Reuters is reporting that the Yankees have become the first major league side to sign Chinese players after bringing in two teenagers today.

Left-handed pitcher Kai Liu and catcher Zhenwang Zhang, both 19, have signed for the team with the approval of the Chinese Baseball Association, the Yankees announced on their official Web site.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to integrate Chinese players into the organization,” said Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

“We believe that this is the start of something we can develop further as we work toward our commitment to help grow the game of baseball in China.”

The players will be presented at a news conference at Yankee Stadium on July 6.