Cardinals Catcher Iván Herrera Unlikely for 2026 WBC Due to Insurance Hurdle After Surgery

As the 2026 World Baseball Classic draws closer, the list of notable absences is starting to take shape-and it looks like Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera may be the latest name added. The young backstop is facing a unique obstacle: an insurance snag tied to his offseason surgery, which could keep him from suiting up for Team Panama.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom confirmed that Herrera has not yet been able to secure the necessary insurance to participate in the WBC. That’s a critical requirement for any player coming off a medical procedure, and right now, it’s the main thing standing between Herrera and the international stage.

While there’s still a chance things could change in the coming days, the outlook isn’t promising. As it stands, Herrera is expected to stay stateside and continue his rehab during spring training in Jupiter, Florida. According to reports, he’s set to begin drills this week, a positive step in his recovery-but one that likely comes at the expense of his WBC dreams.

For the Cardinals, this development is a double-edged sword. On one hand, they lose the opportunity to see Herrera gain valuable experience in high-stakes international competition. On the other, they’ll have one of their key young catchers in camp from Day 1, fully focused on getting ready for the MLB season.

Herrera’s potential absence adds to a growing list of WBC withdrawals this year. Earlier this week, Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks and Jackson Holliday of the Orioles were both ruled out after suffering broken hamate bones-an injury that’s become all too familiar among hitters. Both players are expected to miss significant time, with Holliday’s recovery likely pushing past Opening Day.

And then there’s the case of Javier Báez, who won’t be participating in the 2026 WBC due to a suspension stemming from a positive marijuana test during the 2023 tournament. His absence, unlike the others, comes not from injury but from disciplinary action.

Herrera’s situation stands apart. It’s not about performance or punishment-it’s about protocol. The insurance requirement is standard, especially for players coming off surgery, but it’s a frustrating barrier for someone who had hoped to represent his country on the world stage.

For now, Herrera will keep working his way back into game shape with the Cardinals. And while the WBC may be off the table, the bigger picture remains: a healthy, ready-to-go Iván Herrera could be a key piece of St. Louis’ 2026 plans behind the plate.