
The "International Signing Period" extends from January 15th through December 15th. No international player can be signed during the period of time extending from December 16th through January 14th.
NOTE: Prior to the 2021 ISP, the ISP began on July 2nd and extended through June 15th of the following year, but the 2019-20 ISP (only) was extended until 5 PM (Eastern) on October 15, 2020, and no international player could be signed during the period of time beginning at 5 PM Eastern on October 15, 2020, through January 14, 2021.
Any individual who is age 16 or older, has not previously signed an MLB or minor league contract, resides outside the U. S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and has not been enrolled in a high school or college in the U. S., Canada, or Puerto Rico within the previous year, can be signed during the ISP. Also, any individual age 15 who turns 16 prior to September 1st is eligible to sign beginning on the date he turns 16 up through August 31st.