5 worst MLB international signings since 2000

International signings in MLB continue to play vital roles for all Major League teams. When organizations hit the money on the head with these players, all signs tend to point upwards.

However, there are times when teams badly swing and miss on international free agents. Here are the five worst MLB international signings since 2000.

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5. Kazuo Matsui, New York Mets 2003

March 30, 2009; Clearwater, FL, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Kazuo Matsui (3) hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies during their spring training game at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Matsui was labeled the best Japanese free agent since Ichiro Suzuki. In his previous nine -year career in the Japanese league, he slashed .302/.351/.470 with 150 home runs, 569 RBI, and 306 stolen bases. In 2003, he joined the Mets on a 3-year, $20.1 million deal.

Matsui had mild success in his first MLB season, slashing .272/.331/.396 with seven home runs, 44 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Unfortunately, the following years saw decreased production. Following stints in Colorado (2006-2007) and Houston (2008-2010), Matsui was out of MLB after seven seasons.

4. Kevin Maitan, Los Angeles Angels 2017

Maitan was the top international free agent in 2016 and regarded as the best available international prospect since Miguel Sano. His potential saw him compared to Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Miguel Cabrera. After originally signing with the Atlanta Braves, Maitan was released from his contract after an MLB investigation found Atlanta had violated international signing rules.

Shortly after, Maitan was signed by the Los Angeles Angels. The prospect was unable to adjust to advanced pitching. He neither developed nor reached his potential in the minor leagues, owning a career strikeout rate of 34%. Kevin Maitan has failed to reach the Majors and last played in the Twins organization during the 2025 season.

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3. Kosuke Fukudome, Chicago Cubs 2007

July 3, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kosuke Fukudome traps a ball hit for a single by Chicago White Sox third baseman Mark Teahen (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago signed Fukudome with the hopes of rejuvenating an organization that was removed a few years from successful runs in 2003 and 2004. Fukudome was listed as a free agent in 2007, following previous seasons that saw him average 27 home runs and 96 RBI.

The outfielder’s production didn’t mimic his production from the Japanese league. In three and a half seasons with the Cubs, Fukudome slashed .262/.369/.403 with 37 home runs and 169 RBI. Following a 2011 mid-season trade to Cleveland, Kosuke Fukudome spent the 2012 season with the White Sox before returning to the Japanese league to end his playing career.

2. Rusney Castillo, Boston Red Sox 2014

Castillo showed promise following a successful 2011 World Baseball Classic performance. During the 2010 and 2011 seasons, he was regarded as an up-and-coming star after slashing .328/.384/.550 with 34 home runs, 145 RBI, and 51 stolen bases. The Red Sox signed Castillo to a seven-year, $ 72.5 million contract in August of 2014.

The Cuban import immediately sat at the top of MLB’s top prospect rankings. Following a brief stint in the Arizona Fall League, he was called up by the Red Sox at the end of the 2014 season. His high praise quickly faded as he appeared in 80 (2015) and nine (2016) games over the next two seasons. He spent the next few seasons in the minor leagues before joining the Puerto Rican league in 2019.

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1. Yoan Moncada, Boston Red Sox 2015

Oct 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Surprise Saguaros third baseman Yoan Moncada of the Boston Red Sox during an Arizona Fall League game against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

At 18 years old, Yoan Moncada was tabbed as the next can’t-miss international prospect. The five-tool prospect was compared to the top MLB second basemen of all time. In February of 2014, the Boston Red Sox gave Moncada a $ 31.5 million signing bonus, one of the largest international free agent signing bonuses on record. In the minors, Moncada showed promise, but his strikeout rate of 31% was a glaring issue.

After a 2016 late-season callup, the Red Sox dealt Moncada to the White Sox for Chris Sale in 2017. He again reached the Majors in 2017 and spent the next seven seasons with Chicago. The production never amounted to his potential, and the current Los Angeles Angel owns a career MLB slash line of .250/.331/.422 with 108 home runs, 384 RBI, and 33 stolen bases in 11 seasons.

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