Statement on Historic Deal Between Major League Baseball and Cuban Baseball Federation

The Executive Director of the Cuba Study Group, Andrew Otazo, issued the following statement in response to the news the Major League Baseball and the Cuban Baseball Federation have reached an agreement to allow Cuban baseball players to sign directly with U.S. teams without the need to defect from their country.

“This is a significant win for the Cuban people, and particularly for Cuban baseball players, their families and communities, all of whom stand to benefit greatly from the ability of Cuban athletes to play in the Major Leagues without having to abandon their homes. Any collateral benefit to the Cuban government as a result of this deal is offset by the creation of a safe and legal process for Cuban baseball players to pursue careers in the North American Major League system without imperiling their lives at the hands of smugglers and criminal organizations. Furthermore, this development will also do much to drive the internal debate in Cuba over private wealth creation and its indispensable role in fueling long-term growth and prosperity.”

###