Major League Baseball (MLB) Opening Day rosters showcase once more baseball’s enduring international reach and appeal. On 2022 Opening Day (7 April), 275 players from 21 different nations and territories were included on the 30 team rosters.
It marks the second-most of all-time, behind only 2020 (with 291 international players, with expanded 30-man active rosters). This season’s pool of players has been increased due to expanded 28-man active rosters.
The 275 players born outside the U.S. represent 28.2% of the 975 players (840 active 28-man roster players and 135 Major League players on injured, restricted or bereavement lists) on Opening Day. The 21 countries and territories by birthplace tied with 2018 for the highest total ever.
The Dominican Republic has the highest number of MLB players with 99, followed by Venezuela (67) and Cuba (23). Rounding out the list are Puerto Rico (16); Mexico (13); Canada (12); Colombia (10, its highest total ever); Japan (7); Panama (6); Curaçao (5); South Korea (4); the Bahamas (3, marking its first time ever with multiple players); Aruba (1); Australia (1); Brazil (1); Germany (1); Honduras (1); the Netherlands (1); Nicaragua (1); Taiwan (1); and the U.S. Virgin Islands (1).
For the 2022 season, MLB will have 141 media partners broadcasting games and highlights to 207 countries and territories in up to 16 languages globally.
Photo: WBSC Premier12 MVP and Olympic gold medallist Seiya Suzuki is one of seven Japanese stars featuring on the MLB Opening Day Rosters.
