Sauryn Lao Bio
Sauryn Lao (born August 14, 1999) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Lao signed as an international free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 as an infielder. While in the minor leagues, he converted to being a pitcher. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2025 for the Seattle Mariners before being claimed by the Washington Nationals late in the year.
Early Life and Background
Sauryn Lao was born on August 14, 1999, in the Dominican Republic. Growing up in a country with a rich baseball tradition, he was exposed to the sport from a young age. His passion for baseball led him to pursue a career in the sport, ultimately signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent when he was just 16 years old. This early commitment to baseball set the foundation for his future endeavors in the sport.
Path to Baseball
Lao began his professional career in 2016 with the Dominican Summer League Dodgers, where he played as an infielder. His early years in the minor leagues were marked by significant development, as he transitioned from an infielder to a pitcher. This shift in position was a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to showcase his skills on the mound. Lao’s dedication and hard work during this time laid the groundwork for his eventual rise to the major leagues.
Sauryn Lao Career
Early Career (2016-2021)
Sauryn Lao made his professional debut in 2016, and over the next few years, he played for various minor league teams within the Dodgers organization. In 2017, he had a notable season, slashing .303/.373/.412 with two home runs and 36 RBIs in the Dominican Summer League. His performance helped the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers win a league championship in 2018. Lao continued to develop his skills, and by 2021, he achieved career-highs in home runs and RBIs while playing for the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
Breakthrough (2025)
Lao’s breakthrough came in 2025 when he made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners. He was promoted to the major leagues on April 20, 2025, and made his debut on April 22 against the Boston Red Sox, where he struck out three batters in 1+2⁄3 innings. Despite some challenges, including being designated for assignment shortly after his debut, Lao’s determination shone through. He was later claimed by the Washington Nationals, where he earned his first MLB win on September 20, 2025, pitching a scoreless inning against the New York Mets.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Sauryn Lao has made significant strides, transitioning from an infielder to a successful pitcher. His notable achievements include his MLB debut in 2025 and earning his first win in the same year. His performance in the minor leagues, particularly in 2023 and 2024, showcased his potential as a pitcher, leading to his eventual signing with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball.
Sauryn Lao Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Sauryn Lao has not yet received any major award nominations, but his journey in professional baseball is still in its early stages, with potential for future recognition.
Sauryn Lao Awards Won
As of now, Sauryn Lao has not won any major awards in his professional baseball career. However, his achievements in the minor leagues and his transition to the major leagues demonstrate his talent and dedication to the sport.
Sauryn Lao Family
There is currently no publicly available information regarding Sauryn Lao’s family or personal life.
Personal Life
Sauryn Lao maintains a low profile regarding his personal life. There are no known details about his marital status, partners, or children at this time.