With the international signing period beginning this week, here is a look back at the five best players to get to the MLB via the international signing period.
Roberto Clemente, Signed in 1954
After being signed by the Dodgers out of Puerto Rico in 1954, Roberto Clemente was eventually picked up by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Rule 5 Draft.
Clemente’s career would go on to be the stuff of legend as he finished with 15 all-star appearances and 12 gold gloves. He also was a part of two World Series championships in Pittsburgh in 1960 and 1971.
He would go on to become the first Latin-American born player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.
The name only should be enough for people to understand that Clemente is arguably the best player to come out of international signings.
Shohei Ohtani, Signed in 2017
As time progresses, it is becoming more and more prevalent just how great Shohei Ohtani really is.
The Los Angeles Angels picked him up in 2017 and instantly became the number one prospect in the MLB pipeline. In 2018, he would go on to win AL Rookie of the Year.
Flash forward to 2025, Ohtani is now looking at three MVP trophies on his mantle along with three silver slugger awards and a World Series championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers this past season.
The “Japanese Babe Ruth” is undeniably heading towards a Hall of Fame career. He already is one of the best players to come out of the international signing period. Soon, he may end up as the best international signing.
Miguel Cabrera, Signed in 1999
The Florida Marlins swooped in on a 16-year-old Venezuelan phenom and were not disappointed.
At 20 years old, Miguel Cabrera was called up to the MLB and it would be a great rookie season for him to say the least. He would help the Marlins win the World Series in 2003.
After that season, Cabrera would go on to be an all-star every year with Florida until 2008 when he moved to Detroit to play with the Tigers.
When it was all said and done after the 2023 season, he finished as a two-time MVP, a 12-time all-star, and a seven-time silver slugger.
It is safe to say that this was one of the better international signings Major League Baseball has seen.
Mariano Rivera, Signed in 1990
The Panama-born pitcher would go on to be one of the greatest closers ever and would be baseball’s first unanimous hall of famer.
In a career that lasted from 1995-2013, Mariano Rivera would be named an MLB all-star thirteen times. He would also win five World Series with the New York Yankees in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009. In the 1999 World Series against the Atlanta Braves, Rivera was named the MVP.
The Panamanian also has plenty of MLB records to his name. He is Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in saves, games finished, and career ERA (after 1919).
The legendary pitcher deserves a spot amongst the five best signings of the international signing period.
Tony Perez, Signed in 1960
The big-time player out of Cuba would go on to become “the glue” of the “Big, Red Machine” that was the Cincinnati Reds.
His illustrious career that lasted from 1964-1986 included two World Series championships with the Reds in 1975 and 1976. He was also a seven-time all-star who would go on to be named to the hall of fame in 2000.
He finished his career with an epic statline of a .279 batting average, 2,732 hits, 379 home runs, and 1,652 RBI.
Perez is just another great example of an incredible player from international signings.
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Miguel Cabrera (20) celebrates with his Marlins teammates after hitting game-winning, two-run home run off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Al Levine in 11th inning of his major-league debut on June 20, 2003. [ALAN DIAZ/Associated Press] Palm Beach Post
