Pirates Make Big Splash on Day One of International Signing Period, Headlined by Wilton Guerrero Jr.
The Pittsburgh Pirates came out swinging on the first day of the international signing period, landing one of the most electric prospects available in 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Wilton Guerrero Jr., ranked No. 17 overall by MLB Pipeline. Pittsburgh locked in Guerrero with a $1.95 million signing bonus - a clear signal that the Bucs are serious about injecting high-upside talent into their farm system.
Guerrero Jr. brings more than just a famous last name. He’s a burner on the basepaths, with a 70-grade run tool that jumps off the scouting reports.
Defensively, he’s already showing a 55-grade glove at shortstop, and while his bat is still developing, evaluators see the potential. He’s currently graded as a 50 hitter with 45 power, and his 50-grade arm rounds out a profile that projects as a true up-the-middle defender with the kind of athleticism that can change games.
This is the type of signing that can reshape a system. Guerrero’s tools are loud, and if the bat comes along the way scouts think it can, the Pirates may have just added a future cornerstone.
But Pittsburgh wasn’t done.
The Pirates kept the pipeline flowing with a flurry of additional signings, including Dominican outfielder Jeancer Custodio ($900,000), infielder Alexander Pio ($450,000), right-hander Jhon Reynoso ($135,000), outfielder Carlos Tejera ($95,000), and Cuban outfielder Rolthemnay Marquetti ($40,000). In total, the organization brought in 25 international players on Day One, with talent coming not only from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, but also from Cuba, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Panama.
This kind of volume - and variety - speaks to a clear strategy: build from the ground up with athletic, projectable talent. The Pirates are betting on upside here, and they’re doing it across multiple positions and profiles. It’s the kind of approach that doesn’t pay off overnight, but if even a few of these signings hit, it could pay big dividends down the line.
Spring Training on the Horizon: Pirates Set Report Dates
While the international market was buzzing, the Pirates also quietly turned the page toward the 2026 season by announcing their spring training report dates. Pitchers and catchers are set to arrive in Bradenton on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with full-squad workouts beginning **Monday, Feb.
16**. The Grapefruit League opener comes shortly after, with Pittsburgh taking on the Baltimore Orioles on Feb. 21, followed by a split-squad matchup with the Phillies the next day.
That puts the clock officially in motion. With camp now less than a month away, the front office still has work to do.
There are clear needs at third base, and the starting rotation remains thin, particularly on the left-handed side. The search for another bat continues as well - a piece that could help balance the lineup and provide some punch.
The next few weeks will be telling. Will the Pirates head into camp with a roster that feels ready to compete, or will questions linger as they look to take the next step in their rebuild? Either way, with a fresh crop of international talent just added to the mix and spring training on the doorstep, the organization is entering a pivotal stretch - one that could shape not just 2026, but the seasons beyond.