Dodgers Star Rojas Skips WBC Over Insurance Concerns

Miguel Rojas has announced his decision not to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, citing age and insurance coverage as significant factors. The Los Angeles Dodgers player, who will turn 37, previously was part of the Venezuelan team for the 2023 tournament but did not play. His decision means he will focus entirely on Spring Training with the Dodgers, ahead of his planned retirement after the 2026 season, after which he intends to transition into a front office role.

This situation mirrors that of other Major League Baseball players who have opted out of the WBC. Clayton Kershaw was prevented from playing in 2023 due to insurance issues related to injury history. Similarly, Houston Astros teammates Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are reportedly not playing in the upcoming tournament because of insurance-related concerns.

Participation in the World Baseball Classic requires players on an MLB 40-man roster to obtain insurance, a process managed through an agreement between the league and the Players Association. If a player is deemed uninsurable, their regular season contract could become non-guaranteed if they sustain an injury during the WBC. While rare, teams have waived such stipulations for players nearing the end of their careers, as seen with Miguel Cabrera in 2023.