Overview
- MLB’s insurer is denying World Baseball Classic coverage to players 37 and older, leaving Santana, 39, ineligible for a policy.
- General manager Mike Hazen approved uninsured participation, citing Santana’s leadership and the chance to build continuity with Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo.
- Arizona will assume the exposure on Santana’s one-year, $2 million contract finalized last week.
- Coverage denials have affected several stars, including Francisco Lindor after elbow surgery, with José Altuve and Carlos Correa also not approved.
- Mets president David Stearns said clubs do not control insurance approvals as national teams finalize rosters for the March 5 opener.