Breaking Barriers: 17-Year-Old Joseph Deng Becomes the First South Sudanese Pro Baseball Player

He’s just 17 — and already making history.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially signed Joseph Deng, a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher from South Sudan, marking a groundbreaking moment in baseball history. According to MLB.com, Deng is now the first player from South Sudan ever to sign a professional baseball contract, an achievement that symbolizes both personal triumph and a major milestone for African representation in the sport (MLB.com).

A New Era for Global Baseball

The Dodgers’ 2025 offseason has already been headline-grabbing, with blockbuster deals that include signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract, and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, one of the most highly anticipated international signings in years (The Athletic). But amid all the splashy free-agent news, Deng’s signing stands out for a different reason — it marks the growing globalization of baseball and the sport’s long-overdue expansion into regions like Africa.

Standing an impressive 6-foot-7 (2.01 meters) with a fastball clocked at 95 mph, Deng’s physical tools are already drawing attention from scouts across the league. “He’s raw, but the potential is off the charts,” an international scout told The Los Angeles Times, describing Deng as “the kind of athlete you don’t see often — tall, powerful, and just beginning to scratch the surface” (Los Angeles Times).

Even more exciting: coaches believe that with time and professional training, Deng could soon touch triple digits on the radar gun, a feat that would place him among the elite power pitchers of the next generation.

A Historic Moment for Africa

Deng’s signing also signals something bigger than baseball — it represents a beacon of hope for South Sudan, a nation still rebuilding from decades of civil conflict. According to BBC Sport, organized baseball is virtually unknown in the country, where sports like soccer and basketball dominate. Deng’s rise, therefore, is not just a personal achievement but a symbol of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination (BBC Sport).

“Joseph’s story is one of inspiration,” said Dodgers international scouting director Ismael Cruz. “He’s proof that talent exists everywhere — it’s just about finding it and nurturing it” (MLB.com).

His signing also coincides with a surge of African talent entering professional baseball. In the same year, Armstrong Muhoozi, a gifted infielder from Uganda, signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, joining a growing wave of players from across the continent (ESPN). Both players were scouted through Major League Baseball’s Africa Elite Program, a developmental initiative aimed at discovering and training young athletes from emerging baseball regions (ESPN).

From Africa to the Big Leagues

Baseball’s roots in Africa stretch back to the mid-20th century, but only recently has MLB invested in the continent’s potential. The MLB Africa Elite Camp, launched in 2018, has hosted young prospects from nations including Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. Deng’s signing is now being hailed as one of the program’s biggest success stories (MLB International Development Report, 2024).

Experts say the signing could help spark a new wave of interest in the game across South Sudan and neighboring regions. “This moment matters because it shows that baseball is truly becoming a global sport,” said Jeff Passan of ESPN, noting that Africa has long been “the final frontier” for baseball development (ESPN).

A Symbol of Hope and Possibility

For a country better known for producing world-class long-distance runners and basketball players — including Luol Deng, the South Sudanese-British NBA All-Star with whom Joseph shares a last name but no relation — this milestone carries cultural weight. “We hope Joseph’s journey inspires young people in South Sudan to believe that they too can compete on a global stage,” wrote The East African in a recent feature celebrating his signing (The East African).

Deng’s rise also highlights MLB’s growing presence in Africa. The Dodgers, long known for pioneering global scouting (they were among the first MLB teams to sign players from Korea and the Dominican Republic), see Deng as part of their long-term vision to expand baseball’s reach beyond traditional borders.

The Road Ahead

At just 17, Deng’s journey is only beginning. He will likely start in the Dodgers’ developmental system, where he’ll receive professional coaching, conditioning, and English-language support as he transitions into life in the United States. But already, his story has sparked conversation across continents about the next frontier for the sport.

As MLB Pipeline reported, “Deng’s signing isn’t just another international deal — it’s a historic step toward making baseball truly global.” (MLB Pipeline, Jan. 2025)

Whether or not Joseph Deng becomes a major league star, his achievement has already changed the game. He’s proven that talent can rise from anywhere — even from a nation where baseball fields are almost unheard of.

And for South Sudan, his success is more than a statistic — it’s a story of hope, resilience, and global connection through sport.

As Deng embarks on this new chapter, the baseball world will be watching. The future of the game — and perhaps the future of African athletics — just got a little brighter.

Congratulations, Joseph Deng — the first of many to come.