Miguel Rojas expected this winter to include at least the possibility of one more meaningful chapter with Venezuela’s national team, but a newly implemented insurance provision tied to age has instead left the Los Angeles Dodgers infielder on the outside looking in.

Under updated guidelines connected to insurance coverage for the World Baseball Classic, players who turn 37 are no longer eligible to have their contracts insured for the tournament.

Rojas, who will reach that milestone on Feb. 24, was denied approval as a result, effectively eliminating his chance to suit up for his home country during what he has described as his final season in Major League Baseball.

Speaking at the Dodgers’ annual fan event on Saturday, Rojas did not hide his disappointment.

The veteran infielder said his goal was never to demand a guaranteed roster spot, but simply to be present and available if needed. To him, the inability to participate based solely on age felt unfair, particularly given his recent health history and modest contract.

Insurance approval has become one of the most polarizing issues surrounding this year’s WBC, which has grown into one of baseball’s most prestigious international events.

Several high-profile players have already been ruled out after failing to receive insurance coverage, including stars expected to anchor Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

The situation has sparked significant concern, especially among Latin American federations, with Puerto Rico’s baseball leadership even floating the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament.

Rojas openly questioned why the issue appears to disproportionately affect players representing countries in Latin America.

While stressing that he was not attacking Major League Baseball, he said the pattern has raised uncomfortable questions about equity and transparency, and he hopes league officials are willing to address those concerns directly.

Although MLB contracts are fully guaranteed, teams rely on WBC insurance policies to protect themselves financially in case of injury.

Those policies are overseen by an outside insurer, which classifies players by risk level and now applies a firm age cutoff. While teams technically have the option to allow players to participate without insurance, doing so requires ownership to assume all risk.

For Rojas, time is running short. World Baseball Classic rosters are due imminently, leaving little room for appeals or alternative solutions.

Still, the frustration lingers, as he believes age alone should not determine whether a player is allowed to represent his country on baseball’s biggest international stage.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!