Cuban players come together as MLB, FCB agreement ruled illegal

For many Cuban major leaguers who still have family members living in their native island, it’s often uncomfortable if not actually deemed a risky endeavor to talk openly discuss political issues.

So it wasn’t a surprise when the Chicago White Sox’s Yoán Moncada, José Abreu and Yonder Alonso declined to comment on the Trump’s decision to rule that the recent agreement between Major League Baseball and the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) was not legal.

Their silence was deafening, considering Moncada and Abreu released statements in December praising the agreement when the three-year pact was announced. Both had expressed their joy at the hopes that young Cuban players would have an easier path to pursue their dreams of playing Major League Baseball.

The historic agreement, which took advantage of policies put in place by the Obama administration, would have made work visas available to players, allowing them to be employed in the U.S. and still be able to return to Cuba without legal complications. Players would no longer need to defect and relinquish their Cuban citizenship to play professional baseball in the United States.

In December, the three-year deal was overwhelmingly embraced by many Cuban players, whether active or retired. They saw it as an opportunity to end the perilous treks players have taken over the last two decades to defect and risk their lives to get out of Cuba.

La Vida Baseball spoke to former Yankees and White Sox pitcher José Contreras on the day the announcement was made.

“This is a just and good deal for Cubans so these kids can leave without having to cross the sea to chase their dreams,” Contreras said in December.

Contreras, who still works for the White Sox, has written his own chapter in the rich history of Cuban ballplayers on the south side of Chicago, dating back to the trailblazing Minnie Miñoso.

The history of Cuban players on Chicago’s south side is something the current generation of White Sox players proudly embraces.

“I’ve never really played with as many Cubans,” Yonder Alonso said. “We have guys from all over the globe, which tells you that the game has evolved in such a unique way.”

Each of the four Cubans on the White Sox roster has had a unique journey to their place on the major league roster.

Alonso, whose family moved to Miami when he was young, has University of Miami swag all over his locker, including custom shoes in green and orange. Immediately to the right of Alonso’s locker is Jon Jay’s stall, which is also full of Miami colors.

Alonso and Jay have been friends for years. Jay was drafted out of The U in 2006. Alonso followed suit two years later.

“Being in the big leagues is a humbling experience,” Alonso said. “It’s an opportunity that not even one percent [of baseball players] has, but at the same time I play with an urgency and a want. I never have my guard down, and I’m always willing to fight for my teammates.”

Moncada made headlines when he signed with the Boston Red Sox. He was considered one of the top prospects in the game for years. Chicago acquired him in the trade that sent Chris Sale to Boston. He quickly built a relationship with Abreu. Their lockers, like Alonso’s and Jay’s, are next to each other in the home clubhouse.

Moncada, the youngest of the four Cubans on the White Sox roster, understands how unique it is to have a nucleus like the one he’s a part of in Chicago.

“It’s special to have the opportunity to be in the lineup with this many Cubans and [for us] to be 2-3-4 on the lineup,” Moncada said before a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays, which had two Cubans in the lineup. “We’re happy to be part of [the White Sox] organization that has had as many Cubans as we have had.

“We feel connected with the team’s history. But we also know it’s not just for us. It’s for the whole country. It’s special for Cuba to see us playing together here.”

As was the case on Opening Day, the White Sox lineup against the Rays on April 10 included eight Latinos. Both Moncada and Alonso pointed out the diversity in the Sox clubhouse, from the team’s Mexican-American manager, Rick Renteria, to a batting order that includes players from Venezuela, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

“Who is with us is family,” Moncada said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from. If you’re on our team you’re family. That’s what matters most to us.”

The Cuban baseball fraternity hopes the major league family will continue to grow safely in the coming years.

Little League International (LLI) announced a separate deal of its own in early March, providing the opportunity for Cuba to participate in regional tournaments and, potentially, advance to the Little League World Series. LLI president and CEO Stephen Keener joined La Vida Baseball Live after returning from Cuba to sign that agreement.

While the Trump administration’s recent decision presents a giant hurdle to a formal process, growing the game in Cuba continues to be something the baseball world is watching.

Although the Cuban players in the majors aren’t commenting about the Trump administration’s, it’s not difficult to appreciate how they feel.

Featured Image: Ron Vesely / Getty Images Sport