South Sudanese Teen Joseph Deng Signs With Dodgers in Baseball First (Video)

(LOS ANGELES) – A 17 year old pitcher from South Sudan is making headlines in the world of baseball after signing a professional contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this year. Joseph Deng Thon, who stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall, is now the first South Sudanese player to join Major League Baseball (MLB).

Deng began pitching only a few years ago  but is already throwing fastballs at speeds of 95–97 miles per hour. He was spotted by scouts after video footage from South Sudan began circulating in late 2024.

His raw talent, physical build and fast developing technique caught the attention of several development experts, but it was the Dodgers who moved quickly to bring him into their system.

Just seven months ago, Deng was still training on a makeshift mound in his backyard in South Sudan. Now, he is part of a professional setup, training at the Dodgers’ rookie facility in the United States and previously competing in the Dominican Summer League, where he began facing more competitive opponents.

Joseph Deng’s signing was confirmed in January 2025, making him the first ever South Sudanese national to sign with a Major League Baseball team. Though he currently plays at the Minor League level, it is clear baseball analysts view him as a long term project with exceptional upside.

The Dodgers do not expect him to be ready for MLB action for at least five to eight years. That timeline gives their renowned scouting and development team ample opportunity to shape Deng into a potential starting pitcher. Scouts say his current success is remarkable, considering his limited experience with the sport and lack of early access to facilities or coaching.

Deng is currently listed at 6’7″ and 180 pounds (82 kg), but coaches believe he will need to gain significant muscle mass to endure the demands of professional baseball. The goal is to gradually increase his weight to around 220 pounds (100 kg) with the support of the Dodgers’ strength and conditioning team. This development is seen as key to improving his control, endurance, and pitch velocity.

Recent footage shared online shows Deng already making strides. Compared to his early training clips from South Sudan, his technique has become noticeably more refined and his presence on the mound more confident.

Quick summary of Joseph Deng’s profile and career