28.2% of Players Born Outside the U.S., Spanning a Record-Tying 21 Countries and Territories; Total of 275 International Players Marks Second-Most All-Time
April 8th, 2022Share
A total of 275 players represented 21 different countries and territories outside of the 50 United States on 2022 Opening Day rosters and inactive lists, Major League Baseball announced today. The total of 275 international players, which comes with an increased player pool due to expanded 28-man active rosters, marks the second-most all-time on Opening Day rosters, behind only 2020 (291, with expanded 30-man active rosters).
The 275 players born outside the U.S. (28.2%) come from a total pool of 975 players (840 active 28-man roster players and 135 Major League players on injured, restricted or bereavement lists) on April 7th rosters. Opening Day and inactive list players represented 21 countries and territories by birthplace, tied with 2018 for the highest total ever.
As it has each year since MLB began releasing this annual data in 1995, the Dominican Republic again leads the Major Leagues among countries and territories outside the United States with 99 players.
Venezuela ranks second with 67 players, while Cuba places third with 23 players (tied with 2016 and 2017 for its most ever). Rounding out the totals are Puerto Rico (16); Mexico (13, its most since 14 in 2013); Canada (12, its most since 17 in 2013); Colombia (10, its highest total ever, eclipsing seven in 2020); Japan (7); Panama (6, its highest since seven in 2012); Curaçao (5, tied for its highest ever); South Korea (4); the Bahamas (3, marking its first time ever with multiple players); Aruba (1); Australia (1); Brazil (1); Germany (1); Honduras (1); the Netherlands (1); Nicaragua (1); Taiwan (1); and the U.S. Virgin Islands (1).
For the second consecutive season, the Houston Astros have the most internationally-born players with a total of 16 on their roster. They are followed by the Washington Nationals (15), Minnesota Twins (13), San Diego Padres (13), Miami Marlins (12), Atlanta Braves (11), Cincinnati Reds (11), Detroit Tigers (11) and Toronto Blue Jays (11). The Padres have players from eight different countries and territories outside the U.S., marking the most in the Majors. They are followed by the Twins (7), Blue Jays (7), Braves (6), Boston Red Sox (6), Chicago Cubs (6), Reds (6) and Nationals (6).
For the 2022 season, MLB will have 141 media partners broadcasting games and highlights to 207 countries and territories in up to 16 languages globally.
Please see below for the complete list of internationally-born players on 2022 Opening Day rosters and inactive lists.
