Story by
5 best MLB international signings since 2000
- Story by
- 5 best MLB international signings since 2000
International signings continue to play vital roles for all MLB teams. When organizations hit the money on the head with these players, all signs tend to point upwards. The best component is when a front office hits on a signing, and the price is a bargain. Here are the five best MLB international signings since 2000.
MORE: 5 worst MLB international signings since 2000
Advertisement
5. Kenley Jansen , Los Angeles Dodgers 2004
May 17, 2010; Los Angeles , CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) pitches in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles was unaware they were getting a future Hall of Fame closer when they signed Kenley Jansen in 2004. After five minor league seasons behind the plate, the organization moved Jansen to the mound in 2009.
A year later, the right-handed pitcher made his debut and became a full-time bullpen arm in 2011. After taking over the team's closer role in 2012, he had one of the best stretches from any MLB closer. From 2014-2019, Jansen averaged 40 saves and 0.89 WHIP. While his fastball velocity isn't what it used to be, Jansen is still closing games and can reach 500 career saves by the end of the 2026 season.
Advertisement
MORE: Garrett Crochet's contract partially voided as Red Sox gain advantage due to IL stint provision
4. Jose Altuve , Houston Astros 2007
In 2007, Houston took a chance signing the second baseman generally listed at 5'6". The $15,000 shot in the dark turned out to be one of the organization's best moves. After five minor league seasons, Jose Altuve became the Astros' starting second baseman in 2012.
Despite his size, he had the best stretch of his career from 2014-2017. In those four seasons, Altuve averaged 211 hits per season, while batting .334 with 18 home runs, 76 RBI, and 39 stolen bases. In 2017, he was named the American League MVP after leading all MLB players in hits, average, and WAR. A member of nine All-Star teams, Altuve played a pivotal role in Houston's 2017 and 2022 World Series championships.
Advertisement
3. Salvador Perez , Kansas City Royals 2006
Sep 20, 2025; Kansas City , Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) at the plate during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Signed in 2006 at 16-years-old, Sal Perez has spent his entire 15-year career with the Royals. Following five minor league seasons, Perez made his Major League debut in 2011. He earned the starting catcher role in 2013.
One of the game's best offensive catchers displayed power in his third Major League season. Since that season, Perez has averaged 26 home runs and 82 RBI per season. The long-time catcher ranks 7thall-time in home runs by a primary catcher. Within the next decade, the Royals will have another player representing the organization in Cooperstown.
Advertisement
MORE: Phillies pull off the most improbable late-inning comeback en route to their 9th straight victory
2. Shohei Ohtani , Los Angeles Angels 2017
When it's all said and done, Shohei Ohtani will go down as the greatest international signing in MLB history. After signing in December 2017, the two-way player took MLB by storm, winning the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year Award.
However, he underwent Tommy John surgery after the season, preventing him from pitching the following two seasons. Following two seasons of only hitting, 2021 saw Ohtani return to playing two-way and becoming the greatest player in Major League Baseball. That season, Ohtani won his first MVP Award, finishing with 40 home runs, 100 RBI, 26 stolen bases, 23 games started, 3.18 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 156 strikeouts in 130.1 innings.
Advertisement
After winning his second MVP Award in 2023, he underwent a second Tommy John surgery and signed a 10-year, $ 700 million contract, the largest contract in professional sports history, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since joining the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani has averaged 54 home runs, 116 RBI, 39 stolen bases, 2.17 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and back-to-back NL MVP Awards.
1. Ichiro Suzuki , Seattle Mariners 2000
2002, Baltimore , MD, USA; FILE PHOTO; Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki in action at the plate against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards during the 2002 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Advertisement
After a storied career in Japanese baseball, Ichiro signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2000. Following an agreement between the Japanese league and MLB, Ichiro started his Hall of Fame MLB career in 2001. He ended his first MLB season winning both the AL Rookie of the Year Award and MVP Award.
In his first 11 seasons, Ichiro was one of the game's most outstanding hitters and led the league in hits seven of the 11 seasons. In that span, he averaged 220 hits, 102 runs, 38 stolen bases, and slashed .326/.370/.421. Following 19 MLB seasons, Ichiro Suzuki was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025.
In his storied career, he totaled 3,089 hits, a .311 batting average, a .355 on-base percentage, the Rookie of the Year Award, the MVP Award, 10 All-Star selections, 10 Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers, two batting titles, and one All-Star Game MVP Award.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
