Houston Astros stars Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa will miss the upcoming World Baseball Classic due to complications regarding insurance on their contracts. Correa expressed his disappointment in an interview, highlighting that the risk of injury during the tournament was too great, given his $31 million salary. “That’s too big of a risk to take, to play with no insurance,” Correa remarked. He had been training diligently in anticipation of the event, which runs from March 5 to 17.
Altuve, who underwent an offseason procedure on his right foot, confirmed that he would also sit out the tournament for Venezuela for similar insurance-related reasons. He reflected on his commitment to representing his country, stating, “I signed the paper that I’m willing to go and play like I did for the last two WBCs. It’s always an honor to represent my country.” Despite his eagerness, Altuve alluded to issues behind the scenes that have complicated his participation.
Correa, who rejoined the Astros at last season’s trade deadline, shared that he had a conversation with team owner Jim Crane. He was advised to concentrate on the team and the upcoming spring training, especially after the team experienced significant injuries the previous season.
The World Baseball Classic will take place in various locations, including Houston, Miami, Tokyo, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, culminating in the semifinals and championship game in Miami. The absence of Altuve and Correa is a notable setback for their respective national teams, but it also allows both players to focus on their recovery and preparations for the upcoming MLB season. This development ultimately underscores the complexities athletes face when balancing national pride and career security.