INTERNATIONAL HARVESTERS

While international players have a long, rich history in the major leagues, their prominence has never been greater.

A total of 251 players born outside the United States were on Opening Day rosters or injured lists in 2019, the third-highest total since Major League Baseball began releasing such data in 1995. The two highest totals came in 2017 (259) and 2018 (254).

The rise of so many international players has led to increased awareness of and attention to the international signing period, which begins annually on July 2. Instituted shortly after the entry method for players