The administration under President Donald Trump is reportedly on the brink of officially ending the agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). This information was exclusively leaked to journalist Daniel de Malas, head of press at the Federation of Cuban Professional Baseball in Exile (FEPCUBE).
According to the leaked details, the Republican government plans to introduce new criteria for Cuban baseball players aiming to sign with Major League teams, which will include a sworn declaration of permanent residency outside of Cuba. This policy, described by De Malas 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, aims to sever any institutional ties between the Cuban government and MLB, as stated by the CEO of the sports-focused website Swing Completo.
From this point forward, every Cuban player must sign an affidavit or provide evidence confirming that they will not return to the island to be eligible for the Major League contracting system. The leaked document specifies that players must swear they have taken up permanent residence outside of Cuba, have no intention of returning, or are not allowed to do so, and are neither officials of the Cuban Government nor members of the Communist Party, in compliance with the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR).
Moreover, players must affirm that they are signing the declaration voluntarily, without coercion or undue pressure. This measure falls under Section 505 of the CACR, which governs Cuban assets under U.S. jurisdiction.
"The government-organized export and exploitation of players is coming to an end," declared @SwingCompletoBB on social media platform X. The original agreement between the FCB and MLB, signed in 2018 and later suspended by the Trump administration in 2019, aimed to allow Cuban players to sign with Major League teams without defecting.
This new development further deepens the divide between official Cuban baseball and the U.S. professional system. Although there has been no official confirmation from the Department of the Treasury or the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the leak indicates that strengthening sports policies towards Cuba may once again become a priority for the Trump Administration.
Impact of U.S. Policy on Cuban Baseball Players
What is the new requirement for Cuban baseball players wanting to join MLB teams?
Cuban players must sign an affidavit or provide proof of permanent residency outside of Cuba and declare they do not intend to return to the island.
Why is the Trump administration suspending the agreement between FCB and MLB?
The Trump administration aims to cut institutional ties between the Cuban government and MLB, viewing it as a way to end the organized trafficking of Cuban players by the Cuban regime.
Has there been official confirmation regarding this policy change?
There has been no official confirmation from the Department of the Treasury or OFAC, but the leak suggests a policy shift is likely.