The United States will permit Major League Baseball players from Cuba to represent their home country in the World Baseball Classic next year.

The decision could be a big step in once again making Cuba's national team into big players on an international stage.

Major League Baseball confirmed Monday that the U.S. granted the license to the Baseball Federation of Cuba.

It clears the way for MLB stars such as Jose Abreu, Yordan Alvarez, Randy Arozarena, Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert to play for Cuba in the WBC in March if they choose to accept a potential invitation.