MLB Teams Eye International Talent with Recent Signings

The Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization announced the signing of right-hander Matt Manning to a one-year, $1 million contract. Manning was previously with the Philadelphia Phillies, having been outrighted off their roster in September. After electing minor league free agency, Manning, once regarded as one of baseball's top pitching prospects, decided to join the Lions rather than continue in the minors. During his time in Major League Baseball with the Detroit Tigers, he had a mixed performance, posting a 4.43 ERA over 254 innings across 50 starts from 2021 to 2024. Injuries impacted his career, but his relative youth at 28 years old and past pedigree likely influenced his decision to sign with the Lions early in the offseason. The KBO is known for being a hitter-friendly league, which might provide Manning an opportunity to refine his skills and potentially return to Major League Baseball, as several pitchers have successfully revitalized their careers in the KBO before making their way back to the majors, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

In a similar vein, the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball announced the signing of left-hander Jose Castillo. Castillo was non-tendered by the New York Mets, who declined to pay his projected $1.7 million arbitration salary. The lefty had a tumultuous 2025 season, appearing in the majors with four different teams and compiling a 3.94 ERA over 32 innings. His career in the majors has been characterized by a series of challenges, including injuries that sidelined him for almost two years. Having pitched primarily in the minors after his rookie season with the San Diego Padres, Castillo opted for the security of a guaranteed contract with the Marines instead of facing potential designations and outright assignments in Major League Baseball. At 30, he still has time to potentially return to the MLB, and his career stats reflect a solid strikeout rate, which could appeal to scouts if he performs well in Japan. The recent signings of both Manning and Castillo underscore MLB teams' increasing interest in international talent, as they look beyond traditional markets to enhance their rosters and tap into a broader pool of skilled players, highlighting the globalization of baseball. This trend is significant as it reflects how teams are actively searching for competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving sport, as noted by MLB Trade Rumors.