Leaked information exposes the Trump administration's move to remove institutional ties between Cuban athletes and MLB
The Trump administration is reportedly set to implement new restrictions preventing Cuban baseball players with ties to the Cuban government from signing with Major League Baseball teams.
According to leaked data obtained by journalist Daniel de Malas, head of press at the FEPCUBE, the U.S. government intends to implement criteria requiring Cuban players to declare permanent residency outside of Cuba and renounce any ties to the Cuban government or Communist Party.
What does this mean for Cuban players?
The leaked documents suggest that Cuban athletes seeking to join MLB must sign affidavits affirming their permanent residence outside of Cuba, their intention not to return, and their lack of association with the Cuban government or Communist Party.
This action is consistent with Section 505 of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), which oversees Cuban assets under U.S. jurisdiction.
Daniel de Malas described the policy as the "final nail in the coffin of organized Cuban player trafficking" by the National Institute of Sports of Cuba (INDER) and the Cuban regime.
The move aims to eliminate institutional ties between the Cuban government and MLB, thereby preventing the Cuban state from benefiting financially from its athletes' contracts.
Historical context
This development follows the Trump administration's 2019 decision to cancel a previous agreement between MLB and the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB).
That agreement, established during the Obama era, allowed Cuban baseball players to sign with MLB teams without defecting, with MLB teams paying a release fee to the FCB. The Trump administration argued that the FCB was part of the Cuban government, making such payments illegal under U.S. law.
The new policy further tightens restrictions, requiring Cuban players to sever all official ties with their home country to pursue careers in the U.S.
While there has been no official confirmation, the policy shift is likely to happen. For MLB teams, the new criteria could limit access to Cuban talent and complicate the recruitment process.
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