Guardians Go Deep in 2026 International Signing Period, Doubling Down on Development
The 2026 international signing period has officially opened, and as expected, the Cleveland Guardians didn’t just dip their toes in the water-they dove in headfirst. With 22 international prospects signed and their entire $8,034,900 bonus pool fully deployed, Cleveland once again showed why they’re one of the most consistent operators in this space.
This year’s haul isn’t likely to impact the big-league roster anytime soon-most of these players are just 16 or 17 years old-but that’s never been the point. For a club like the Guardians, who rarely chase headlines in free agency, the international market is where they quietly build their future. It’s a long game, and Cleveland has shown time and again they know how to play it.
Just look at the current roster. José Ramírez, the heart and soul of the team, was an international signing.
The pipeline behind him is packed with talent like Angel Genao and Jaison Chourio-players who also came through this very system. This year’s class looks like another step toward sustaining that model.
A Balanced Approach to Spending
Unlike some teams that go all-in on one or two marquee names, the Guardians chose to spread their bonus money around. The top signing was Svert Reynoso, a switch-hitting shortstop out of the Dominican Republic, who received an $820,000 bonus.
Reynoso has the physical tools-he’s already filling out a 6-foot frame-and while he’s currently playing shortstop, there’s chatter he could eventually move to a corner infield or outfield spot. That kind of flexibility is something Cleveland clearly values, especially in young players still growing into their bodies.
Right behind Reynoso is Rafeli Lara, another switch-hitting shortstop from the Dominican, who signed for $800,000. Lara might not stick at shortstop long-term, but the bat is real. Scouts like his approach at the plate, and there’s a belief his offensive skill set could carry him even if he shifts to another position.
Karel Naranjo rounds out this trio of Dominican shortstops. He signed for $620,000 and while he doesn’t bring big-time power right now, he’s been praised for his on-base skills and ability to wreak havoc once he’s on. In a system that values plate discipline and smart baserunning, Naranjo feels like a natural fit.
A Rare Pitching Investment
The Guardians have long been known for developing pitching talent, but they typically don’t spend big on international arms. That makes Cristofer Brujan’s $260,000 bonus stand out.
The Dominican right-hander already features a fastball sitting at 94 mph and seems to have a good feel for both his slider and changeup. That’s a solid foundation to build on, and it’s clear Cleveland sees something in his profile that’s worth the extra investment.
Looking Beyond the Infield
While the Dominican Republic dominated Cleveland’s signings this year, the Guardians didn’t ignore other regions. Venezuelan shortstop Luis Hernandez, widely considered one of the top international prospects in this class, signed with the San Francisco Giants for nearly their entire $5.44 million pool. Hernandez wasn’t in Cleveland’s plans, but his signing underscores how competitive this market has become-and why the Guardians’ strategy of depth over splash plays might be the smarter long-term play.
Building for the Future, Again
This year’s international class won’t make headlines the way a blockbuster trade or a big-league free agent signing might, but for the Guardians, that’s never been the goal. They’re playing a different kind of game-one that’s built on scouting, development, and long-term vision.
With 22 new prospects in the fold and a track record of turning international signings into core contributors, Cleveland continues to lean into what they do best: finding talent where others might not be looking and giving it the time and space to grow.
The names might not be familiar now, but give it a few years. If history is any indication, a few of these kids could be making noise in Cleveland before long.