Agreement between Cuba and MLB Welcomed in Havana

Vélez remarked that the treaty gives peace of mind to the relatives because any of these players can be hired by the MLB, which is not only the United States league, but that of other nations in the area, he said this Wednesday in an exchange with the press.

The teams in the region that have AAA organizations also belong to the Major Leagues, so our players could not be hired there. They will no longer have to take risks in other countries in the hands of unscrupulous people, he said in relation to the methods used to leave Cuba with the intention of playing in the MLB.

This agreement, he stressed, was achieved between both federations, non-governmental organizations, which have obtained permission from the United States government, in reference to a license that allows payment to athletes and the Cuban Federation.

The players’ release rate will be paid thanks to the permission granted by the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control), and that money will be invested in the country in the formation of baseball players from the base.

As of 2019, the 30 teams of the greatest league will be able to hire the players on Cuban soil. In fact, those who emigrate after that date in search of free agency in other countries will be banned from signing with American teams said a press release from the FCB.

In general terms, its clauses are similar to those established by the MLB with other foreign leagues such as the Japanese Professional Baseball League, the League of the Korean Baseball Organization and the Chinese Taipei Professional Baseball League (CPBL).

It also represents a legitimate way and in accordance with international practice, so that Cuban players can play without discrimination, on equal terms, in the Grand Tent, without being forced to break ties of any kind with their country.