“Global Politics, Venezuelan Relations, and Baseball: The Unlikely Connection to the Brewers”
The recent crisis in Venezuela has led to a complex situation for Major League Baseball (MLB) players from the country, including those playing for the Milwaukee Brewers. On January 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was taken into custody, and Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the new president. The United States has imposed a no-fly zone over Venezuela, and the country’s international airport has been closed, leaving several Brewers players, including Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Jeferson Quero, Andruw Monasterio, and potentially Ángel Zerpa, stranded in the country.
To understand the situation, it’s essential to look at the background of the crisis. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world but has been struggling with poverty, economic mismanagement, and corruption. The country’s former leader, Hugo Chávez, implemented a socialist government, which led to a decline in poverty initially but eventually resulted in a struggling economy and a loss of democratic institutions. After Chávez’s death in 2013, Maduro took over and continued the socialist policies, leading to further economic decline and international isolation.
The current situation in Venezuela could have significant implications for MLB players from the country. If Rodríguez remains president and decides to involve the United States in the oil industry or capitulate to their demands, tensions might cool between the two countries, and players might not face issues leaving Venezuela or reentering the United States. However, if Rodríguez takes a hard-line stance against the United States, the situation could escalate, and players might be detained or unable to leave the country.
Another possible scenario is that the opposition government, led by María Corina Machado, takes power. In this case, relations between the United States and Venezuela might improve, and players might be able to leave the country without issues. However, if the opposition government faces resistance from Bolivarian supporters, a power struggle could lead to violence, and players might be caught in the middle.
The United States government’s actions could also impact the situation. The country has recently issued blanket travel bans, and it’s possible that Venezuelans might be banned from entering the United States, which could affect the players’ ability to return for spring training. However, it’s worth noting that Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, a Wisconsin congressman, has expressed his willingness to assist in getting the players back to the country.
The situation in Venezuela is complex and unpredictable, but it’s likely that the players will be back in the United States for spring training. The crisis highlights the challenges faced by MLB players from Venezuela and the need for the league and teams to be prepared for such situations. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s essential to monitor developments and consider the potential implications for the players and the league.
