The St. Louis Cardinals’ rising catcher Iván Herrera will not participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) for his native Panama, marking a disappointing turn for both the player and his country.
Herrera, a 25-year-old Panama City native who has established himself as a key offensive contributor for the Cardinals, had previously committed to representing Panama in the tournament. In an August 2025 interview, he expressed enthusiasm about joining Team Panama, emphasizing his desire not to miss out this time after limited or no involvement in prior WBC cycles (Panama’s 2023 roster featured mostly minor leaguers and non-MLB talent, with Herrera not suiting up).
Herrera’s strong performance in recent seasons fueled expectations for his role. In 2025, he delivered a breakout campaign, slashing around .284/.373/.837 with 19 home runs, 66 RBIs, and solid on-base skills, primarily as a designated hitter due to elbow issues. Fans and analysts viewed him as a potential lineup anchor and starting catcher for Panama, bringing MLB star power to a team looking to build on its competitive showing in 2023.
However, an offseason setback changed everything. Herrera underwent surgery in late 2025 to remove bone spurs (loose bodies) from his right elbow, a procedure aimed at addressing lingering discomfort that had restricted his catching duties and forced him into more DH time during the previous season. While the surgery was expected to position him for a return to catching in 2026, it created a significant hurdle for WBC participation.
The core issue: insurance coverage. MLB’s insurance provider for the WBC has tightened requirements in this cycle, making it harder for players with recent injuries or surgeries to secure the necessary protection against further harm during the international event. Previous WBC tournaments saw high-profile injuries (like those to Edwin Díaz in 2023), prompting stricter policies, higher costs, and reduced risk tolerance from insurers. As a result, Herrera was unable to obtain the required clearance.
He ultimately announced the decision himself via Instagram, describing it as “one of the saddest moments” and expressing heartbreak over missing the chance to compete for Panama.
This absence is part of a broader trend impacting the 2026 WBC. Several high-profile players from various nations have been sidelined due to similar insurance denials, affecting team compositions and competitive balance. For Panama, losing Herrera—a homegrown talent with a .286 career MLB average, strong plate discipline, and growing power—represents a blow to their offensive outlook as they prepare to face tough Pool A competition starting in early March.
Panama will move forward without one of its brightest stars, but Herrera’s commitment to the country remains clear—he’ll be watching and cheering from afar, with hopes of representing Los Canaleros in a future tournament once fully healthy.
