UPDATE: Major League Baseball (MLB) is urgently relocating Venezuelan players to the U.S. following a military strike on January 3, 2025, aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. With spring training set to begin this week in Florida and Arizona, teams are prioritizing the safety of their Venezuelan players, many of whom are now in the U.S.
Executives across MLB have implemented a swift strategy to ensure their Venezuelan talent is on U.S. soil as concerns over safety escalate. “As soon as the Maduro situation unfolded, teams acted quickly,” said an agent representing several Venezuelan players. “They insisted on getting players here sooner rather than later.”
Most Venezuelan players who remained in their home country have successfully obtained P-1A visas, despite facing increased logistical challenges. The U.S. embassy in Caracas has been closed since 2019, forcing players to travel to either Colombia or the Dominican Republic for visa processing. Reports indicate that some players faced delays of over three weeks, a significant hurdle amidst rising immigration scrutiny.
“Teams began processing visas much earlier than in previous years,” noted one agent. “I’ve never seen this kind of proactive approach in December.” Full-squad workouts are scheduled to commence either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, with many players still needing to report.
Among the few late arrivals are Atlanta Braves reliever Robert Suarez and Chicago Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros, both hailing from Venezuela. “We were proactive in having our Venezuelan players come out early,” stated Perry Minasian, general manager of the Los Angeles Angels, reflecting a consensus among MLB executives.
One player, Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers, was playing winter ball in Venezuela when the military operation was launched. Despite his desire to complete the season, team officials urged him to leave for his safety. “They want to play for their country, but we must ensure their safety,” emphasized Matt Arnold, president of baseball operations for the Brewers.
In a broader context, the U.S. has been tightening immigration policies, impacting many players from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. These two countries made up over 61.5% of MLB Opening Day rosters in 2025. The current administration has expressed cooperation with MLB in facilitating the entry of players into the U.S. for spring training.
The anticipated reopening of the U.S. embassy in Caracas and the resumption of direct flights from Venezuela to the U.S. could ease future travel for players. For now, the quick response to the crisis has allowed many Venezuelan athletes to avoid a potential disaster, ensuring they can participate in the upcoming season.
As the situation develops, MLB and its players remain on high alert, navigating a complex landscape in pursuit of their careers. The urgency of these developments highlights the profound human impact of international politics on sports, leaving fans and teams hopeful for a smooth transition into the new season.
