MLB Bans Players from Playing in Venezuela Due to Trump Blockade. The Major League Baseball (MLB) banned its affiliated players from participating in the Venezuelan winter tournament due to the economic blockade that Donald Trump’s administration is holding against the South American country. ‘MLB has been in contact with the relevant government agencies regarding the executive order issued by President Trump about Venezuela,’ the entity said in a statement quoted last night by the ESPN sports media. According to the text, the big leagues ‘will fully adhere to the policies implemented by our government.’ Regarding the Venezuelan winter league, MLB will suspend its participation until it receives instructions from the competent agencies that the presence of affiliated players is consistent with the executive order, the document added. ESPN said the ban, which prevents major and minor league players from joining the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, would have significant repercussions, as it could distort the hitherto strong link between the MLB and the South American country.
