MLB issues statement on U.S.-Cuba announcement

Major League Baseball released a statement in light of President Obama's announcement on Wednesday that the United States will restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Major League Baseball released a statement in light of President Obama's announcement on Wednesday that the United States will restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba.

A number of MLB players, including Yasiel Puig and Yoenis Cespedes, have defected from Cuba to the U.S. dating back to communist leader Fidel Castro's rise to power in 1959.

Castro's son, Raul, took over in 2006 and formally became president in 2008.

Here is the league's statement, from USA Today Sports:

"Major League Baseball is closely monitoring the White House's announcement regarding Cuban-American relations," the statement reads. "While there are not sufficient details to make a realistic evaluation, we will continue to track this significant issue, and we will keep our Clubs informed if this different direction may impact the manner in which they conduct business on issues related to Cuba."

The U.S. government has maintained a policy of isolation toward Cuba for more than 50 years. 

- Chris Johnson