Here is the comprehensive list of active Asian American players, coaches, and executives in Major League Baseball. Click here for a list of retired and former Asian Americans in MLB.
This list only includes Asian Americans and not players born in Asia. For more information about Japanese-born players, be sure to check out our monthly recaps of their performances.
Last updated: September 25, 2024. Have any additions or corrections? Please contact us at the form below.
MLB Debut: 7/29/2019
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Bo Bichette
Shortstop, Toronto Blue Jays
Bichette, who is of Chinese decent , was drafted by the Blue Jays in 2016. He made his MLB debut in 2019, quickly making a name for himself with impressive hitting skills and defensive abilities. Bichette, of course, comes from a big baseball family. His father Dante Bichette played in MLB for 14 years. Look for Bo to be a crucial part of a young and exciting Jays young club for years to come.
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Corbin Carroll
Outfield, Arizona Diamondbacks
Carroll who is part Taiwanese, was drafted by the D-backs in the first round of the 2019 draft. He made his major league debut in 2022 and has stayed with the big league club since. In the D-Backs’ 2023 NL Pennant winning season, Carroll was named an All-Star and the NL Rookie of the Year.
MLB Debut: 9/11/2010
Clubs: Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks
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Hank Conger
First Base Coach/Catching Coach, Minnesota Twins
Hyun Choi Conger, affectionately known as Hank (in honor of Hank Aaron!), was born to Korean parents who moved the United States. Conger was drafted by the Angels in the first round of the 2006 draft and made his debut in 2010. He played with several clubs as a catcher before transitioning into a coaching role with the KBO’s Lotte Giants in 2019. After two seasons with the Giants, the Twins hired Conger as their catching and first base coach prior to the 2022 season.
Former Club: San Francisco Giants
Kai Correa
Major League Field Coordinator, Cleveland Guardians
Correa, who is of Japanese descent, joined the Guardians after the 2023 season. He was previously a member of the Giants coaching staff. In 2023, he was tapped to be San Francisco’s interm manager after the Giants fired Gabe Kapler with three games remaining in the season. On September 29, 2023, Correa and Dave Roberts made history as the first pair of managers of Asian descent to face each other in and of the Big 4 professional sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL).
Dodger Manager Dave Roberts and Giants’ interim skipper Kai Correa are the first managers/coaches of Asian descent to face each other in the Big 4 professional sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL). pic.twitter.com/IVJVMtPLWJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 30, 2023
MLB Debut: 8/17/2013
Former Clubs: New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays
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Travis d’Arnaud
Catcher, Atlanta Braves
Whether you recognize him as a beloved fan favorite of the New York Mets or as a star with the Atlanta Braves, Travis d’Arnaud has solidified his reputation as a highly respected player across multiple franchises. In 2020, he earned a coveted Silver Slugger award, and in 2021, he helped lead his team to a World Series victory. D’Arnaud has a connection to the Philippines through his mother, Marita, who is of Filipino American descent. His brother Chase was actually slated to represent the country in the 2020 World Baseball Classic before the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dane Dunning
Pitcher, Texas Rangers
Formerly regarded as one of the most promising pitching prospects in the game, Dunning has since established himself as a reliable fixture in the Texas Rangers’ rotation following his acquisition by the team in 2021. During the 2023 World Series, Dunning pitched in relief in three games without conceding a run. Debuting for the Chicago White Sox in 2020, Dunning exhibited a composed demeanor and a formidable sinker/slider pairing. With a mother of Korean descent, Dunning has expressed his desire to represent the South Korean National Team in international competitions.
MLB Debut: 6/08/2019
Former Clubs: St. Louis Cardinals
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Tommy Edman
Shortstop, Los Angeles Dodgers
Edman, whose mother is from South Korea, has become a beloved figure among St. Louis Cardinals fans. The Cardinals were quickly impressed with Edman’s exceptional speed, defensive prowess, versatility, and batting skills. In 2021, he seized the opportunity to become the team’s starting second baseman and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, earning a Gold Glove for his defensive prowess and finishing second in the National League in doubles with an impressive 41. In 2023, Edman proudly represented Korea in the World Baseball Classic. He was traded to the Dodgers in 2024.
MLB Debut: 4/10/2017
Former Clubs: New York Yankees
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Kyle Higashioka
Catcher, San Diego Padres
Higashioka, whose father is Japanese American, made history as the 24th Yankee to hit three home runs in a single game. He caught both Corey Kluber’s no-hitter and Domingo German’s perfect game, and is primarily known for his defensive skills as a catcher. Higashioka made an effort to learn both Japanese and Spanish, allowing him to better connect with Masahiro Tanaka and his Latin American teammates. Higashioka also represented Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. After the 2023 season, Higashioka was traded to San Diego.
MLB Debut: 5/14/2019
Former Clubs: Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers
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Keston Hiura
Infielder, Los Angeles Angels
Hiura, a player of both Chinese and Japanese heritage, made his debut in the major leagues in 2019. Since then, he has been moving between Triple-A and the Majors, facing challenges with consistency at the plate and finding a permanent position in the field. However, his undeniable potential to add value to any lineup lies in his impressive batting skills. Despite his struggles, there is still much to anticipate from Hiura as he strives to recapture the pure hitting ability he showcased as a rookie.
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Connor Joe
Outfield, Pittsburgh Pirates
Joe, whose grandparents emigrated from China, has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in recent MLB history. After years of bouncing between organizations and bravely battling testicular cancer in 2020, he is finally seeing regular playing time. Joe’s impact extends beyond the field, as he inspires his teammates and fans alike with his resilience and determination. With a solid average and a reputation as a top-of-the-order sparkplug, he has become a sleeper pick for fantasy baseball owners and is definitely one to watch.
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Stuart Fairchild
Outfield, Cincinnati Reds
Fairchild, whose mother was born in Taiwan, made his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021, before spending time with Seattle, San Francisco, and eventually Cincinnati in 2022. Since becoming a Red, Fairchild has started to see more regular playing time.
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Travis Ishikawa
Hitting Coach, San Jose Giants
Ishikawa, whose father is a third generation Japanese American, was drafted by Giants in 2002. He debuted in 2006 and played eight seasons in the majors, posting a .255 career batting average. Ishikawa is a 2x World Series Champion, and will always be remembered by Giants fans for his 2014 NLCS walk-off home run against Michael Wacha.
Former Clubs: Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers
Gil Kim
Major League Field Coordinator, Toronto Blue Jays
Kim, whose parents were born in Korea, played at Vanderbilt University before embarking on a global baseball journey that saw him playing infield in the Netherlands, Spain, China, Australia, and Venezuela. The Texas Rangers hired Kim as an international scout in 2010 and he eventually became their director of international scouting. In 2016, Kim was hired by the Blue Jays as their director of player development, and in 2020, he was promoted to the big league coaching staff. We recommend watching this great profile on Kim highlighting his culture and the importance of raising Asian visibility in baseball.
MLB Debut: 4/10/2018
Former Clubs: Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays
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Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Third Base, Pittsburgh Pirates
Kiner-Falefa, who is of Samoan, Hawaiian, Japanese, and Caucasian descent, has made waves in the MLB with two different teams. During his time with the Texas Rangers, he earned a coveted Gold Glove award for his exceptional performance at third base in 2020. In 2021, he led the entire league in singles, racking up an impressive 136 with a .271 average and 20 stolen bases. Following his trade to the New York Yankees in 2022, Kiner-Falefa has become a regular player for the Bronx squad, earning high praise from manager Aaron Boone. After the 2023 season, Kiner-Falefa signed with Toronto as a free agent. He was traded to the Pirates in 2024.
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Steven Kwan
Outfielder, Cleveland Guardians
Kwan, who has both Japanese and Chinese ancestry, made an unforgettable debut in by becoming the first player since 1901 to reach base 15 times in his first four major league games. His impressive performance earned him the title of AL Rookie of the Month in April 2022, and he has continued to excel ever since. Kwan’s pesky, contact-oriented approach has made him a fan favorite in Cleveland. He consistently torments pitchers, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Kim Ng
Ng, whose father was Chinese American and mother is of Chinese descent (although born in Thailand), is the first woman and first person of East Asian descent to serve as the general manager of an MLB team (Farhan Zaidi of the Giants is Pakistani Canadian). She was hired as the Miami Marlins’ GM in late 2020 and served in that role through the 2023 season. Ng, who earned three World Series as assistant general manager with the Yankees, has been an inspiration to other Asian Americans baseball. JapanBall’s Shane Barclay wrote about what it was like working for Ng. In 2024, Ng was appointed to the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors and became a Senior Adviser to the Athletes Unlimited professional softball league.
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Lars Nootbaar
Outfielder, St. Louis Cardinals
Nootbar – whose father is Dutch and mother is Japanese – endeared himself immediately to the Cardinal faithful as a rookie in 2021 with multiple pinch-hit home runs and a remarkable walk-off against the Tigers in August that would help the Cards surge towards a Wild Card berth.
In 2023, Nootbaar became the first non-Japanese born player to represent Samurai Japan, Japan’s national team. He became an international sensation playing for in the World Baseball Classic and became a cult hero in the country with his famed “pepper grinder” celebration.
MLB Debut: 9/9/2014
Former Clubs: St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox
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Tommy Pham
Outfielder, St. Louis Cardinals
Pham’s story is captivating in its own right, but it’s made even more remarkable by the fact that he’s currently the only MLB player of Vietnamese descent. Drafted by the Cardinals in 2006, Pham struggled for a couple of seasons before being diagnosed with keratoconus in 2008 – a degenerative eye disorder that threatened to derail his career. However, Pham refused to give up and underwent a cutting-edge procedure after the 2011 season that was hailed as a “miracle” by one of his doctors. Finally able to see clearly, Pham made his MLB debut for the Cardinals in late-2014 at the age of 26, becoming one of the team’s feel-good stories of the year. He quickly established himself as the club’s everyday right fielder and had a breakout year in 2017, becoming the first Cardinal since 1900 to record a .300 average, 20 home runs, 20 doubles, and 20 stolen bases in a single season. In 2023, he was an integral part of the D-Backs NL Championship team. Despite bouncing around the league a bit, Pham remains a force to be reckoned with on the base paths and a source of inspiration for his teammates.
MLB Debut: 6/14/2007
Clubs: Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Cleveland
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Clay Rapada
Assistant Pitching Coordinator, San Francisco Giants
Rapada, whose father is Filipino, signed with the Cubs as an Undrafted Free Agent in 2002. After making his debut in 2007, he pitched 93 innings over the course of his seven-year MLB career. Rapada is the owner of the MLB record for a pitcher with the most wins without being charged for a loss. He finished his career with a record of 8-0 before accepting a role as a pitching coach for the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets. He is currently an assistant pitching coordinator in the San Francisco Giants organization.
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Rob Refsnyder
Second Baseman, Boston Red Sox
As only the fourth MLB player to hail from South Korea, Refsnyder embodies the true essence of versatility. When the Minnesota Twins faced a shortage of center fielders in 2021, Refsnyder stepped up to the plate, despite never having played the position at the major league level. He batted .320 in 16 games in this new role. Refsnyder’s greatest strength lies in his ability to adapt, having played at first base, second base, shortstop, third base, center field, right field, and designated hitter.
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Dave Roberts
Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers
Born in Okinawa, Japan, Roberts is the first manager of Asian heritage to guide a team to a World Series championship. He has been a key member of winning teams his whole career, most notably when he ignited the 2004 Red Sox’s triumphant comeback with his unforgettable stolen base in Game 4 of the ALCS.
Having won the Manager of the Year award in 2016 and successfully guiding the Dodgers to three World Series appearances, there is no denying his exceptional leadership skills. However, one lingering question remains: where will he ultimately rank among the all-time greats once he decides to retire?
MLB Debut: 9/12/2024
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Kumar Rocker
Pitcher, Texas Rangers
Kumar Rocker, whose mother is of Indian descent, is one of the most talked-about prospects in recent years. Drafted 3rd overall in 2022, Rocker is known for his overpowering fastball and devastating slider, which made him a star at Vanderbilt University. Rocker’s father, Tracy, was an NFL defensive lineman and currently coaches in the NFL, adding to the family’s rich sporting background. Though his path to the majors has faced some setbacks due to injuries, Rocker remains a highly anticipated talent with the potential to become a key part of the Rangers’ rotation in the near future. In September of 2024, Rocker made his big league debut and became the first MLB player of South Asian descent.
MLB Debut: 4/7/2016
Former Clubs: Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays
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Robert Stephenson
Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels
Stephenson, whose mother is from the Philippines, is known for his powerful fastball and sharp breaking ball. He was a first round pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2011 and debuted in 2016. After facing some challenging seasons early in his career, he has become a bit of a journeyman, most recently landing with the Angels in free agency. Stephenson’s resilience and phenomenal work ethic make him a potential key piece for the Angels in their post-Ohtani era.
