Lindor, Correa, Báez left off Puerto Rico’s WBC roster over insurance coverage
February 5, 2026
Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic roster is missing Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Javy Báez due to insurance issues.  Defending champion Japan enters the tournament headed by Shohei Ohtani. The U.S. boasts its strongest pitching staff led by Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, and position players are headed by captain Aaron Judge. The tournament, featuring 78 All-Stars, runs from March 5-17. Japan beat the U.S. 3-2 in the 2023 final for its third title and first since 2009. The Americans won in 2017 and the Dominican Republic in 2013.