Meet the Newest International Signings in the Tigers’ Farm System
The 2026 international signing period is officially underway, and the Detroit Tigers wasted no time making a splash. With more than a dozen new prospects joining the organization, this year’s class could mark a significant step forward for a franchise that’s been working to strengthen its international pipeline.
Historically, the Tigers haven’t been known as a powerhouse in the international market. But there’s a sense that things are beginning to shift. Recent classes have produced some intriguing talent, and this year’s haul includes a few names that could climb Detroit’s prospect rankings in the not-so-distant future.
Let’s break down the most notable signings from this year’s class - a group headlined by a big-time catcher, a toolsy shortstop, and a pair of outfielders with serious upside.
Manuel Bolívar - C - Venezuela
Let’s start with the headliner. Manuel Bolívar is the Tigers’ marquee signing this year, and for good reason. The Venezuelan catcher received a $2.3 million signing bonus - the largest for any catcher in the 2026 class - and it’s easy to see why Detroit was willing to invest heavily.
Bolívar turned heads early on with a strong showing at the 2022 U-15 Baseball World Cup, where he went 5-for-12 with a pair of doubles. Since then, he’s developed into one of the most physically impressive players in the class. He’s got a sturdy frame, a strong arm, and the kind of present strength that scouts love to project on.
Offensively, there’s real power potential here. Bolívar is considered a power-over-hit type, which means the swing-and-miss risk is something to watch.
But if he can stay behind the plate - and early reports suggest he has the tools to do just that - the offensive profile becomes much more valuable. Catchers with pop don’t grow on trees, and Bolívar could become a cornerstone piece if things break right.
Oscar Tineo - SS - Venezuela
Next up is Oscar Tineo, another high-profile Venezuelan signee who brings a tantalizing mix of athleticism and projection. Tineo earned the second-largest bonus in Detroit’s class, and he’s the kind of player scouts dream on.
He’s lean and lanky right now, but the physical projection is obvious. Tineo already shows smooth defensive actions at shortstop, has above-average speed, and swings it well from both sides of the plate. That kind of switch-hitting ability, paired with his quick bat, gives him a chance to grow into some real power once he adds strength.
Even if he shifts off shortstop down the road - which often happens as young players fill out - his athleticism should allow him to stick somewhere in the infield. For now, though, the Tigers are adding a switch-hitting shortstop with twitchy athleticism and a high ceiling. That’s a win.
Randy Santana - OF - Dominican Republic
If you’re looking for raw tools, Randy Santana might be the most exciting player in the group. He’s a physical specimen with plus speed, plus raw power, and a cannon for an arm - the kind of athlete who jumps off the field during workouts.
Santana projects as a center fielder for now, thanks to that speed and athleticism, but his offensive game will be the key. He’s aggressive at the plate, which can lead to some swing-and-miss, but when he connects, the ball jumps.
And if the bat doesn’t fully come around? There’s a real chance he could convert to the mound - he’s reportedly touched triple digits on throws from the outfield.
That’s the kind of fallback plan most prospects don’t have. Santana is a high-variance player, but the upside is undeniable.
Douglas Olivo - OF - Venezuela
Olivo is a bit more of a long-term project, but there’s plenty to like. At 6’2” and 175 pounds, he’s wiry and athletic, with room to grow into his frame. He’s already a plus runner with good instincts in center field, and the defensive profile gives him a solid floor.
At the plate, Olivo’s development will hinge on how much strength he can add. Right now, he’s more of a contact-and-speed guy, but if he fills out and starts driving the ball with authority, he becomes a much more complete player.
There’s some confusion about his hitting side - some outlets list him as a switch-hitter, while his official MiLB page says he bats left-handed. Either way, he’s an intriguing athlete with center field chops and offensive upside.
Eduardo Tusen - INF - Dominican Republic
Tusen is a well-built infielder with a strong arm and impressive bat speed from both sides of the plate. His offensive profile is ahead of his glove right now, with scouts noting his feel to hit and potential for solid game power down the line.
Defensively, he may outgrow shortstop and slide over to third base, where his arm strength and bat could play up. The switch-hitting ability adds another layer of intrigue, and he’s one of the more advanced bats in this group.
Yeuri Ramirez - RHP - Dominican Republic
Ramirez might be the most fascinating story in this class. He originally signed with the Brewers in 2025 for $210,000, but that deal was later voided.
There were whispers of age-related issues, but the details remain murky. What we do know is this: Ramirez is still just 18, and he’s got one of the most projectable arms in the Tigers’ class.
He’s long and lean, with room to add strength, and he’s already touched 95 mph. Scouts like his feel for both a changeup and a breaking ball, and he’s shown the ability to manipulate timing and pitch with emotion on the mound. That kind of mound presence, paired with his physical tools, makes him a name to watch.
Other Signings to Know
While the headliners get most of the attention - and understandably so - it’s worth remembering that not all future stars come with big bonuses. Some of the best international players in baseball history were unheralded signings who developed over time.
Here are the other players Detroit added during the opening stretch of the signing period:
- Yojan Coronel - C - Venezuela
- Steve Gutierrez - SS - Venezuela
- Roman Silgado - C - Venezuela
- Diego Orro - OF - Venezuela
- Santiago Ventura - CF - Venezuela
- Edwinyer Martinez - SS - Venezuela
- Jesus Miranda - RHP - Colombia
- Alexander Padilla - RHP - Dominican Republic
There’s limited public scouting information on this group, but as always, development is a marathon, not a sprint. A few of these names could become much more familiar over the next couple of years.
Looking Ahead
The Tigers are also laying groundwork for future international classes. Several players have already been linked to the organization for 2027 and beyond, including shortstop Sebastian Cervantes and outfielders Rene Suarez and Juan Acurero.
For now, though, the focus is on the 2026 class - one that brings a mix of high-upside athletes, intriguing arms, and potential middle-of-the-diamond contributors. It’s far too early to know how this group will pan out, but if Detroit’s international scouting continues trending in this direction, the farm system could be in for a real boost in the years ahead.