Day One Recap of the 2025 MLB International Signing Period

Day One Recap of the 2025 MLB International Signing Period

The MLB international signing period opened on Jan. 15 and will go on through Dec 15. Some of the superstars have come to the league internationally, making day one an exciting day for MLB clubs.

While several players signed contracts on day one, the biggest name in the international signing pool remains unsigned. 23 year old Roki Sasaki will follow the footsteps of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the next Japanese star to make a big league roster right away.

Let’s break down what the MLB international signing period is, and which teams have signed players so far.

What is the international signing period?

The international signing period gives MLB teams to officially sign prospects from all across the world. The Dominican Republic, Japan, Cuba, you name it. Many teams make verbal agreements with these prospects months in advance, but can officially put pen to paper when it opens.

A few players of Sasaki’s level will reach the pool, but the signing period is mainly used for clubs to bolster their farm systems with elite talent. Most players will be signed at the age of 16, giving them plenty of years to develop and transition to the MLB system.

A player must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year. They also have to register with MLB to be eligible.

How do teams sign them?

Signing international free agents is a bit different than the normal free agent signing. Teams are all given a certain amount of money from a international bonus pool. Each team will be different, as the pool money is determined by things such as market size, revenue and free agents who decline qualifying offers.

Teams can also trade pool money in increments of $250,000. While they can trade as much as they want, MLB clubs can only acquire 60 percent of their original pool.  Regardless of how much pool money a team has, they can’t exceed the number they’re given.

How much does each team have this year?

From MLB.com

$7,555,500
ATH, CIN, DET, MIA, MIL, MIN, SEA, TB

$6,908,600
ARI, BAL, CLE, COL, KC, PIT

$6,261,600
ATL, BOS, CHC, CWS, LAA, NYM, NYY, PHI, SD, TEX, TOR, WSH

$5,646,200
HOU, STL

$5,146,200
LAD, SF

Recap of Day One

From MLB.com

1. Roki Sasaki, RHP, Japan
2. Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez, SS, D.R.: Giants ($2,997,500)
3. Elian Peña, SS, D.R.: Mets ($5,000,000) 
4. Cris Rodriguez, OF, D.R.: Tigers ($3,197,500)
5. Andrew Salas, SS/OF, USA/Ven.: Marlins ($3,700,000)
6. Yorger Bautista, OF, Ven.: Mariners ($2,100,000)
7. Kevin Alvarez, OF, Cuba: Astros ($2,000,000)
8. Dorian Soto, SS, D.R.: Red Sox ($1,400,000)
9. Maykel Coret, OF, D.R.: Rays ($1,600,000)
10. Juan Cabada, SS , D.R.: Cubs ($1,500,000)
11. Manny Cedeno, SS, D.R.
12. Ayden Johnson, SS, Bah.
13. Wilfri De La Cruz, SS/3B, D.R.: Cubs ($2,300,000) 
14. Brayan Cortesia, SS, Ven.: Nationals ($1,920,000) 
15. Diego Tornes, OF, Cuba
16. Darwing Ozuna, OF, D.R.
17. Gabriel Davalillo, C, Ven.: Angels ($2,000,000) 
18. Liberts Aponte, SS, Ven.: Reds ($1,900,000) 
19. Kendry Martínez, SS, D.R.: Mariners ($2,500,000) 
20. Raymer Medina, SS, D.R.: Rays ($1,100,000) 
21. Jhoan De La Cruz, SS, D.R.
22. Cristopher Polanco, SS, D.R.
23. Johan De Los Santos, SS, D.R.: Pirates ($2,250,000) 
24. Santiago León, SS, Ven.: Twins ($1,697,500)
25. Djean Macares, OF, Aruba: Giants 
26. Carlos Taveras, OF, D.R.
27. Elian De La Cruz, OF, D.R.: D-backs ($1,100,000) 
28. Royelny Strop, OF, D.R.: Cardinals ($1,400,000) 
29. Elorky Rodriguez, OF, D.R.: Rangers ($1,100,000)
30. Warel Solano, SS, D.R.: Rays ($1,050,000) 
31. Moises Marchan, C, Ven.
32. Harold Rivas, OF, Ven.: Red Sox ($950,000) 
33. Alejandro Cruz, 3B, Cuba: White Sox 
34. Larry Suero, 2B/3B, D.R.
35. Deivid Coronil, SS, Ven.
36. Kenny Fenelon, OF, D.R.: Brewers ($1,300,000) 
37. Kenly Hunter, OF, Nicaragua: Cardinals ($700,000)
38. Warren Calcano, SS, D.R.
39. Carlos Alvarez, LHP, D.R.
40. Kevin Defrank, RHP, D.R.: Marlins ($560,000) 
41. Hiverson Lopez, C, Ven.: Guardians 
42. Brailyn Antunez, OF, Ven.: Brewers ($900,000) 
43. Haritzon Castillo, SS, Ven.: Twins ($947,500)
44. Nieves Izaguirre, SS, Ven.: Phillies ($800,000)
45. Cristopher Acosta, SS, D.R.: Brewers (1,100,000) 
46. Sadbiel Delzine, RHP, Ven.: Red Sox ($500,000)
47. José Peña, SS, D.R.: Orioles
48. Heins Brito, SS, D.R.: Guardians ($825,000)
49. Ramcell Medina, SS, D.R.
50. Teilon Serrano, OF, D.R.: Twins ($847,500)

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