The Atlanta Braves continue to show they’re not just building for today - they’re investing in tomorrow with purpose and precision. On Thursday, the club announced the signing of 11 international free agents, headlined by 17-year-old shortstop Jose Manon out of the Dominican Republic, who ranks No. 15 on MLB’s Top 50 international prospects list.
This marks the third consecutive year the Braves have landed a top-15 international prospect - a feat only matched by the Mets and Mariners over that span. It’s a testament to Atlanta’s commitment to scouting and developing young talent on a global scale, and it reinforces the organization’s long-term vision: keep the pipeline stocked.
Manon is expected to command a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $1.5 million, and based on early returns, the investment looks promising. He put together a strong showing in the Amateur Scouting League, going 8-for-26 with seven RBIs and swiping seven bags in seven attempts across nine games. That blend of contact, speed, and production is exactly what you want to see from a young middle infielder.
At 6-foot-2, Manon already has the physical tools that jump off the page. His high-contact approach at the plate pairs nicely with his plus defense, making him one of the more well-rounded international prospects in this year’s class. He’s not just a flashy name on a list - he’s a player with a real chance to impact the Braves’ system in the coming years.
The international signing window runs from January 15 through December 15, and players must meet specific age and registration requirements to be eligible. This year, that includes players born between September 1, 2008, and August 31, 2009. All signees must be registered with MLB before putting pen to paper.
Here’s the full list of international players the Braves have signed during this period:
- Jose Manon, SS, Dominican Republic
- Yeferson Acosta, OF, Venezuela
- Luis Aparicio, RHP, Venezuela
- Brayan De La Cruz, OF, Dominican Republic
- Carlos De La Rosa, C, Dominican Republic
- Daniel Escobar, OF, Colombia
- Yonaiker Linares, SS, Venezuela
- Elian Liranzo, RHP, Dominican Republic
- Edwin Mejia, OF, Dominican Republic
- Angel Moreno, LHP, Venezuela
- Luis Rojas, RHP, Dominican Republic
It’s a diverse group, with players representing Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia - and a mix of pitchers, outfielders, and infielders that gives the Braves options at every level of the farm system.
This kind of international haul doesn’t just happen. It reflects years of groundwork laid by the Braves’ international scouting department, who have clearly zeroed in on players that fit the organization’s mold: athletic, versatile, and projectable.
While these players are still years away from making noise in the majors, the Braves know that championship windows don’t stay open forever - and the best way to keep them from closing is to keep the talent flowing. With signings like these, Atlanta is making sure the next wave is already on the way.