The 2026 international signing period has been a whirlwind of excitement, with MLB teams pulling in some remarkable talent from around the globe. From the traditional powerhouses of Venezuela and the Dominican Republic to emerging baseball nations like China and Brazil, the diversity and skill on display have been nothing short of impressive. Let's dive into the top five signing classes that have caught everyone's attention so far.
Orioles
Baltimore is making waves with a banner year under international scouting director Koby Perez. They’ve snagged five players from MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 International Prospects list, marking a historic achievement for the club.
Leading the charge are shortstop Jose Luis Acevedo (No. 14) and outfielder Ariel Roque (No. 18), both of whom are the highest-ranked signings for the Orioles in over a decade. Acevedo's $2.3 million signing bonus is the largest the Orioles have ever offered on the international stage.
The Orioles focused on power hitters, bringing in outfielder Pedro Gomez (No. 35) and outfielder/first baseman Gabriel Rosario (No. 41).
These young sluggers have an advanced feel for hitting with power. Adding to their haul, Baltimore secured the top-ranked pitcher, left-hander Andri Hidalgo (No. 25), ensuring their farm system remains a force to be reckoned with.
Phillies
The Phillies struck gold with Francisco Renteria (No. 3), a rare five-tool talent. Renteria's skills have drawn comparisons to MLB’s top prospect, Konnor Griffin. At just 15, he’s already made waves in the Venezuelan Major League, showcasing exceptional bat speed and raw power.
Philadelphia invested $4 million in Renteria and also secured Venezuelan shortstop Juan Parra (No. 39), who trained with Phillies legend Bobby Abreu. Parra’s work ethic and fluid style suggest he could be a long-term fixture at shortstop. The Phillies also added intriguing prospects like right-hander Justin Burgos from the Dominican Republic, who’s already hitting 92-93 mph with his fastball, and Alexandre Moreti, their first amateur signing from Japan.
Athletics
Johenssy Colome (No. 5) was one of the most talked-about prospects leading up to signing day. The A’s are cautiously optimistic about this 17-year-old shortstop, whose blend of power and defensive prowess offers a sky-high ceiling.
Ricky Duran (No. 33), another shortstop, has made significant strides defensively, complementing his knack for hitting line drives. Watching how the A’s manage Colome and Duran’s development will be fascinating. Catcher Jose Perdomo (No. 45) adds to the mix with his strong arm and power-hitting potential, while infielder Edward Suazo brings contact-hitting prowess to the table.
Mets
The Mets went all-in on two standout prospects, spending over 90% of their bonus pool on shortstop Wandy Asigen (No. 2) and outfielder Cleiner Ramirez (No. 23). Asigen, a left-handed hitter from the Dominican Republic, is poised to shine in the Dominican Summer League with his advanced offensive skills.
Ramirez, drawing comparisons to former Met Luisangel Acuña, impressed with his dynamic play in the Caracas Prospect League, boasting a .419 average and exceptional on-base skills. His defensive skills are equally impressive, making him a versatile asset.
Pirates
Pittsburgh once again made a splash by signing two top 20 prospects. Outfielder Jeancer Custodio (No. 7) is a hitting machine, while shortstop Wilton Guerrero Jr. (No. 17) brings speed and a strong baseball pedigree as the son and nephew of former big leaguers.
The Pirates didn’t stop there, adding infielder Alexander Pio, known for his impressive exit velocities, and two intriguing pitchers: Brazilian right-hander Pietro Rienzo and Chinese right-hander Mingxuan Zhang. These signings highlight Pittsburgh’s commitment to scouting talent worldwide.
Overall, these teams have set the stage for an exciting future, showcasing a blend of power, speed, and skill that promises to keep fans engaged for years to come.