Baseball United announced the signing of two top players from the Philippines, Lord Aragorn De Vera and Efril Ian Mercado, who will join the Mumbai Cobras — the first professional baseball team in the history of India. The pair will become the first players born in the Philippines to play in a professional baseball league, a milestone for the sport’s growth in the country and in Filipino communities abroad.

Since its launch, Baseball United has expanded into a global platform with broadcasts reaching more than 100 countries. The Philippines has a long tradition in baseball, with organized play dating back more than a century. Its national team is ranked No. 24 in the world, supported by a passionate base at home and nearly one million Filipinos in the UAE.

Baseball United Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder Kash Shaikh praised the historic signings. “We are very excited to welcome Lord and Ian to Baseball United. They are young, passionate players with tools and athleticism, and they’ve represented their country very well. Now they are a part of history. I can’t wait to see them on the field in Dubai and watch the fans support them.”

De Vera, Mercado, Sagisi join Cobras for debut season

De Vera, 22, joins as one of the Philippines’ top shortstops after helping De La Salle University win the UAAP Season 85 title. He has represented the country in the Asian Baseball Championship and East Asian Baseball Cup, and was recently invited to a workout with Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

Mercado, 24, from Tanauan City, Batangas, strengthens the Cobras’ outfield with his speed and power. A left-handed batter from the University of the Philippines, he was named “Best Hitter” during UAAP Season 87 and is regarded as one of the nation’s most promising all-around players.

The Cobras also added Vince Sagisi as bullpen coach. Sagisi, who managed the Philippine national team to a championship at the Baseball Federation of Asia East Asia Cup, previously served as the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association’s director of baseball operations and as a Major League Baseball scout for 13 years.

“This is a historical moment not only for me, Lord, and Ian, but for the entire baseball community in the Philippines,” Sagisi said. “This occasion gives hope to young Filipino players who dream of becoming professionals. Now they know it can be a reality.”

Baseball United’s inaugural season begins Nov. 14 in Dubai with the Subcontinent Series between the Mumbai Cobras and Karachi Monarchs. Four teams — also including the Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons — will compete in a month-long season. The top two clubs will advance to the United Series finals on Dec. 12–14.

The full Cobras roster will be announced on Sept. 19.