Cuba still won't let defectors play in WBC

Cuba isn't changing its stance on defection when it comes to players potentially representing the nation in the next World Baseball Classic.

According to Antonio Becali, the president of Cuba's National Institute of Sports, Cuba isn't ready to allow defectors to represent it at the classic, despite reopening borders with the U.S.

"Cuba will continue with our athletes. That's something we will keep as indissoluble principle," Becali explained recently, according to ESPN. "Our athletes that are within the Cuban sporting system and our national leagues are those that will continue to represent us at international events."

Becali said the country will continue working with Major League Baseball to reach an agreement allowing Cuban players to play in the pros without having to defect from the country.

The decision keeps superstars such as Yoenis Cespedes, Jose Abreu, and Yasiel Puig out of the mix for a spot on the national team, which has never won the classic and hasn't had a successful run in the event since it finished second in 2006.

MLB and Cuba have been working on developing a better relationship throughout the year.

The Tampa Bay Rays became the first major-league club to play in Cuba since 1999 when they took on the national team in March, while a star-studded goodwill trip brought joy to the country in December.