustained during the WBC. Players classified as having "chronic" injuries face significant 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 throughout their careers. Despite Rojas not having a history of injuries and holding a one-year, $5.5 million contract, his age rendered him ineligible for insurance coverage.

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Rojas is not alone in facing this issue; several other prominent players have also been denied participation due to the insurance rule. Notable examples include José Altuve, who was expected to be Venezuela's starting second baseman, and Francisco Lindor of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican national team is reportedly missing several key players, including Carlos Correa and José Berríos, leading Dr. José Quiles, president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, to contemplate withdrawing from the tournament. Rojas questioned why this insurance limitation seems to disproportionately affect Latin American players, stating, “My only question is: Why is it just with our countries [in Latin America], like Venezuela, Puerto Rico, a couple Dominican players?”

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The MLB and the MLB Players Association have agreed upon the insurance policy, which is funded by the WBC. While teams can opt to allow players to participate without insurance, as the Detroit Tigers did for Miguel Cabrera, it remains uncertain whether the Dodgers will take this route for Rojas. The deadline for WBC roster submissions is approaching, with rosters due Tuesday and announcements expected Thursday night.

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Critics of the insurance provision argue that it unfairly penalizes older players, particularly those from Latin American countries, limiting their opportunities to compete on an international stage. Rojas's situation highlights the broader implications of age-related policies in professional sports, raising questions about equity and representation.

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• “I just wanted to be available.” — Miguel Rojas, Infielder, Los Angeles Dodgers

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• “That's not right. I don't feel it's right.” — Miguel Rojas, Infielder, Los Angeles Dodgers

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The unfolding situation surrounding the WBC and its insurance provisions underscores the complexities of player eligibility and the impact of age-related policies in professional sports.

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