Defectors may represent Cuba soon

For years the Cuban government outlawed baseball players that left the country for the greener baseball pastures in the USA, called MLB. These players were not allowed to represent Cuba any longer in any international tournament. The result was a Cuban team that deteriorated and that dropped to fifth place in the newly published WBSC rankings, the lowest since the rankings were published for the first time in 2009.

But this situation may end sooner than later. Thanks to the thaw that has set in in the relationship between the USA and Cuba, it was possible to send a delegation of Cuban MLB players to the country at the end of last year, as part of a goodwill tour. Last week, the Tampa Bay Rays visited the island and played the national team. But without flexing its muscles, the Rays proved to be too strong for the Cubans.

According to an article on Fox sports, it may be possible that the Cuban MLB players may join the Cuban national team again with the upcoming 2017 World Baseball Classic. If that will be the case, Cuba will become a contender at one; a powerhouse that may even reach for the title.

Cuban baseball commissioner Heriberto Suarez says that everything is on the table. In ohter words, the Cuban baseball federation has an open mind to the idea. But on the other hand, no deal about this is near yet.

Until now it is still impossible for Cuban players to sign a deal with an MLB team without renouncing their citizenship. Of course MLB would love to sign Cuban players without all the hassle that it takes right now.

It all depends on the lifting of the embargo. President Obama expects it to be lifted after a new president takes office, but since Republicans have always maintained the embargo, it may be unlikely that with a Donald Trump or Ted Cruz in the Oval Office, the embargo will be lifted. But we should not jump to conclusions yet and wait for the moment.

Imagine what a formidable team Cuba could have if players like Alexei Ramirez, Yasiel Puig, Aroldis Chapman, Yoenis Cespedes, Jose Abreu and the Gourriel brothers  would be on the squad.

The fact that Cuban players are now allowed to play elsewhere except for the USA, is a step into the good direction.