The recent military action in Venezuela, ordered by US President Donald Trump, has triggered significant travel disruption, leaving a number of Major League Baseball stars and other professional athletes stranded and unsure of their next steps.
Military Strike and Immediate Fallout
President Trump announced in the early hours of Saturday that US forces had successfully carried out a military strike in the capital, Caracas, leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple were taken on drug and weapons charges and were subsequently arraigned in a federal court in New York on Monday, where they both pleaded not guilty.
This dramatic intervention has severely impacted air travel. The US imposed flight restrictions in parts of the Caribbean on Saturday and had already suspended all direct flights to and from Venezuela since 2019. This has created a major logistical challenge for individuals trying to leave the country.
Sports World Thrown into Disarray
The Venezuelan professional baseball league (LVBP) was in full swing but suspended its games following the attack over the weekend, with play tentatively expected to resume on Wednesday. This league is a popular offseason destination for MLB players.
According to ESPN, several MLB players were participating in the Venezuelan league, including New York Mets infielder Luisangel Acuna and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio. It remains unclear how many players, coaches, and staff from MLB organisations, including minor leaguers, were involved.
MLB teams have reportedly been in contact with their personnel to ensure safety but have been advised by the league not to disclose details. While safe, these athletes now face the considerable challenge of securing travel out of Venezuela to return to the US.
Broader Implications for International Sport
The repercussions extend beyond immediate travel woes. With 63 Venezuelan-born players on MLB rosters as of Opening Day 2025, the nation is a crucial talent pipeline. There is concern that the ongoing chaos could affect players reporting for the 2026 season.
Furthermore, the status of the Venezuelan national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, scheduled to begin on March 5, is now uncertain. The team, featuring stars like Salvador Perez, Jose Altuve, and Ronald Acuna Jr., is slated to compete, but MLB has declined to comment on the subject.
The disruption has also rocked Major League Soccer (MLS). ESPN reports that several MLS teams contacted their Venezuelan players, with some confirming they were not in the country during the strikes. One prospect, Yair Gomes of FC Cincinnati, was in Venezuela but worked with his club to drive to Colombia before flying to the US.
The situation remains fluid, with the US military action creating an unprecedented scenario for the international sports community connected to Venezuela.
