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Major League Baseball’s Statement On U.S. Relations With Cuba

By Ethan Finkelstein

Aug 4, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; General view of 60th anniversary baseball of the Baltimore Orioles during batting practice prior to a game against Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; General view of 60th anniversary baseball of the Baltimore Orioles during batting practice prior to a game against Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /
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The MLB Public Relations office has issued a statement regarding the potential practices of franchises in conducting business regarding Cuban related matters.

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Major League Baseball is aware of the situation between the United States and Cuba, and is preparing to mold its addendum based on any ruling that might be issued in the future. Historically speaking, feelings between the two nations have been tense at their lightest.

So should things go sour between the two nations, the MLB will be quick to respond with policies that conform the the United States legal system. Such recourse is not surprising considering Major League Baseball’s previous compliance with the federal investigation on performance enhancing drugs within the sport.

This could have the potential to either expand or demolish an extremely valuable resource as far as talent is concerned. Some of the biggest stars in the game today are defectors from Cuba. Aroldis Chapman has been simply dominant for the Cincinnati Reds ever since they decided to utilize him in the closer role, with an ERA of an even 2.00 (194 ERA +) in the last 3 seasons  to go along with 112 saves. Yasiel Puig is still relatively unpolished, even after completing his first full major league campaign, but promises a ton of potential growth. Yoenis Cespedes is a back to back  Home Run Derby champion with some serious pop at the plate, and Jose Abreu just won the American League Rookie of the Year Award with a league leading .581 SLG and 169 OPS+. He also finished fourth in the league’s MVP race.

And though only one Cuban born player has been enshrined in Cooperstown (Tony Perez), several notable stars have come over from that country. These include names like half brothers Orlando and Livan Hernandez, Jose Contreras, Rafael Palmeiro, Luis Tiant, Bert Campaneris, Tony Oliva, Mike Cuellar, Minnie Minoso, and Jose Canseco.

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