The international signing period has officially opened, and the Milwaukee Brewers are diving in with purpose. Armed with a bonus pool of $7,357,100, Milwaukee is making a strong push to deepen its farm system with a wave of international talent-particularly up the middle. And while bonuses under $10,000 don’t count against the pool, the Brewers are clearly putting their money where their scouting reports are.
Let’s break down the key signings so far, with rankings courtesy of MLB Pipeline and bonus figures reported by Baseball America.
Headliners: Up-the-Middle Focus
The Brewers are going heavy on shortstops-and not just any shortstops, but some of the most highly regarded international prospects in this year’s class.
Diego Frontado (SS, Venezuela) comes in at No. 24 on MLB Pipeline’s international prospects list and is reportedly signing for $1.6 million. Frontado is a smooth-fielding shortstop with advanced instincts and a quick first step. His glove is already drawing attention, but what’s exciting is the projection with the bat-there’s room for real growth, especially in terms of gap power and plate discipline.
Jose Rodriguez (SS, Venezuela) isn’t far behind. Ranked No. 49 and signing for $1.5 million, Rodriguez brings a different kind of profile-more twitchy athleticism, quick hands, and a high-energy style of play. He’s the kind of player who could develop into a top-of-the-order sparkplug if the bat continues to come along.
Then there’s Ricky Moneys (SS, Dominican Republic), the No. 20 prospect on the board, who’s reportedly inked a $1.15 million deal. Moneys (yes, that’s really his name) is one of the most intriguing signings of the bunch.
He’s a switch-hitter with a compact swing and natural feel for contact from both sides. Add in fluid defensive actions and a strong internal clock at short, and you’ve got the makings of a high-ceiling infielder.
Catchers and Cornerstones
Behind the plate, Moises Salazar (C, Venezuela) comes in with a $700,000 price tag. Salazar is known for his strong arm and leadership skills, with the kind of defensive makeup that could anchor a young pitching staff down the line. The bat is still developing, but the foundation is there.
Sebastian Franeites (C, Venezuela) is another catcher joining the fold, though his bonus hasn't been disclosed. Still, the Brewers clearly see something in his defensive skill set and game-calling ability.
Depth and Upside Across the Diamond
The Brewers are also adding depth with several other infielders, including:
- Argenis Fernandez (SS, Dominican Republic) - $500,000
- Osiris Ramirez (3B, Dominican Republic) - $450,000
- Manny De Los Santos (SS, Dominican Republic) - $325,000
- Leander Matos (SS, Dominican Republic) - $300,000
- Santiago Garcia (SS, Venezuela) - bonus not disclosed
That’s a lot of shortstops, and it’s by design. At this stage, many international infielders start their pro journeys at shortstop before eventually shifting to second, third, or even the outfield as they grow into their bodies. It’s a strategy rooted in flexibility and upside-and the Brewers are clearly betting on athleticism and defensive versatility.
Pitching and Outfield Additions
On the mound, Milwaukee is bringing in Alexander Mercedes (LHP, Dominican Republic) and Marcos Veras (RHP, Dominican Republic). While details on their bonuses haven’t been made public, both arms add depth to a system that’s always looking for projectable pitching talent.
In the outfield, Enrique Lovera (OF, Venezuela) joins the class, rounding out a group that leans heavily toward infielders but still brings in some positional balance.
Final Thoughts
This international class is shaping up to be one of Milwaukee’s more aggressive hauls in recent years. With seven-figure investments in three top-50 shortstops and a strong supporting cast of infielders, catchers, and pitchers, the Brewers are clearly aiming to reload their farm system with athletic, high-upside talent.
It’ll be years before we know how this class pans out, but the early returns suggest a front office that’s confident in its evaluations and committed to building from the ground up. For a franchise that prides itself on player development, this international signing period could be laying the groundwork for Milwaukee’s next wave of homegrown stars.