Two Florida lawmakers motivated by Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig's escape from Cuba are trying to change the way Major League Baseball treats Cuban players and are willing to tie state money for stadiums to the issue.
Reps. Jose Felix Diaz and Matt Gaetz are seeking language in a bill that would require the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays demand Major League Baseball change its Cuban player policy if they want state money for stadium construction or renovations.
Other foreign players can negotiate with all 30 baseball teams as free agents. But Cuban players can't unless they first go to another country.
It was reported last week that human smugglers that helped Puig get to Mexico are making death threats against him and others involved in the case.
