Cubs hope to play exhibition games in Cuba if MLB approves

The moment talks between the United States and Cuba started up again earlier this year, teams throughout MLB started paying close attention. The Cubs are one of many teams that now hope to be able to play games in Cuba if approved by the league.

Wednesday morning, after announcing the Cubs jump to WSCR The Score on the radio, Cubs president of Business Operations Crane Kenney said the team was interested in playing an exhibition game in Cuba.

The Cubs have made a few big splashes among Cuban prospects of late. Jorge Soler was one of the first of the team’s young prospects to reach the majors and earlier this year they signed outfielder Eddy Julio Martinez. Playing games in Cuba could only help their ability to recruit.

Kenney’s statement was backed up later in the day by team president Theo Epstein at the GM meetings in Florida. Epstein said MLB is exploring games in Cuba and if approved the Cubs would be one of many candidates to play in the game.

Only one MLB team has played a game in Cuba since 1959. In the spring of 1999 the Orioles played the Cuban National Team in Havana.