Major League Baseball has banned all affiliated players from participating in the Venezuela winter league this season, a response intended to comply with President Donald Trump’s embargo against the country’s Nicolas Maduro-led government.
The potential repercussions of the prohibition, which prevents major league and minor league players from joining the 75-year-old Liga Venezolana de Beísbol Profesional (LVBP), could be significant.
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Nearly 100 Venezuelans played in the majors this season, including New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, according to the network.
The announcement follows a move by the Trump administration in April to halt an arrangement between MLB and Cuba that allowed Cuban players to sign directly with the league.
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