MLB teams acted swiftly to bring Venezuelan players to the U.S. following the January 3 military strike in Venezuela targeting President Nicolas Maduro. Executives coordinated early arrivals to ensure players' safety and timely reporting for spring training, which began this week across Florida and Arizona.

Venezuelan players without U.S. citizenship must secure P-1A visas through embassies in Colombia or the Dominican Republic, as the U.S. embassy in Caracas has been closed since 2019. Some players faced extended delays, with one spending over three weeks in visa processing limbo. Teams began visa applications unusually early, with some starting in December.

Despite travel complications and longer-than-usual processing times, only two Venezuelan pitchers and catchers reported late to spring training. MLB officials confirmed cooperation with the U.S. Department of State to facilitate player entry. The league anticipates easier travel once the Caracas embassy reopens and direct flights resume, but teams are relieved potential disruptions were largely avoided.