Background and Significance
After a 14-year hiatus, the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) has revived its “Futuras Estrellas” game, an exhibition featuring young baseball players. This event has garnered international attention from scouts of four countries seeking skilled players at a reasonable cost.
Event Details
Held as part of the LMB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium in Mexico City, the Futuras Estrellas Game consists of an 11-inning match and two showcase sessions. Ninety young players, aged 13 to 17, from ten of the LMB’s twenty teams participate in this event.
Participants and Scouts
These talented adolescents have the opportunity to impress international scouts, potentially leading to professional contracts, including those with Major League Baseball (MLB), provided they meet the minimum age requirement of 16.
In 2025, 29 out of 30 MLB teams sent scouts to the Futuras Estrellas Game, with only the Houston Astros unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. Among the 90 participants, only one is a foreign player: Dominican Robinson Canó Jr., son of Diablos Rojos del México star player.
Historical Context and Expectations
The LMB previously organized this event, with the last instance occurring in Saltillo, Coahuila, in 2011. Gabriel Medina, LMB’s Director of Planning and Strategy, expressed his optimism about the event’s potential to showcase Mexico’s best young talent, including scouts from Asia (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan).
Recent Developments
On June 26, one of the two showcases took place, followed by an 11-inning game between combined teams ‘Ramón Arano’ and ‘Nelson Barrera.’ Team ‘Ramón Arano’ emerged victorious with a score of 10-5.
Scout Reactions
Scouts from Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox praised the event’s organization and expressed their satisfaction with the displayed talent. They emphasized the importance of such events for evaluating young players and fostering relationships with Mexican baseball prospects.
Future Prospects
Although the LMB aims to continue this event annually, its future remains uncertain according to Medina’s statements. The decision to host the event in Mexico City was driven by its connectivity advantages, making it more accessible for scouts primarily from the United States.
Minimum Age and Cost Considerations
MLB contract eligibility begins at age 16, so most prospects in the Futuras Estrellas Game are not immediately signed but are targeted for future development. Scouts follow promising players for one to two years before potential contracts are discussed.
Compared to players from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, Mexican prospects tend to have a relatively lower cost, ranging between 30% and 40% less, according to a Boston Red Sox scout.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Futuras Estrellas Game? An exhibition event organized by the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) showcasing young, talented baseball players aged 13 to 17 from ten of the league’s twenty teams.
- Why is this event significant? It attracts international scouts from four countries seeking skilled players at a reasonable cost, potentially leading to professional contracts, including those with Major League Baseball (MLB).
- How many scouts attended the 2025 Futuras Estrellas Game? 29 out of 30 MLB teams sent scouts, with only the Houston Astros unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
- What are the future prospects for this event? The LMB aims to continue hosting the Futuras Estrellas Game annually, with Mexico City chosen for its connectivity advantages for scouts primarily from the United States.
- Why are Mexican baseball prospects considered to have a lower cost? Compared to players from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, Mexican prospects tend to have a relatively lower cost, ranging between 30% and 40% less.