In 2023, Stephenson wore an awesome pair of custom cleats for the Pirates’ Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Night. They featured the flag of the Philippines and the word “Pangasinan”, as a nod to the province where Rowena, Stephenson’s mother, is from.
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Anthony Volpe
Shortstop, New York Yankees
Volpe was selected in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. Known for his strong defensive skills and a promising offensive game, Volpe broke camp with the Yankees in 2023 at just 21 years old. His heart and talent were a bright spot for what was otherwise a disappointing Yankees season. Volpe has Filipino heritage, and we recommend reading this piece on his grandfather’s incredible story.
MLB Debut: 8/28/2020
Former Clubs: Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants
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Mitch White
Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers
Although White’s playing time has been limited in the early stages of his career, it certainly hasn’t hindered his ability to impress when given the chance. In fact, he showcased his talent by recording a remarkable 3.66 ERA in 46.2 innings for the Dodgers in 2021, including a breathtaking 7.2-inning scoreless relief performance in August. Despite battling through some injuries, White was acquired by the Blue Jays at the trade deadline in 2022. He’s bounced around a bit since then and is currently with the Brewer’s Triple-A team in Nashville, where he is working hard to recover and hopefully make a triumphant return to the big league club.
Kelsie Whitmore
Pitcher, Oakland Ballers
Since 2016, Whitmore has been a regular fixture on professional baseball teams across the United States. In 2022, she made history as the first woman to start an Atlantic League game, playing in left field. A true utility player, Whitmore is equally at home in the infield, outfield, and on the pitcher’s mound. In 2021, she pitched for the Portland Pickles against the Venados de Mazatlan of the Mexican Pacific League, throwing an impressive five innings without conceding a single run. In 2023, the half-Filipino Whitmore (her mother is from the Philippines) joined the Staten Island FerryHawks. For the 2024 season, Kelsey will be the first woman to play in the Pioneer League, pitching for the Oakland Ballers.
For more on Kelsie, check out features from the New York Times, the Associated Press, and MLB.com.)
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Connor Wong
Catcher / Utility, Boston Red Sox
A switch-hitter who can catch and play all over the field, Wong is a perfect fit for modern MLB roster construction. Sent as a top prospect to the Red Sox from the Dodgers in the Mookie Betts trade, Wong played every position but pitcher in his time in the minor leagues. Wong earned the trust of Boston manager Alex Cora in limited time in 2021 and 2022, paving the path for him to be the primary catcher in 2023, when he became one of the most reliable catchers in the league.
MLB Debut: 8/16/2013
Former Clubs: St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles
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Kolten Wong
Second Base, Free Agent
Wong, a second baseman of Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese heritage, is widely regarded as one of the top players in his position over the past decade. His defensive prowess is nothing short of magical, leaving spectators in awe with his incredible plays. Wong’s impressive track record includes back-to-back Gold Glove wins in 2019 and 2020, as well as a reputation for delivering clutch performances in crucial moments. He has hit numerous walk-off home runs and late-inning RBIs, often propelling his team to victory. Prior to the 2024 season, Wong signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but was released mid-season.
MLB Debut: 9/5/2019
Former Clubs: Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox
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Kean Wong
Second Base, Free Agent
The brother of Kolten, Kean has not yet secured a regular spot in MLB, but his impressive performance in the minor leagues cannot be overlooked. In 2021, he boasted a batting average of .339 and a slugging percentage of .476 in Trip-A, which earned him 32 games with the Los Angeles Angels. Since his brief stint in the big leagues, Kean has been a consistent presence in AAA, showcasing his reliable batting skills and versatile defensive abilities in both the infield and outfield.
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Bryan Woo
Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
Drafted 174th overall in 2021, Woo made quick work getting to the big leagues. Making his debut in 2023 against the Texas Rangers, Woo has provided consistency for the Seattle club since his call up.
Woo’s surname is traditionally of Korean or Chinese descent, but we are unable to confirm his specific Asian heritage.
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Christian Yelich
Right Field, Milwaukee Brewers
Yelich, a bonafide superstar, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the current MLB era. With an impressive resume that includes two All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger awards, two National League batting championships, and the 2018 NL MVP title, Yelich, whose maternal grandfather was Japanese, has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with on the field.
