Alleged insurance scandal rocks 2026 World Baseball Classic, MLB stars affected

An alleged major insurance scandal has rocked the 2026 World Baseball Classic and it will force several MLB stars to miss out on the international competition.

While Team USA features a loaded squad featuring Paul Skenes, Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, other notable baseball stars will be watching the 2026 WBC from home. That includes MLB stars that would surely make an impact during the tournament.

The Podcast Doesn’t Exist show carefully broke down an interesting insurance scandal rocking the WBC. Many notable players are affected including Mike Trout, Jose Altuve and Jose Alvarado, among others.

MORE: 2026 World Baseball Classic TV schedule, full list of WBC games

While MLB is allowing players to compete for their national teams, insurance companies are allegedly worried about WBC participation. As the podcast points out, Edwin Diaz and Altuve both sustained injuries at the 2023 tournament.

Those injuries resulted in both players missing MLB games following the World Baseball Classic. This time around, several more MLB stars are being directly affected by these insurance coverages being denied.

MORE: Most expensive games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic

<p>Mar 2, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Jose Altuve (27) signs an autograph before the start of the game against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</p>

Mar 2, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Jose Altuve (27) signs an autograph before the start of the game against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Notable MLB stars missing the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Carlos Correa (Houston Astros) – Puerto Rico

Jose Altuve (Houston Astros) – Venezuela

Francisco Lindor (New York Mets) – Puerto Rico

Jose Alvarado (Philadelphia Phillies – Venezuela

Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) – Team USA

Javier Baez (Detroit Tigers) – Puerto Rico

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