Ahead of this 2025 MLB season, we’ve compiled a list of one international prospect from each MLB team that could potentially impact their respective teams. Let’s dive into the AL West.
Angels: SP Samuel Aldegheri
Making his MLB debut this past season, Samuel Aldegheri became the first-ever Italian MLB pitcher. Aldegheri, 23, signed with the Phillies in July 2019 and was acquired by the Angels in July 2024 in exchange for Carlos Estevez. After making four starts at Double-A in the Angels organization, he would get the call to the show. He would make three starts during the season, throwing to a 1-2 record, a 4.85 ERA, and striking out ten batters in 13 innings. He will definitely get plenty of opportunities this Spring Training to try and compete for a spot in the Angels rotation.
Athletics: OF Denzel Clarke
The Athletics recently selected Canadian outfielder Denzel Clarke onto their 40-man roster as they head into the 2025 season. The Athletics drafted Clarke in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He also represented Canada as a part of their World Baseball Classic team in 2023. As for the 2024 season, Clarke played 116 games at the Double-A level, hitting 13 home runs, 53 RBIs, and stealing 36 stolen bases.
Mariners: OF Lazaro Montes
Cuban-born outfielder Lazaro Montes certainly had a 2024 season to remember. He was signed by the Mariners in January 2022, signing for $2.5 million. Montes, 21, played 65 games with Low-A and played another 51 games at the High-A level during the 2024 season. He would finish the year with a .288 average between both leagues, hitting a career-high 21 home runs and 105 RBIs. Depending on where he begins the 2025 season, he could rise fast for a team looking to climb ahead in the AL West.
Rangers: SP Emiliano Teodo
The Texas Rangers showcase a pitching factory of prospects in the former Vanderbilt University duo of Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker. Still, another prospect who exceeded expectations in 2024 was Dominican-born Emiliano Teodo. Teodo signed back in January 2020 for just $10,000. Known for his electric velocity on the mound, the 23-year-old would begin his fourth season in the minors with Double-A. He put together the best season of his career, going 5-4, with an astounding 1.98 ERA in 19 starts and 20 games pitched, striking out 110 batters and walking 50 across 86.1 innings of work. Teodo will have eyes on him throughout Spring Training, as he could work his way into Texas’ rotation.
Astros: OF Luis Baez
Born in the Dominican Republic, the Astros signed outfielder Luis Baez in January 2022. The 20-year-old spent the 2024 season playing between High-A and Double-A. Playing in 106 games across both levels, Baez hit for a .258 average, adding a career-high 21 home runs, with 67 RBIs, also stealing 11 bases. Although he only registered 14 games at the Double-A level, it will be intriguing to see how he performs there to start the 2025 campaign.
