Major League Baseball, the players' association and the Cuban Baseball Federation have all reached an agreement that will allow players from Cuba to sign big league contracts without defecting. This deal is in an effort to eliminate the dangerous trafficking that had gone on for decades.
The agreement, which runs through Oct. 31, 2021, allows Cubans to sign under rules similar to those for players under contract to clubs in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Depending on the quality of future players, the agreement could mean millions of dollars in future income for the Cuban federation, which has seen the quality of players and facilities decline in recent years as talent went overseas.
Any disputes between MLB and the Cuban federation are subject to resolution by the International Chamber of Commerce.
