UPDATE: Major League Baseball (MLB) is urgently relocating Venezuelan players to the United States following a military strike against President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2024. Executives across the league are implementing a rapid response strategy to ensure the safety and availability of their Venezuelan players for the upcoming spring training season.
The situation has escalated tensions, prompting teams to prioritize the swift arrival of players to training camps across Florida and Arizona. MLB teams began coordinating travel as soon as the news broke, with many players arriving well ahead of the usual schedule. “As soon as the Maduro incident occurred, teams said, ‘Let’s get guys here sooner rather than later,'” noted an agent representing several Venezuelan players.
Many of the Venezuelan players who remained in the country have successfully secured P-1A visas, which are essential for their participation in the league. Due to the closure of the U.S. embassy in Caracas since 2019, players must travel to neighboring countries like Colombia or the Dominican Republic to finalize their visa applications. Sources reveal that some players faced delays of over three weeks, adding to the pressure as spring training approaches.
With full-squad workouts scheduled to kick off between Sunday and Tuesday, teams are keen to mitigate any potential disruptions. Notably, only two Venezuelan players had reported late to camp, underscoring the effectiveness of these proactive measures. “We were proactive in having our Venezuelan players come out early,” stated Perry Minasian, general manager of the Los Angeles Angels.
The emotional toll on players is significant. For instance, Jackson Chourio, an outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, was competing in winter ball in Venezuela when the military operation unfolded. He expressed a desire to stay and finish his season, but team officials urged his safe return to the U.S. “They want to play for their country, and there’s local pressure. I understand that. But we have to ensure their safety,” said Matt Arnold, president of baseball operations for the Brewers.
As MLB navigates these urgent circumstances, the league is also facing heightened scrutiny regarding immigration policies. Recent U.S. immigration measures have resulted in longer processing times for visas and green cards for players from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, which together accounted for 61.5% of Opening Day rosters in 2025.
In an effort to expedite the visa process, MLB teams are starting earlier than ever. “I’ve never dealt with a team in December trying to process visas, especially for a player with no issues,” remarked one agent, highlighting the notable shift in protocol.
Looking ahead, teams are hopeful that the U.S. embassy will eventually reopen in Caracas, facilitating smoother travel for players. There’s anticipation that commercial airlines will resume direct flights from Venezuela to the U.S. after a seven-year hiatus, potentially easing logistical challenges in the future.
As the situation develops, players and teams alike are relieved that a potential crisis has been averted, ensuring that Venezuelan athletes can participate in the cherished tradition of spring training. Fans and colleagues will be closely watching how this unprecedented situation unfolds in the coming weeks.