Diamondbacks Allow Carlos Santana to Play in WBC Despite Insurance Gap

The Arizona Diamondbacks are taking a calculated risk by letting 39-year-old Carlos Santana participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic without MLB insurance coverage. Players over the age of 37 are not insured by MLB for the tournament, but the team sees potential benefits that outweigh the risk, according to reports from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

Santana, a veteran first baseman and designated hitter, signed a modest one-year deal with Arizona last week for $2 million. The D-backs do not expect him to produce at All-Star levels after a .219/.308/.325 slash line last season, but his presence in the clubhouse and leadership for younger players is highly valued.

General manager Mike Hazen emphasized that Santana’s influence on emerging talents like Silver Slugger winners Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo played a major role in the decision. “If those two guys weren’t playing, I’m not sure we would have seen this in the same light,” Hazen said. “There’s a value there for us that those guys will be together. Part of the reason we signed him is that he’s such a great leader and influence. It made a lot of sense for us to absorb a little risk here.”

Arizona’s move also underscores a focus on building trust and camaraderie with Santana. Allowing him to represent his country in the WBC may enhance his mental readiness and further integrate him into the team’s leadership dynamic, providing intangible benefits beyond his statistical contributions.

1. Strategic Leadership on Display

Santana’s participation in the WBC highlights the Diamondbacks’ emphasis on clubhouse leadership as much as on-field performance. At 39, his career numbers no longer reflect peak production, but his ability to mentor younger teammates is considered invaluable. The pairing of Santana with Marte and Perdomo offers a unique opportunity to foster cohesion among Arizona’s emerging stars. Hazen noted that the synergy between veteran and young talent can help set a positive tone for the season, both on and off the field. For a team with high hopes for homegrown talent, integrating seasoned players into leadership roles can accelerate development. Santana’s presence offers guidance on approach, preparation, and in-game decision-making that cannot be taught solely through statistics. In this sense, the risk of injury—while present—is outweighed by the potential benefits of a well-led and mentally prepared roster. Santana’s experience in high-pressure games internationally may also translate to increased confidence in MLB competition.

2. Minimal Financial Risk

Financially, the decision is low-risk for the Diamondbacks. Santana’s $2 million contract represents a small investment relative to the team’s overall payroll. Unlike younger, higher-paid players, the team can afford to permit him to play without insurance coverage without significant financial exposure. Comparisons with other veterans, such as Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, who will turn 37 this month and is signed for $5.5 million, highlight the discretion teams exercise in balancing financial and performance considerations. While Rojas is not afforded the same opportunity, Santana’s lower-cost, short-term contract allows Arizona flexibility. This strategic calculus suggests the D-backs are prioritizing clubhouse value and player trust over strictly on-field statistics. Allowing a veteran to compete internationally may pay dividends in morale, preparation, and team cohesion throughout the season. Additionally, it demonstrates Arizona’s willingness to accommodate player interests, which could strengthen loyalty and performance during the regular season. Santana’s appreciation for the gesture is likely high, and the team benefits from goodwill and motivation.

3. International Competition as a Mental Boost

Participation in the World Baseball Classic may also serve as a mental and emotional boost for Santana. Representing his native Dominican Republic offers one last chance to compete at an international level, potentially energizing him for the MLB season ahead. The Diamondbacks are effectively using the WBC as a tool to enhance veteran influence on young talent while providing a platform for personal achievement. Santana’s experience in high-stakes games abroad could translate into improved focus and leadership in Arizona’s clubhouse. The WBC begins March 5, giving Santana and his teammates time to bond and refine their chemistry before the MLB season starts. For the Diamondbacks, this dual benefit—international exposure and team cohesion—aligns with their broader developmental strategy. Santana’s opportunity also underscores the rare alignment of timing, team composition, and veteran availability. The presence of Marte and Perdomo makes this a uniquely beneficial scenario for Arizona, highlighting the careful consideration behind the decision.