MLB tracks renewed US-Cuba diplomatic relations

Barack-Obama,-Cuba

Barack Obama speaks in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington. (Doug Mills/AP)

Major League Baseball isn’t sure of the impact of President Barack Obama’s decision to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba.

The U.S. withdrew diplomatic recognition of the Cuban government in January 1961. Because of the American trade embargo, a player who defected from Cuba has had to obtain a license from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control before he could sign with a major league organization.

MLB said in a statement Wednesday it is "is closely monitoring the White House’s announcement" and added "there are not sufficient details to make a realistic evaluation.

"We will continue to track this significant issue, and we will keep our clubs informed if this different direction may impact the manner in which they conduct business on issues related to Cuba."

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