Dodgers Sign Young Flamethrower From Mexico as International Free Agent

From signing starting pitcher Blake Snell to retaining outfielder Teoscar Hernández, the Los Angeles Dodgers have had a busy free agency this offseason. While the Dodgers are in the midst of building another championship roster for next season, the organization also signed a Mexican phenom for the future.

Away from the media horde in Los Angeles, the Dodgers signed 16-year-old Bryan Lara. He plays for the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol team, Bravos de León.

“I feel thrilled and excited to be able to wear these colors,” Lara said in a press release. “The truth is that being part of this organization is something beautiful, and now we’re going for more [championships.] I know it won’t be easy, the journey is still long, but you can succeed at everything by working hard and with enthusiasm.”

Dodger scout Juvenal Soto gave Lara a glowing review, highlighting the speed of his fastball. There’s a chance Lara could reach the big leagues sooner than most.

“Bryan has a great physique for his young age, and above all, his fastball velocity touching 90 and 92 miles per hour is very interesting for a 16-year-old,” Soto said. “His command, breaking pitches, and secondary pitches are above average, and his body suggests he could be a Major League prospect, possibly a starter very soon.”

Based on Soto’s evaluation, Lara could emerge as a shining star of the Dodgers organization. This wouldn’t be the first time the Dodgers took a chance on a young pitcher from Mexico. Fernando Valuenzuela came from a tiny Mexican village named Etchohuaquila, but at 17 years old, his life changed when Dodger scout Mike Brito noticed him.

We all know the rest of Valenzuela’s legendary story. Flash forward to 2025, Lara has the same opportunity to be a Mexican star at Chavez Ravine for years to come.

Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports