In Major League Baseball, what explains the signing of many players from Central and Latin America?

• A. They require fewer protective contracts
• B. They are less competitive
• C. They constitute a large pool of cheap and skilled labor
• D. They are from high-profile colleges

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that MLB teams tap into a huge, skilled talent pool in Central and Latin America and can sign players at relatively low initial costs. There are many talented players in these regions who develop strong baseball skills from a young age, and teams sign them as teenagers through international free agency, then develop them in the minor leagues. This combination of a large supply of able players and lower upfront signing costs makes it common for clubs to sign many players from these areas. It’s not about fewer contracts, or a lack of competitiveness, and many signings come through pathways other than U.S. colleges, so those options don’t explain the trend.