The Mid East Falcons have unveiled their roster for the inaugural season of Baseball United, a new professional league launching this year. The team features a diverse mix of talent from around the world, including players from the Dominican Republic, United States, Japan, Italy, Panama, Argentina, and Finland. Several players bring experience from Major League Baseball, Nippon Professional Baseball, and the affiliated minor leagues.
Familiar Faces: Former MLB and NPB Players
One of the most recognizable names is Alejandro De Aza, a veteran MLB outfielder. De Aza enjoyed a solid career in the majors, slashing .260/.325/.396 with 51 home runs and 91 stolen bases over 838 games. He played for the Marlins, White Sox, Orioles, Giants, Red Sox, Mets, and Nationals. Since 2019, De Aza has played in the Atlantic League, where he posted a .767 OPS with 11 home runs in 2025.
Another notable addition is Munenori Kawasaki, the energetic former MLB and NPB shortstop. Kawasaki appeared in 276 MLB games from 2012 to 2016 with the Mariners, Blue Jays, and Cubs, hitting .237/.320/.289. He played 12 seasons in Japan’s NPB, with his peak coming in 2007 for the SoftBank Hawks when he hit .329/.381/.428. Now 44 years old, Kawasaki spent the past six seasons with the Tochigi Golden Braves in Japan’s independent Baseball Challenge League and also represented the Japan Breeze at the 2025 Caribbean Series. He brings veteran leadership to the Falcons.
Young Talent and Prospects
The roster also includes prospects from Japan’s NPB system, using the league as a form of winter ball. The Yokohama BayStars have sent pitcher Haru Yoshioka and shortstop Manato Tanai to gain experience. Tanai, an 18-year-old selected with Yokohama’s 5th selection of the 2024 NPB Draft, has hit 230/.274/.332 in 70 minor league games this year and will benefit from additional reps ahead of the 2026 season.
Baseball United also offers a platform for players from independent leagues aiming to catch the attention of scouts from MLB, NPB, or Korea’s KBO. One such player is Jake Hjelle, an outfielder who played Division II baseball at Minnesota-Crookston (2020–2024). After stints in the American Association and Frontier League in 2024, Hjelle has had a breakout 2025 season with Boise in the Pioneer League, slashing .338/.381/.635 with 26 home runs and 102 RBIs. He’ll be looking to make a strong impression on an international stage.
A Historic Debut for Finnish Baseball
Among the most unique stories on the Falcons roster is that of Konsta Kurikka, the first Finnish-born and raised professional baseball player. Kurikka was originally signed by the New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League but was unable to secure a visa. Now, he’ll pitch for the Falcons with a fastball that sits between 91–93 mph. Kurikka has previously played in Germany and Australia and this opportunity will could help him land a contract in Asia or North America for 2026.
Mid East Falcons Roster (Country)
Pitchers
RHP Shingo Hirata (Japan)
LHP Kodai Hamaya (Japan)
RHP Konsta Kurikka (Finland)
LHP Shotaro Kasahara (Japan)
RHP Steven Mufareh (USA)
RHP Kazuki Yabuta (Japan)
RHP Haru Yoshioka (Japan)
RHP Yunis Halim (USA)
RHP Severino González (Panama)
LHP Shuto Sakurai (Japan)
Infielders
IF Gregori Canó (Dominican Republic)
IF Munenori Kawasaki (Japan)
IF Hiroyuki Nakajima (Japan)
IF Manato Tanai (Japan)
IF Pedro Figueras (Argentina)
Outfielders
OF Alejandro De Aza (Dominican Republic)
OF Shuhei Fukuda (Japan)
OF Jake Hjelle (USA)
OF Federico Celli (Italy)
Catchers
C Dillon Tatum (USA)
C David Mendham (Canada)
C Shotaro Usui (Japan)
Looking Ahead: A Historic Season in the Middle East
Baseball United’s inaugural regular season is set to run from November 14 to December 14, featuring four teams: the Mid East Falcons, the Arabia Wolves, the Mumbai Cobras, and the Karachi Monarchs.
All games will take place in Dubai, marking a historic moment for professional baseball in the Middle East. The league aims to grow the game in new markets while providing global players with a fresh opportunity to compete and be seen on a new stage.
Photo: Former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Munenori Kawasaki returns to winter ball, this time with the Mid East Wolves in Baseball United (AP Photo)
