The international signing period is officially underway across Major League Baseball, and the Cincinnati Reds wasted no time making a splash. With the window open until December 15, most of the headline deals will get done early - and the Reds have already secured one of the biggest names on the board.
Cincinnati’s marquee move so far? Landing 16-year-old outfielder Angel Nunez from the Dominican Republic with a $3 million signing bonus - a seven-figure commitment that signals just how highly the organization thinks of him. That number is expected to remain the largest in their 2026 class.
Nunez came into the signing period with serious buzz. Both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline ranked him as the No. 6 prospect in this year’s international class, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a left-handed hitter and thrower, listed at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, with room to grow physically - and he just turned 17 in April.
He’s no stranger to the spotlight, either. Nunez represented the Dominican Republic’s national team at the U15 World Cup in 2024, where he hit .350 and showed exceptional plate discipline, drawing twice as many walks as strikeouts - a rare trait at that level. Scouts describe him as a well-rounded, five-tool player with a skillset that checks all the boxes: speed, arm strength, defensive instincts, bat-to-ball skills, and developing power.
In the field, he profiles as a true center fielder, showing plus speed and the ability to cover serious ground. His arm strength is also a weapon, giving him the tools to stick in center as he climbs the ladder.
At the plate, Nunez already shows an advanced approach for his age. He’s comfortable using the whole field and projects to hit for a solid average as he matures.
While his raw power currently lags behind his hit tool, there’s confidence he’ll grow into average pop - which, for a center fielder, would be more than enough to stand out offensively. His speed should also translate into value on the basepaths, adding another layer to his game.
Now, it’s important to remember: at 16, tools are often ahead of polish. That’s the case with Nunez.
The talent is there - now it’s about development. Like most international signees, he’ll need time to turn those raw tools into consistent production.
But the foundation is strong, and the upside is real.
The Reds didn’t stop with Nunez. They also inked shortstop Carlos Hernandez to a $1 million bonus, another seven-figure deal that reflects confidence in his long-term potential.
Hernandez, who ranked 51st on Baseball America’s bonus board, brings a different kind of profile. He’s listed at 6-foot-1 and 160 pounds, and like Nunez, he’s expected to fill out more as he matures.
Hernandez doesn’t have any one tool that jumps off the page as elite, but he’s solid across the board. He hits from the left side with a disciplined approach and the potential to hit for average.
His power is more fringe-average, but at shortstop, that’s acceptable - especially if he continues to develop physically. Defensively, he’s got good hands and a strong enough arm to stick at short, which is no small thing in today’s game.
Another name to watch from this class is catcher Diego Pacheco, who signed for $700,000 and landed at No. 73 on Baseball America’s bonus rankings. Pacheco is viewed as a potential breakout candidate, and there’s a lot to like.
Offensively, he shows the potential to hit for both average and power, and behind the plate, he’s an athletic backstop who’s made noticeable strides defensively. His arm strength is a standout tool, and if his receiving and blocking continue to improve, he could develop into a legitimate two-way catcher - always a premium commodity.
These signings are part of a broader strategy under the current international signing structure. Gone are the days when teams could spend freely and simply pay a penalty. Now, each club is given a bonus pool allotment, which caps how much they can spend - though teams can trade for additional space, up to 60% of their original pool.
This year, the Reds’ pool comes in at $7,357,100, placing them in the second-highest tier of international spending. For context, seven teams have the top pool of $8,034,900. Signings of $10,000 or less don’t count against the pool, so clubs often use that space strategically to sign a large number of lower-cost prospects while still targeting high-upside talent at the top.
Cincinnati’s early moves show a clear commitment to building through international scouting and development. Nunez, Hernandez, and Pacheco represent different profiles - a potential five-tool center fielder, a steady shortstop with projection, and a high-upside catcher - but they all fit the mold of players who could become impact pieces down the road.
More signings are expected in the coming days, and the Reds will continue to fill out their international class. But with these early deals, they’ve already made a statement - not just with the money spent, but with the caliber of talent they’re bringing into the system.