Venezuelan Athletes in Suspense After US Military Operation
The recent US military operation in Venezuela has generated uncertainty and difficulties for numerous Venezuelan professional athletes, especially those linked to Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. The travel plans of these athletes were affected, complicating their return to training and sporting commitments. MLB teams have been in contact with their players to ensure their well-being. However, the league has chosen not to offer details or public comments on the situation. The playoffs of the Venezuelan winter baseball league were suspended following the incident, although they are expected to resume. It is estimated that many of the 100 Dominican players participating in the league were also affected by the flight suspensions. The exact number of players, coaches, and staff from MLB organizations, including minor league players, who are in the Venezuelan league is unknown. Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are the main countries of origin for foreign players in MLB, with 63 Venezuelan players on MLB rosters at the start of the 2025 season. The temporary flight restrictions imposed by the United States in some areas of the Caribbean, on the same day of the military operation, added to the suspension of direct flights between the United States and Venezuela since 2019, further complicated the situation for the athletes.Although the start of spring training is more than a month away, the situation should not impact the return of players and coaches to their teams on time. While most flight schedules have resumed, significant delays still persist.
Several professional American sports teams have offered support to their Venezuelan athletes. The teams contacted reported no major problems.
Among the MLB players who participated in Venezuela this season are Luisangel Acuña, of the New York Mets, and Jackson Chourio, of the Milwaukee Brewers.We have been in contact with them, but the league advised us not to give details until the situation calms down.
Spokesperson for the Cleveland Guardians
The situation also affected athletes from other disciplines. Several MLS teams have maintained contact with their Venezuelan players. Some were not in the country during the military operation. An MLS prospect, Yair Gomes, from the FC Cincinnati program, was in Venezuela during the American operation. The player managed to leave the country, traveling by land to Colombia and then taking a flight to the United States. In the National Women’s Soccer League, Deyna Castellanos, the league’s most outstanding Venezuelan player, has been in Venezuela since December. She is expected to return to the United States next week to prepare for the season.We have been in contact with our players and staff in Venezuela and everyone is safe. We will continue to monitor the situation as we approach spring training and will take the necessary measures to ensure their safe travel to Sarasota.
Jennifer Grondahl, Senior Vice President of Communications for the Baltimore Orioles
