International Players Shine on MLB Opening Day: A Closer Look at the Global Influence
As the 2025 Major League Baseball season kicks off, the international flavor of the league is more pronounced than ever. This year, Cuba has set a new record with 26 players on MLB opening-day rosters, while Japan has reached its highest number since 2012 with 12 players. These figures highlight the growing global influence on America’s pastime, and it’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
According to the commissioner’s office, the percentage of players born outside the 50 states remains steady at 27.8%, matching its lowest level since 2016. This statistic underscores the consistent presence of international talent in the league, even as the overall percentage has fluctuated slightly over the years. In total, there are 265 players from 18 nations and territories outside of the 50 states among 954 players on opening-day active rosters and injured, restricted, and inactive lists.
Cuba and Japan Lead the Charge
Cuba’s total of 26 players surpasses its previous high of 23, achieved in 2016, 2017, and 2022. This surge in Cuban talent is a testament to the country’s rich baseball tradition and the increasing opportunities for Cuban players to showcase their skills on the international stage. Meanwhile, Japan’s 12 players mark its most significant presence since 2012, when 13 Japanese players graced MLB rosters.
The overall percentage of international players has remained in the 26-29.8% range since 2002, peaking in 2017. This year, the total number of international players is the fourth highest on record, trailing only the 291 players in 2020 (when there were expanded 30-man active rosters), 275 in 2022 (with expanded 28-man active rosters), and 270 in 2023.
Dominican Republic and Venezuela: Consistent Contributors
The Dominican Republic continues to lead all countries outside the U.S. with 100 players, although this is a slight decrease from 108 last year and 110 in 2020. Venezuela follows with 63 players, maintaining its position as a significant contributor to MLB’s international talent pool.
- Cuba: 26 players
- Puerto Rico: 16 players
- Canada: 13 players
- Japan: 12 players
- Mexico: 11 players
- Curacao and Panama: 4 players each
- South Korea: 3 players
- Aruba, Australia, and Colombia: 2 players each
- Bahamas, Brazil, Germany, Honduras, Nicaragua, and South Africa: 1 player each
Notably, Atlanta catcher Chadwick Tromp and San Diego infielder Xander Bogaerts have made history by giving Aruba two players on MLB rosters for the first time. Additionally, San Francisco’s Jung Hoo Lee and Philadelphia’s Jesús Luzardo are listed as “miscellaneous,” with Lee being born in Japan of South Korean descent and Luzardo born in Peru of Venezuelan descent.
Teams Embrace International Talent
On the team front, Houston and San Diego lead the way with 16 international players each. The Astros have maintained a share of the lead for the fifth consecutive season, showcasing their commitment to global talent. They are followed by Atlanta with 14 international players, and the New York Mets with 13. Baltimore and Miami each have 12 international players, further emphasizing the league’s diverse makeup.
The 18 nations and territories represented outside the U.S. match last year’s total and are just three shy of the record high set in 2018 and matched in 2022. This diversity not only enriches the game but also brings a unique blend of styles and cultures to the field, making MLB a truly global sport.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
