The United States will seek to normalize relations with Cuba

This is obviously way bigger for real people and the real world than it is for baseball, but it will likely have some baseball implications at some point:

American officials say the U.S. and Cuba will start talks to normalize full diplomatic relations as part of the most significant shift in U.S. policy toward the communist island in decades.

Officials say the U.S. is also looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months. The moves are part of an agreement between the U.S. and Cuba that also includes the release of American Alan Gross and three Cubans jailed in Florida for spying.

This is way overdue of course, but I’ll spare you all my political thoughts on it. I’m sure you’ll do a great job of it in the comments though.

As for baseball: if this (a) allows more Cubans to participate in organized baseball in places other than Cuba; and (b) prevents Cubans who would seek to do so from having to put themselves in the hands of smugglers and criminals, well, it’s hard to see a downside.

UPDATE: Major League Baseball has issued a statement:

“Major League Baseball is closely monitoring the White House’s announcement regarding Cuban-American relations. 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.”