The 2026 MLB International Signing Day has come and gone, and once again, the Cleveland Guardians were active players on the global stage. With 22 international prospects officially signed, Cleveland continues to lean into a developmental strategy that’s become a defining trait of the franchise.
And leading this year’s class? A promising shortstop out of the Dominican Republic-Svert Reinoso.
Reinoso headlines a group that reflects the Guardians’ long-standing commitment to scouting and developing young international talent. It’s a pipeline that’s been central to their success over the years, and there’s no sign of them slowing down. In fact, Cleveland is already looking ahead to 2027, and they’re reportedly the frontrunners to land another highly regarded Dominican shortstop: John Cruz.
Cruz, who trains at the Rivas Y Ventura Academy in Santo Domingo, isn’t eligible to sign until January 15, 2027. But the buzz is already building. And if the Guardians do indeed land him, it would be another significant win for a system that’s quietly become one of the most consistent talent producers in the league.
This isn’t just about stockpiling prospects-it’s about building a sustainable foundation. The Guardians have done it before, and they’ve done it well. Case in point: José Ramírez.
Signed out of the Dominican Republic as a 17-year-old back in 2009, Ramírez has blossomed into the face of the franchise. Now 33 and entering his 14th big-league season, he’s a perennial AL MVP candidate and a player whose career arc has him flirting with Hall of Fame territory. His story is the blueprint-and the inspiration-for every international prospect who signs with Cleveland.
But Ramírez isn’t the only success story. The Guardians’ current roster features several players who came through the international ranks.
Infielders Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio were both signed out of Venezuela, while outfielders George Valera and Angel Martinez hail from the Dominican Republic. Each of them represents a different chapter in Cleveland’s international scouting success, and together, they form a core that’s both youthful and full of upside.
Of course, international signings are just one piece of the puzzle. Cleveland has also found plenty of value through the MLB Draft-and that’s going to be on full display this season. Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter and second baseman Travis Bazzana are both in the mix for Opening Day roles, and their emergence could be a major storyline in 2026.
DeLauter’s journey is already unique-he made his MLB debut during the postseason, a rare feat that speaks volumes about the organization’s confidence in his talent. Meanwhile, Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has had his path slowed by injuries. But with spring training on the horizon, all signs point to his long-awaited arrival.
Put it all together, and you start to understand why the Guardians have been relatively quiet this offseason. They’re betting on their youth-and given their track record, it’s a bet that fans should feel good about. The organization has shown time and again that it knows how to identify, develop, and elevate talent from all corners of the baseball world.
The Guardians aren’t just building a team-they’re building a system. One that stretches from the Dominican Republic to Venezuela, from the draft room to the development complex. And if history is any indication, that system is going to keep producing big-league talent for years to come.