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Houston Astros Stars Granted Permission to Compete For Team Cuba in WBC

The United States has granted a license to allow Houston Astros stars Yordan Álvarez and José Abreu the ability to compete for Team Cuba in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Kade Kistner|
Houston Astros Stars Granted Permission to Compete For Team Cuba in WBC
Houston Astros Stars Granted Permission to Compete For Team Cuba in WBC

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Houston Astros

Two Houston Astros stars were just granted a license by the United States to compete for Team Cuba in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Yordan Álvarez and José Abreu were among the five players granted permission to compete in the WBC if they choose to accept an invitation. 

It comes at a tricky time in relations for the United States and Cuba. Historically speaking, if Cuban-born players want to play professionally in the U.S. then they have had to defect and become citizens of the United States. 

This means that they no longer can represent their country on the international stage without express permission from the U.S. government. Cuba has produced numerous talented players that are thriving in the MLB, but they number that can actually compete for the national team has dwindled. 

This license that has been issued will allow not just for Houston stars Álvarez and Abreu to compete, but also includes Randy Arozarena, Yoán Moncada and Luis Robert.

The Cuban Baseball Federation announced the move in a recent press release. 

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

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  2. Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
  3. Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
  4. Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
  5. Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
  6. Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
  7. Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
  8. Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
  9. Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?
  10. Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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