More than 28% of MLB players are Latino, a share that keeps climbing. It’s no accident: baseball is the number-one sport in much of the Caribbean and it’s been part of the culture for over a century.
Passion plus academies
In the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Mexico, kids grow up with a glove on their hand. MLB teams run academies there, especially in the Dominican Republic, scouting and developing talent from a young age. It’s a direct pipeline to the majors.
Numbers and legends
The Dominican Republic alone accounts for over 10% of big leaguers. Stars like Roberto Clemente, Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera and Juan Soto have carried the Latino flag to the top of the sport, inspiring new generations to chase the same dream.
FAQ
Which country produces the most players?
After the U.S., the Dominican Republic, followed by Venezuela.
What role do the academies play?
They scout and develop young talent locally, feeding the pipeline straight to MLB.

