The MLB’s sole Canadian representative, the Toronto Blue Jays, are steeling themselves for the effects of measures put in place by President Donald Trump.
Blue Jays are no stranger to adversity, playing home games in Florida and New York for two seasons during the covid-19 pandemic. This time around the difficulties are stemming from Trump’s decision to impose tough tariffs on Canada, and the likely economic consequences.
Every year the Blue Jays head to Dunedin, Florida for spring training and fans often join the team for the trip. Speaking to ABC Action News, numerous fans admitted that this might be the last time that they make the journey for a while.
Toronto fan Dave McLaren explained: “With prices going up, we’ll just stay home.” Another fan, Debby Saracini, admitted that she was losing interest in traveling to the US: “Why are we spending our dollar down here, supporting a country that is not supporting us, who is supposed to be our friends?”
Trump travel bans hit MLB
The Toronto Blue Jays are the only Canadian team in the MLB but they are far from the only people affected by the Trump administration’s recent changes. The President is reportedly considering a spate of travel bans that would affect players from Cuba and Venezuela, two nations with major MLB representation.
Many professional players from overseas are given P-1 visas as internationally recognised athletes and entertainers. The biggest stars may qualify for salary arbitration and could be eligible for a green card, but less well-known players and those in the minor leagues would likely be affected. A ban would prevent new players from joining the league and could impose new restrictions on those already in it.
Cuban and Venezuelan players could struggle to return to the US after a road game against the Blue Jays, and could run into problems with the winter league fixtures in Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
At the start of the 2024 MLB season there were 58 players from Venezuela and 18 from Cuba but the travel bans will not only affect players. There are countless coaches, scouts, physios and other staff members that have come to the United States to be a part of MLB and now found their futures in serious danger.
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