This is everything that's wrong with baseball's relationship with the World Baseball Classic.
Team Puerto Rico will be without three of its biggest stars - Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Javier Báez - due to insurance-related issues with their MLB teams, according to El Vocero. They explored every possible option to participate until the very last moment, but it didn't work out.
Let me tell you how devastating this is. Puerto Rico could have fielded one of the most talented infields in tournament history. Lindor at shortstop, Correa at third, Báez at second - that's three All-Stars, three Gold Glove-caliber defenders, three guys who can change a game with one swing. Instead, they're watching from home because of insurance red tape.
These players wanted to represent their home. They wanted to wear the Puerto Rico uniform and play for national pride. But their MLB teams - worried about protecting their investments - said no. And technically, they have the right to do that. But it's a terrible look for the sport.
The WBC is supposed to grow baseball globally. It's supposed to showcase the game's best players competing for their countries, creating memories and inspiring the next generation. But MLB clubs are too worried about a guy tweaking a hamstring in March to see the bigger picture.
Imagine being a kid in San Juan who was dreaming of watching Lindor lead Team Puerto Rico. Now that dream is dead because some insurance company and some team executive couldn't figure out the paperwork.
Puerto Rico still has talent - they always do. But losing three cornerstone players changes everything. It affects team chemistry, lineup construction, defensive alignment. It's a gut punch to their championship hopes.
And here's the kicker: Other countries figure this out. The Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Japan - they get their stars to play. But the American teams? They're the ones blocking their players. It's embarrassing.
Baseball should be doing everything possible to make the WBC work. Instead, they're letting insurance issues dictate who plays. That's what sports is all about, folks - or at least it should be. Playing for pride, country, and the love of the game. Not letting corporate red tape ruin it.
