MLB Prohibits Players From Participating in Venezuelan Winter League Over President Trump's Embargo
By Parker White
Sometimes politics bleeds over to sports, and it's happened in baseball.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Major League Baseball is prohibiting players in both the major leagues and minor leagues from participating in the Venezuelan Winter League because of President Donald Trump's executive order.
Major League Baseball is prohibiting major league and minor league players from participating in the Venezuelan winter league as a direct response to President Trump's executive order that placed an embargo on the country, sources tell ESPN. First with details was @jareddiamond.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 22, 2019
The embargo was placed on Venezuela by the United States in early August, as several world leaders are hoping to see a regime change away from socialist Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.
MLB is telling players they cannot participate in the Venezuelan winter league this offseason as it seeks clarification on how to comply with the U.S.-imposed economic embargo against the Venezuelan government.
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) August 22, 2019
Scoop for @WSJ with @kejalvyas:https://t.co/A6aLwv4Id4
From a baseball standpoint, this could have an impact on young players and even veterans who are looking to continue their professional career. The winter league gives these guys an opportunity to work on their skills and improve during the offseason.
Look for more participation in the Puerto Rican and Dominican Leagues if this holds through the offseason.