Yoanis Alexsandrov signs for Chicago Cubs, becomes first Bulgarian player to join MLB
When the Chicago Cubs signed 17-year-old catcher Yoanis Aleksandrov last month, he became the first player from Bulgaria to join a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization to continue a trend where the number of players from different countries entering the MLB continues to grow. On Opening Day of the 2022 season alone the 21 countries and territories represented by players on the Opening Day rosters tied with 2018 for the highest total ever.
Aleksandrov was born in Sofia and learned how to play baseball in Nettuno, Italy, where his family moved when he was a toddler.
The 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds backstop made his debut in the Bulgarian top league with the Sofia Blues at 16. He impressed several scouts when he participated in showcases in Florida in the Fall of 2021. Aleksandrov reportedly agreed to a US$ 85,000 bonus.
His parents, Asen and Svetlana, represented Bulgaria internationally in modern pentathlon. His sister Eleni, now 29, also made the Bulgarian junior National Team in track and field.