Crisis Averted! Puerto Rico Baseball Federation Confirms Participation in Classic, Granted Extension for Roster Submission

Previously indicating a possible withdrawal from the World Baseball Classic (WBC) due to unresolved insurance disputes, the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation changed its position at the final hour. According to Puerto Rican media outlet Primera Hora on February 5, the federation has decided to continue competing and has been granted an official extension, pushing the player roster submission deadline back by one day to allow more time to resolve insurance concerns for key players.

The controversy arose because at least eight core players on the Puerto Rico team were denied participation clearance due to failed insurance reviews. This group includes the star infield trio of captain Francisco Lindor (Mets), Carlos Correa (Astros), and Javier Báez (Tigers), as well as pitcher José Berríos (Blue Jays). The federation expressed strong dissatisfaction, labeling the system “unfair,” and sought solutions from Major League Baseball and the players’ union. At one point, they even threatened to withdraw the entire team in protest if the situation did not improve.

After negotiations, the situation improved. Reports indicate that most of the previously blocked pitchers, including Kansas City’s Seth Lugo and the insurance-disputed José Berríos, have now been cleared to play. Currently, 27 out of the 30 players on Puerto Rico’s official roster have been confirmed.

The remaining three open spots are being held specifically for the infield stars Lindor, Correa, and Báez. The federation is using the extension granted by MLB (until February 6, Beijing time) to monitor whether there is any flexibility on the insurance issues before making a final decision. MLB is expected to officially announce all team rosters at 7 PM Eastern Time on February 5 (9 AM Beijing time on February 6).

Puerto Rico is not only a participant this year but also one of the hosts for the first-round qualifiers. Starting March 6, they will host Cuba, Panama, Canada, and Colombia in San Juan, aiming to secure advancement to the next stage.