The Rays will play an exhibition game in Cuba during Obama's visit

It's official: The Tampa Bay Rays are heading to Cuba to play an exhibition game against the Cuban National Team on March 22, the first time since 1999 that MLB has played an exhibition game there.

Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba better than they've been in decades, with President Obama publicly asking Congress to lift the embargo against Cuba and planning a trip to the island nation that will have him there the same time as the Rays.

Major League Baseball has been quick to improve its own relations with Cuba, and perhaps more importantly, Cuban baseball fans. The league sent a number of stars — including Clayton Kershaw, Miguel Cabrera, Jose Abreu and Yasiel Puig — there on a goodwill trip last December, and now has set up this game.

In making the announcement, both the Commissioner's Office and the president of the players' union talked about building a bond with Cuban fans:

Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said: “Major League Baseball is excited to play in Cuba and to have the Tampa Bay Rays representing our 30 Clubs. During a time of historic change, we appreciate the constructive role afforded by our shared passion for the game, and we look forward to experiencing Cuba’s storied baseball tradition and the passion of its many loyal fans.”

MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark said: “The Players on the Tampa Bay Rays are looking forward to visiting Cuba and playing in front of some of the world’s most passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans. We thank the Cuban National Team and all involved in hosting this game, as we are very excited to return to Havana to continue our efforts to strengthen the ties between our countries through our love and passion for the game of baseball.”

As for Obama, well, early reports indicate that he'll be at the game and might even throw out the first pitch.

President Obama planning to be in Cuba same time as #Rays, expected to attend game, possibly throw out a first pitch

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 1, 2016

If all this goes well, the next step from a baseball standpoint, should be to make it easier for Cuban-born players to enter MLB. We've heard plenty of odd and/or dangerous stories that could be avoided if Cuba were treated like every other Latin America country.