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Dubai's Baseball United held its inaugural draft on Monday, adding a number of MLB icons such as Robinson Cano and Bartolo Colon to its roster. The event marks the establishment of the first professional baseball league in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Four teams—the Mumbai Cobras, the Dubai Wolves, the Abu Dhabi Falcons, and the Karachi Monarchs—picked players to fill their lineups. There was a mix of former MLB players as well as fresh talent.
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Karan Patel, a right-handed pitcher from San Antonio, Texas, went first overall to the Mumbai Cobras. Patel had been a part of the Chicago White Sox's farm system since 2017 but hadn't moved past Double-A.
Robinson Cano, the highest-earning second baseman in MLB history, was a marquee selection by the Wolves. He had inked a $240 million deal with the Seattle Mariners in 2013. Cano is also one of the investors in the Baseball United initiative.
The most decorated draftee was Bartolo Colon, who went 16th overall to the Karachi Monarchs. Colon last appeared in the MLB in 2018 at the age of 45 with the Texas Rangers.
Other MLB icons who will be playing in Dubai's Baseball United
The Baseball United draft featured multiple high-profile MLB veterans who were in great demand.
Didi Gregorius, former Yankees shortstop, was drafted third overall by the Dubai Wolves. Though Gregorius never earned an All-Star nod in his 11-year MLB career, his resume includes 999 hits and 134 home runs.
The Abu Dhabi Falcons picked former San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval at No. 4. Known affectionately as "Kung Fu Panda," Sandoval has three World Series titles with the Giants.
The Mumbai Cobras chose former Braves and Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons at No. 8.
The inaugural Baseball United Draft sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling first season. The league introduces baseball to a new region, opening the door for potential growth.
