U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding the announced agreement to provide Cuban baseball players with a safe and legal path to sign with a Major League Club:

“I applaud Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) for coming to an agreement to help Cuban baseball players and their families.  I have been appalled by the stories of baseball players being taken advantage of and subjected to the dangers of human trafficking to come to the United States because there was no safe, legal path available.  Today’s agreement means that Cuban ball players will be treated the same as other international players, and have the ability to pursue their dreams of playing baseball in the majors without having to put their lives in danger.

“Tampa and Cuba share a long history that is intertwined with the game of baseball.  I saw firsthand the benefits of baseball diplomacy when I travelled to Cuba with President Obama in 2016 and watched the historic game that our hometown Rays played in Havana.  President Trump has reversed historic progress for Cuban families and small businesses, but this agreement shows that outside of his administration, support continues in working towards improving the lives of Cubans and their families.”

###