Watch future top prospects play in MLB's Amateur Scouting League
On Opening Day 2026, 26.3 percent of players on Major League rosters were born outside of the United States. The sport continues to expand globally, and MLB continues to make efforts to ensure the next generation of international players has the exposure necessary to enter professional baseball and potentially one day make it to the highest level.
For teenage players in Latin America, the Amateur Scouting League -- which is back for its fourth iteration in 2026 -- is a premier destination. As has been the tradition, games take place across four sections of the Dominican Republic -- East, Central, North and South -- and up to 700 players are expected to participate, giving organizations a chance to see how their skills stack up.
Since its inception in 2023, all 30 Major League clubs have gone on to sign at least one player who participated in the Amateur Scouting League.
A major benefit for players and clubs alike is the fact that Trackman data and video is available and every game is streamed live on the league’s website. Run in conjunction with MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, the Amateur Scouting League presents players with a chance to get more scouting exposure while playing in a structured environment.
The league also provides tremendous opportunities for its participants off the field. Over the course of the year, former big leaguers from the various regions will be on hand to deliver their insights to the next generation of players. Participants also receive education on PED prevention and life skills, while getting the opportunity to engage in various community activities.
The 2026 season began on June 18 in the South Region, which kicked things off with 13-year big league veteran Ramon Santiago delivering a message about perseverance, hard work and respecting the game. Former Major League catcher Welington Castillo helped ring in the Central Region on Saturday.
The remaining two regions get underway with their opening days this weekend:
- 6 p.m. ET Friday: East Region, San Pedro de Macorís
- 6 p.m. ET Saturday: North Region, Santiago
Yunior Amparo won 2023 South Region MVP, parlaying his success into a deal with the Mets. The 19-year-old has already begun to give back, sending a video message to this year’s group, citing the opportunity they have in front of them and how impactful it can be for their careers.
Last year, multiple players that were a part of the league went on to make MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 International Prospects list, including 2024 MVP Angeibel Gomez, who was ranked No. 4 and headlined the Royals' class. There are six other players currently on a club’s Top 30 Prospects list that have come through the Amateur Scouting League:
Juan Sanchez (TOR No. 6)
Yolfran Castillo (TEX No. 8)
Stharlin Torres (CIN No. 22)
Hansel Jimenez (CIN No. 27)
Richard De Los Santos (COL No. 28)
Alexander Frias (MIL No. 29)
The 2027 international signing period will open on Jan. 15, with MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 rankings preceding it in September. The Amateur Scouting League provides the opportunity to get to know some of those names before they get their pro careers underway.