Back to the Chicago Cubs Newsfeed

MLB stars get OK to play for Cuba in World Baseball Classic

Abbie Parr/AP

Former White Sox player Jose Abreu could represent Cuba in the World Baseball Classic.

HAVANA — The United States will permit Major League Baseball players from Cuba to represent their home country in the World Baseball Classic next year.

The decision announced Saturday in a news release by the Baseball Federation of Cuba (FCB) could be a big step in once again turning Cuba’s national team into heavy hitters on an international stage.

Major League Baseball confirmed Monday that the U.S. granted the license to FCB. It clears the way for MLB stars such as José Abreu, Yordan Alvarez, Randy Arozarena, Yoán Moncada and Luis Robert to play for Cuba in the WBC in March if they choose to accept a potential invitation.