BASEBALL: Angels OF Mike Trout unable to get insurance to play in 2026 WBC

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout will not be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after being unable to secure insurance coverage for his major league contract. The 34-year-old three-time American League MVP confirmed that without insurance to protect his $35 million salary this season, he could not risk playing in the international tournament.

Trout, who starred for Team USA in the 2023 Classic, expressed disappointment at missing the opportunity to represent his country again. In that 2023 event, he posted a .962 OPS with one home run and seven RBIs over seven games and helped lead the Americans to the championship game, where they fell to Japan.

Though he likely would not have been a primary starter on this year’s U.S. roster — which is expected to feature stars like Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton, and Pete Crow-Armstrong in the outfield — Trout’s presence would have added depth and experience.

In recent seasons, Trout has battled injuries, playing more than 82 games only twice in the last five years and never exceeding 130 games. Despite that history, he continues to insist he’s healthy and has expressed a desire to return to center field this season after spending much of 2025 in right field.

Trout isn’t the only big name affected by insurance complications. Houston Astros standouts Carlos Correa and José Altuve were also unable to secure coverage and will miss the Classic for Puerto Rico and Venezuela, respectively.

Over his 15-year career with the Angels, Trout has been one of MLB’s most consistent offensive performers, batting .294 with 404 home runs, 325 doubles, and 1,018 RBIs in 1,648 games.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place from March 5–17 and feature 20 teams from around the world. Team USA previously won the tournament in 2017. -Field Level Media/Reuters