MLB proposes plan to sign players directly from Cuba

Major League Baseball officials have submitted a proposal to the United States government that would allow teams to sign players directly out of Cuba, according to an exclusive report by The New York Times.

The proposed plan, which was confirmed to the Times' Ben Strauss by MLB's top lawyer, Dan Halem, was sent to the Treasury Department for approval, and sets out to ensure a safer pathway for players hoping to defect from the island. Under terms of the plan submitted by the league, an entity consisting of Cuban entrepreneurs and MLB officials would be established to help facilitate the transaction.

The report comes hours after MLB announced an exhibition game in Havana later this month between the Cuban National Team and Tampa Bay Rays. The game will mark the first visit to Cuba by an MLB team since the Baltimore Orioles competed against the Cuban National Team in 1999. U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to travel to Cuba for the game as part of a humanitarian visit.

Standing in the way of the proposed plan is an embargo that prohibits American companies and citizens from doing business in Cuba. From the Times:

A percentage of salaries paid to Cuban players would go to the new body, which would function like a nonprofit and support youth baseball, education and improving sports facilities in Cuba.

The proposed body could satisfy the terms of the embargo, MLB contends, because the league says no money would go directly to the Cuban government.

Under the current landscape, Cubans are faced with the prospect of either playing for low wages - as little as $40 per month, according to the Times - or deserting their homeland to pursue careers in the majors. MLB stars such as Yasiel Puig and Jose Fernandez are among several players who have recounted harrowing tales of risking their lives in order to flee to America.