A recent insurance rule for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) has sparked controversy among players, particularly Miguel Rojas of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The rule prohibits players from having their contracts insured once they reach 37 years of age. This policy has left Rojas frustrated as he approaches his birthday on February 24, making him ineligible to play for Venezuela in his final season.
Insurance Rule Sparks Discontent Among Players
Rojas expressed his dissatisfaction during an annual fan event for the Dodgers, stating the emotional toll of not being able to represent his country. “I just wanted to be available. If something happened, I could replace one of the players,” he said. The sentiment reflects the broader issues surrounding the new insurance provision, which has affected multiple high-profile athletes in the lead-up to this year’s tournament.
Impact on Key Players
- Miguel Rojas, Los Angeles Dodgers infielder
- Jose Altuve, likely starting second baseman for Venezuela
- Francisco Lindor, shortstop for Puerto Rico
- Carlos Correa, third baseman for Puerto Rico
- Victor Caratini, Puerto Rican catcher
- Emilio Pagan, Jose Berrios, and Alexis Diaz, Puerto Rican pitchers
The loss of these players has prompted discussions about the viability of the Puerto Rican team in the tournament. Dr. Jose Quiles, President of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, has even suggested that they may withdraw from participation due to the player shortages.
Concerns Over Fair Treatment
Rojas raised questions about the fairness of this rule, particularly how it appears to disproportionately affect Latin American players. “I don’t see that happening with the United States or Japan,” he shared, urging for a dialogue with MLB officials about these discrepancies.
Details of Major League Baseball’s Insurance Policy
Generally, major league contracts are fully guaranteed, regardless of their participation in the WBC. However, insurance is essential for teams to mitigate risks associated with potential player injuries. For instance, the New York Mets were absolved from paying player Edwin Diaz after his season-ending injury while representing Puerto Rico.
NFP has been the insurer for multiple WBC iterations, though players with chronic injuries face challenges in obtaining coverage. Chronic injuries are categorized based on several criteria, including:
- Injured list time (60+ days in the previous season)
- Inability to participate in key games
- Undergoing surgery
Rojas’ Situation
Despite signing a one-year contract worth $5.5 million and avoiding injuries last season, Rojas was still denied insurance solely based on his age. If a player cannot secure insurance, teams may opt to take on the associated risks, as seen with Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers. The urgency for a decision is amplified as WBC rosters are expected to be finalized shortly.
Rojas recently received a HIPAA form that would have allowed NFP to investigate his medical history, but timing issues limited his ability to use this option effectively.
Conclusion
The new insurance rule has created significant barriers for several players wishing to participate in the World Baseball Classic, raising important questions regarding equity and representation. As the tournament approaches, the implications of this policy will come under closer scrutiny, especially for players like Rojas who yearn to don their national colors one last time.
