With Spring Training just a few weeks away, the White Sox have been relatively quiet on the major league front-Sean Newcomb’s signing back in December remains their most recent big-league move. But while the MLB roster has seen little action, the organization has been busy elsewhere, particularly in the international market. And if the early returns from this year’s international signing period are any indication, the White Sox may have just added some serious long-term talent to their pipeline.
The team recently announced its initial wave of international signings for the 2026 period, and it’s a group that’s already turning heads. Headlining the class is 17-year-old Venezuelan catcher Fernando Graterol, who comes in ranked as the No. 31 international prospect by MLB Pipeline. The White Sox reportedly handed Graterol a $1.7 million signing bonus-a clear sign of how high the organization is on his potential.
Graterol brings a tantalizing mix of tools to the table. Scouts love his raw power at the plate and his strong, accurate arm behind it.
He’s still a teenager, but there’s already buzz that he could make his way stateside within a year or two. For a franchise that’s been looking to build long-term depth behind the dish, Graterol is a name worth circling.
If his development stays on track, he could quickly rise through the ranks and become one of the more intriguing catching prospects in the system.
But the White Sox didn’t stop there.
They also landed outfielder Sebastian Romero, another high-upside teenager who’s drawing praise from evaluators. Romero is ranked No. 31 on Baseball America’s international prospect list and received a reported $1.5 million bonus. That’s a significant investment, and it reflects the organization’s belief in his potential to develop into a quality outfield option-something the system could certainly use more of.
Romero profiles as a dynamic outfield athlete with a skill set that could translate well as he matures. Much like Graterol, he’s still raw, but the tools are there. The White Sox are betting on projection, athleticism, and the ability to grow into a complete player over time.
International free agency is always a bit of a gamble. You’re often signing kids who haven’t played a professional inning, banking on tools, makeup, and upside.
But it’s also a space where teams can make franchise-altering moves. Just look at the White Sox’s history-Luis Robert Jr. came through this same pipeline back in 2017, while Lenyn Sosa was a more modest signing in 2016 who’s worked his way into the big-league mix.
This year’s crop might not have a Robert-level headliner, but the early signs are promising. Graterol and Romero both carry the kind of upside that could pay major dividends down the road. For a team that’s in the midst of a rebuild and looking to restock the farm, these are the types of signings that could quietly shape the next era of White Sox baseball.
There’s still time for more additions, but even if this is the bulk of their international class, it’s a strong showing. The real work, of course, begins now-developing these players, guiding them through the minors, and helping them unlock their potential. But for now, the White Sox have taken a meaningful step forward in building for the future.