MLB, MLBPA Look To Boost Puerto Rico Baseball

Major League Baseball will play games in Puerto Rico as part of a plan to develop and support baseball on the island.

MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association on Wednesday pledged $5 million for the creation of development programs in Puerto Rico.

According to a news release, the $5 million will be paid out over the course of the next collective bargaining agreement, which the sides are negotiating. The current CBA expires Dec. 1.

In addition to the money, MLB and the players union will stage games and special events on the island.

“Puerto Rico’s outstanding baseball tradition has produced great Major League players and fans of our game,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “We look forward to returning to the island to play regular season games and supporting initiatives that will allow Puerto Rican kids to play baseball.”