Bad Bunny launched failed bid to supercharge Puerto Rico’s WBC roster: ‘Could not sign my life away’

Feb 16, 2026 - 17:00

Just days after delivering a Super Bowl halftime show in San Francisco, musician Bad Bunny was trying to make an impact in a different sport.

The World Baseball Classic kicks off on March 5, featuring 20 national teams. One of the 20 will be without two of their best players.

Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros looks on during spring training workouts at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 12, 2026 — Carlos Correa failed physicals with the Mets and San Francisco Giants due to his ankle surgery in 2014

Puerto Rico have been forced to leave New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, and Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa off their roster over insurance coverage.

They will be competing in Pool A of the tournament, which also includes Canada, Cuba, Panama, and Colombia.

Rosters for the competition have now been set, and it was revealed recently that Bunny did everything he could to get Correa and Lindor on the roster, even offering to cover their insurance for the tournament.

“There were definitely some conversations for sure. It’s a real thing,” Lindor told reporters at the Mets Spring Training Complex.

View Tweet: https://t.co/Yt2Wao4DTf

“We appreciate how much he cares for Puerto Rico. He wanted Team Puerto to be as strong as it can be.

“Obviously, it didn’t work out. Benito, we appreciate him and care for him. He’s always looking out for the island.”

While not naming the specific insurance provider that Bunny proposed, Correa said it was one that Major League Baseball, the Astros, and Correa’s agent Scott Boras did not approve of.

“I could not sign my life away with something that three people that I trust are telling me not to do,” Correa told reporters at the Astros complex.

Puerto Rico is suffering a major blow not having the pair of infielders, but there is still plenty of MLB talent on the roster, including Edwin Diaz, Seth Lugo, and Nolan Arenado.

Bad Bunny carries a Puerto Rico flag during his Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show performance at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California — Bad Bunny delivered a high-energy performance that leaned into his roots

Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets takes batting practice prior to the game between the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins — Lindor is optimistic he will be ready for opening day

Why Lindor and Correa were not covered by WBC’s insurance provider

The National Financial Partners look after the insurance for the WBC players, they take it case-by-case basis and on a three-tier system.

They evaluate whether a players injury history is: low-risk, moderate, or chronic.

To be classified as a chronic injury risk, a player must have spent at least 60 days on the injured list during the previous season, be injured for two of their team’s final three games the previous season or undergone at least two surgeries over the course of their career.

Both Lindor and Correa fall into the requirements.

Correa underwent a right fibula fracture repair in 2014, and a left thumb ligament reconstruction in 2017.

Lindor underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his elbow in 2023 and has just undergone surgery on a broken hamate bone, but is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

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