He’s just 17 years old!
Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed 17-year-old pitcher Joseph Deng, the athlete making history as the first player from South Sudan ever to sign a professional baseball contract, MLB.com reports.
The Dodgers have had an eventful offseason, making headlines with blockbuster deals—including signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. But amid all the high-profile moves, Deng’s signing represents something even more significant: a groundbreaking moment for baseball’s
growing global reach.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-7 with a 95-mph fastball, Deng has the raw talent and physical potential to develop into a true force on the mound. And being just a teenager, he has plenty of time to refine his skills and build strength—meaning that fastball will soon be touching triple digits.
Deng’s signing comes in the same year that Armstrong Muhoozi, an infielder from Uganda, inked a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, signaling a new wave of talent emerging from Africa. For years, the continent of Africa has been largely underrepresented in professional baseball, but signings like these are proof that the tide is turning.
For South Sudan, Deng’s journey represents hope and inspiration. Baseball may not yet be a dominant sport in his home country, but his success could open doors for future generations of young athletes who dare to dream beyond boundaries. This isn’t just about one player making it to the big leagues—it’s about paving the way for an entire nation.
Joseph Deng’s journey is just beginning, and the world will be watching because the future of baseball in South Sudan – and across the continent – just got a little brighter.
Cover photo: Joseph Deng Makes History as First Player From South Sudan to Sign a Professional MLB Contract/Photo credit: WBSC News