Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios is in serious trouble after being deemed uninsurable
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Victor William
Jan 31, 2026 (3:09 PM)
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Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The World Baseball Classic is facing a potential catastrophe, and Blue Jays starter Jose Berrios is right at the center of the storm that could see Puerto Rico withdraw from the tournament entirely.
We are talking about the host nation of Pool A possibly packing up their bats before a single pitch is thrown because insurance companies are playing hardball.
Reports confirm that the Puerto Rican Baseball Federation is seriously considering pulling the plug after multiple stars, including Berrios, were denied coverage.
Jose Berrios (Drafted Round 1, 2012 by Twins) was flagged as "uninsurable" for the event due to the right elbow inflammation that ended his 2025 season prematurely.
It creates a brutal situation.
On one hand, you have a proud Puerto Rican who lives to represent "Team Rubio".
On the other, you have a cold corporate calculation protecting the Blue Jays' $19 million investment for 2026.
He isn't alone—Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa have also been barred, decimating the roster.
But for Berrios, who is supposed to be the ace of that staff, the denial is the final straw for the federation.
The "Capital of Baseball" deserves better than red tape
Imagine the scenes in San Juan if the home team isn't even there.
It would be a PR nightmare for Major League Baseball.
We know Berrios is a competitor who wants the ball, but the "chronic" designation insurers used to block him is a harsh reality check of modern sports business.
If he pitches and blows out his elbow without insurance, the Blue Jays are on the hook for his salary while he sits on the IL.
It is a risk no front office—or insurance underwriter—wants to take.
For fans, it is heartbreaking to see the "business" side kill the passion of the tournament.
We want "La Makina" dealing in front of his home crowd, not watching from the dugout in Dunedin.
Unless MLB steps in with a miracle solution, this dream team is turning into a nightmare.
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