U.S. To Allow MLB Players To Represent Cuba In World Baseball Classic

The United States will allow MLB players from Cuba to represent their home country in next year’s World Baseball Classic. The decision was made over the weekend and confirmed by MLB on Monday that the U.S. granted the license to the Baseball Federation of Cuba. Under prior policy Cuban players weren’t allowed to play for Cuba on the international stage while playing in the MLB.

Cuban born stars like Yordan Álvarez, José Abreu, Randy Arozarena, and Luis Robert will be eligible to play for the island nation in next year’s tournament if invited. Countries participating in the event will need to hand-in the final 30-man rosters by February 7th before play begins in Taiwan on March 8th.

Cuba is scheduled to play the Netherlands in their first match on that date. Back in the 2017 edition of the World Baseball Classic, Netherlands eliminated Cuba in the first round of pool play.