Joseph Deng, a Prospect From South Sudan, Is Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers now have another high-ceiling pitcher to work with as Joseph Deng became the first South Sudanese athlete to sign with an MLB organization.

Although Roki Sasaki is the international addition that has garnered the most attention for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team also welcomed other trailblazers from abroad this weekend.

Joseph Deng, a 17-year-old pitcher, was signed by the Dodgers on Saturday, becoming the first South Sudanese prospect to ever turn pro. The 6-foot-7, 185-pound right-hander is known for his splitter and fastball, which can reach speeds of up to 95 miles per hour.

Deng eventually joined the Dodgers despite Sasaki’s presence, although his signing was somewhat postponed while Los Angeles awaited the Japanese righty’s decision. Despite the fact that Deng is not as ready for Major League Baseball as Sasaki, the team now has both young pitchers committed for the near future.

Joseph Deng becomes 2nd player from Africa signed in MLB this year

Along with Ugandan infielder Armstrong Muhoozi, who is currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Deng is just the second player from Africa to sign with an MLB franchise this year.

None of the Dodgers’ top 11 prospects are ranked in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, and just three of them are pitchers. Their minor-league levels could always use more arms, even if they have a cartoonishly strong big-league pitching staff that was further strengthened by the arrivals of Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Tanner Scott this winter.

It certainly seems worth taking a chance on Deng, a high-ceiling player with a lengthy road ahead of him. By 2030, Los Angeles may have another talented pitcher on their hands if he can put on muscle and convert that added strength into additional velocity.

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