Two Houston Astros stars failed to get insurance for the World Baseball Classic.
The World Baseball Classic is a great chance for MLB players to celebrate and represent their countries on a national stage. It doesn’t come without risk, however, as injuries can certainly happen and derail a player’s campaign. While the official rosters haven’t been released, Houston Astros fans won’t be seeing two of their stars take the field as Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa failed to get insurance on their contracts and won’t participate in the WBC. Altuve has been hurt in past Classics, most significant inly 2023 when he broke his thumb being hit by a pitch – and missed 43 games that year.
This season, the Astros are having their star sit this one out alongside Correa, who told The Athletic that his $31 million contract would be risked by an injury at the event. The WBC also affects spring training and given the injury-riddled 2025 campaign for Houston, it’s probably wise to have their best players not risk it. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t a disappointment, and it’s an opportunity for valuable playing time that can help them heading into the season. With risk comes reward, and vice versa – the Astros are being cautious.
Here is the full story from Astros Roundtable writer Sydney Cruse on the approach Houston is taking to protect their best players.
Altuve, who would have played for Venezuela also had an offseason procedure on his right foot. Correa was slated to play for Puerto Rico. Houston fans can still expect to see some stars on their national teams. Silver Slugger finalist Jeremy Peña will certainly be considered by the Dominican Republic, and if healthy, Yordan Álvarez could hit for Cuba. The WBC will run from March 15-17 in Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the semifinals and championship game will be held in Miami.