Major League Baseball, its players' association and the Cuban Baseball Federation have reached an agreement so players from the island nation can sign big league contracts without defecting.
In an effort to eliminate the dangerous trafficking that had gone on for decades the agreement which runs through October 31, 2021, allows Cubans to sign under rules similar to those for players under contract to clubs in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
"For years, Major League Baseball has been seeking to end the trafficking of baseball players from Cuba by criminal organisations by creating a safe and legal alternative for those players to sign with major league clubs," said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.
"We believe that this agreement accomplishes that objective and will allow the next generation of Cuban players to pursue their dream without enduring many of the hardships experienced by current and former Cuban players who have played Major League Baseball."
Any disputes between MLB and the Cuban federation are subject to resolution by the International Chamber of Commerce.
"Establishing a safe, legal process for entry to our system is the most important step we can take to ending the exploitation and endangerment of Cuban players who pursue careers in Major League Baseball," said union head Tony Clark.
"The safety and well-being of these young men remains our primary concern."
Only players under contract to the Cuban federation are covered by the agreement, and the Cuban federation agreed to release all players 25 and older with at least six years of professional experience.
The agreement marks a step forward in U.S.-Cuba relations during a time of tensions between Cuba and the Trump administration.
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