Why 25U? Because even international free agents who signed 10 signing classes ago, such as Nomar Mazara, German Marquez, or Adalberto Mondesi, are still just 25 years old.
The number 25 is also symbolic of the fact that Latin American players crossed the 25-percent threshold of all major league plate appearances and innings in 2015 and have built on that share in the years since.
Some Latin American countries—Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Nicaragua—saw their highest-ever number of major leaguers in 2019. Others such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Curacao are just a tick below historical high-water marks.
The table below from TheBaseballGauge.com lists the number of major league players born in each country, their total plate appearances or innings in 2019 and estimated wins above replacement from Baseball Reference.com.
Now let's take a closer look at the Latin American countries making a mark on Major League Baseball, With a focus on 25- and under big leaguers and prospects who will make their marks in the 2020s
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
152 players in 2019 (highest total ever)
The island of 10.5 million people has been the No. 2 talent supplier to the major leagues every year since 1982. The ranks of the Dominican Hall of Famers increased threefold in the 2010s as Pedro Martinez and Vladimir Guerrero joined Juan Marichal. Look for David Ortiz, Adrian Beltre, and Albert Pujols to join that Hall trio this decade.
This story is from the July 2020 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2020 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.
ORGANIZATION TALENT RANKINGS
For the second consecutive year, the Orioles enter the season with the best farm system in baseball.
WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN WITH NEW ROSTER LIMITS
No one can fully predict what will happen with the reduced 165-player minor league roster limits, but baseball officials weighed in with predictions for 2024, some of which we heard repeatedly.
NO MORE SLACK IN THE SYSTEM
The in domestic minor leagues creates consternation for farm directors
INTERNATIONAL TREASURES
Why MLB teams value foreign professionals more than ever
HIGH-FLYING BIRDS
Learning from past success and failure in Houston, Mike Elias and his united front office remade the Orioles into winners— and they got there ahead of schedule
ARIZONA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Early promotions of star prospects led to a bit of a down season for the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League.
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Even before the Rookie-level Florida Complex League season began, scouts who saw extended spring training gushed over the Yankees' talent, starting with shortstop Roderick Arias and 6-foot7 pitchers Henry Lalane and Carlos Lagrange. Outfielder John Cruz mashed 10 home runs as a 17-year-old.
SALAS COULD BE SPECIAL
When Ethan Salas arrived in the California League on May 30, he immediately displayed talent well beyond his years.