LMB Players to Watch to Be Signed by MLB and Asian Teams

The Liga Mexicana de Béisbol (LMB), founded a century ago, has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent years to its rich tradition. Since regaining its independence in 2021, after decades as a partner league to Major League Baseball (MLB), the LMB has experienced a noticeable rise in both the quality of play and international interest. Today, it is firmly in the conversation, along with the KBO (Korean Baseball Organization), to be the third-best professional league in the world, behind only MLB and NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball).

Scouts from MLB, NPB, and KBO have taken note. Numerous players previously released from MLB organizations have found success in LMB and used it as a springboard back to top leagues. That trend has continued in 2025, with several standout LMB players signing contracts abroad. Here are some names to keep an eye on as potential midseason signings by MLB, NPB, or KBO clubs.

Nelson Velázquez

Age: 26 | Position: OF | Team: Guerreros de Oaxaca

The Puerto Rican outfielder has 194 games of MLB experience, slashing .212/.286/.433 with 31 HR in his big league career. After being designated for assignment by the Royals in 2024, he was hitting just .202/.298/.377 with 6 home runs for the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers in 2025. But since signing with Oaxaca earlier this month, he’s been on fire, slashing .355/.468/.618 with 5 HR in 19 games. Still just 26, Velázquez looks poised for a quick return to a top-tier league.

Julian Escobedo

Age: 27 | Position: OF | Team: Algodoneros Unión Laguna

Escobedo has been one of the breakout stars of 2025 in the LMB, hitting .364/.482/.573 with 4 home runs and 13 extra-base hits. After previously struggling with strikeouts in four minor league seasons, he’s shown vastly improved plate discipline this year, with 23 walks compared to just 17 strikeouts. With his tools and performance, Escobedo is on the radar for both MLB and Asian teams.

Carlos Pérez

Age: 28 | Position: C | Team: Rieleros de Aguascalientes

Not to be confused with his older brother (also named Carlos Pérez, currently with the Cubs), this catcher has put together a stellar season. He’s slashing .381/.440/.606 with 12 home runs, and boasts an impressive 19:18 BB/K ratio. Coming off a strong Premier12 performance last November (.360/.407/.560), Pérez is likely eyeing an MLB deal, but could also be a prime target for NPB or KBO clubs if a need arises.

J.P. Martínez

Age: 29 | Position: OF | Team: Saraperos de Saltillo

Martínez is enjoying his best professional season to date, hitting .348/.450/.627 with 10 HR and 18 stolen bases. Over six minor league seasons, the Cuban outfielder hit .253/.358/.425 with 64 home runs and 182 steals. His well-rounded game and standout 2025 performance make him a likely candidate for an MLB return.

Efraín Contreras

Age: 25 | Position: RHP | Team: Diablos Rojos del México

A former Padres farmhand (2018–2023), Contreras has emerged as one of LMB’s top relievers this year, posting a 2.41 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. His 10.6 K/9 ranks sixth in the league, despite pitching in hitter-friendly Mexico City. He also impressed in the Mexican Pacific League this past winter, with an 11.1 K/9 that ranked eighth overall. With numbers like these, MLB teams are likely paying close attention.

Clayton Andrews

Age: 28 | Position: LHP | Team: Tigres de Quintana Roo

Andrews has been lights-out in 2025, with a 1.95 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings. A former minor league journeyman who appeared in 5 MLB games, Andrews had a solid MiLB career (3.69 ERA in 144 games) and now looks primed for another shot in the majors or possibly overseas.

Paul Fry

Age: 31 | Position: LHP | Team: Sultanes de Monterrey

A seasoned veteran with 188 MLB appearances and a career 4.82 ERA, Fry is dominating in LMB. In 30 1/3 innings, he has allowed just 15 hits and holds a microscopic 0.89 ERA, with a league-best 4.5 H/9 and the league’s second-best WHIP at 0.86. With this level of dominance, Fry’s return to MLB seems like only a matter of time.

As the LMB continues to grow in stature and talent, the pipeline between Mexico and the world’s top leagues only gets stronger. Don’t be surprised to see many of these names surface on MLB, NPB, or KBO rosters in the second half of 2025.

WBN LMB: /news/category/mexico

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