A critical situation for MLB teams and their Venezuelan players has been averted, but the journey to ensure their safety and presence for spring training was a challenging one.
In the aftermath of the U.S. military strike in Venezuela, MLB teams sprang into action, adopting a unified strategy to bring their Venezuelan players back to the U.S. as swiftly as possible. This proactive approach was a response to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3rd.
The early arrivals of these players not only alleviated concerns about their safety but also ensured their timely reporting for spring training, which commenced this week in camps across Florida and Arizona.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Venezuelan players who are not U.S. citizens or residents face a unique challenge: obtaining a P-1A visa to play baseball in the U.S. With the U.S. embassy in Caracas closed since 2019, these players must travel to Colombia or the Dominican Republic to secure their visas, a process that has become increasingly arduous.
Two agents shared with ESPN the lengthy waits their clients endured while processing visas in Colombia, with one player spending over three weeks in limbo. This situation is part of a broader trend, with longer-than-usual delays in obtaining visas and green cards for players from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, who collectively made up 61.5% of Opening Day rosters in 2025.
In an effort to mitigate these challenges, MLB teams started their visa processes much earlier than usual.
And this is the part most people miss...
One agent highlighted the unusual step of teams processing visas as early as December, especially for players with no prior issues. This indicates a significant shift in approach, as teams prioritize the safety and presence of their Venezuelan players.
Among the 30 major league teams, full-squad workouts will begin this weekend, with many players still needing to report to camp. Notably, only two pitchers and catchers, Robert Suarez of the Atlanta Braves and Moises Ballesteros of the Chicago Cubs, are from Venezuela.
Perry Minasian, the Angels' general manager, echoed the sentiments of many of his peers, stating, "We were proactive in having our [Venezuelan] players come out early."
The Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder, Jackson Chourio, was playing winter ball in Venezuela when the U.S. launched its military operation. While he wanted to stay and finish the season, Brewers personnel urged him to come to the U.S. for his safety.
Matt Arnold, the Brewers' president of baseball operations, explained, "They're under a lot of pressure. They want to play for their country, and there's local pressure. But we have to ensure their safety."
In June of last year, Trump signed a travel ban against 12 countries, including Venezuela, citing national security and the national interest of the U.S. However, the order included an exemption for athletes and athletic teams traveling for major sporting events. A league official confirmed that the U.S. Department of State has been cooperative in facilitating the entry of MLB players from Venezuela for spring training.
While the U.S. embassy is expected to reopen in Caracas, and commercial airlines are scheduled to resume direct flights from Venezuela to the U.S., agents for Venezuelan players remain hopeful that the process of getting their players to their teams will become easier in the near future.
For now, many are simply relieved that a potential crisis was averted, ensuring the presence and safety of these players for the upcoming season.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think MLB teams handled it effectively, or could they have done more? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
