While Roki Sasaki may be the most high-profile international signing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he’s not the only international talent the team added over the weekend.
On Saturday, the Dodgers signed 17-year-old pitcher Joseph Deng, making him the first prospect to turn professional out of South Sudan. The 6-foot-7, 185-pound right-hander has a fastball that reaches 95 mph and also features a highly regarded splitter.
Although the Dodgers were initially waiting on Sasaki’s decision, which delayed Deng’s signing, both pitchers are now secured for the future. While Deng isn’t as immediately MLB-ready as Sasaki, the team has a promising duo for the long term.
Deng is just the second player from Africa to sign with an MLB team this year, following Ugandan infielder Armstrong Muhoozi, who is now with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Among the Dodgers’ top-11 prospects, only three are pitchers, and none of them rank in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. While the Dodgers’ big league pitching staff boasts impressive talent, the minor leagues could always use more depth.
Deng, with his high ceiling and developmental journey ahead, is an intriguing gamble for the Dodgers. If he can add strength and improve his velocity, Los Angeles might have another strong pitcher in the system by 2030.
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