Giants Go Big in International Signing Period, Land Top Shortstop Prospect Luis Hernández
The 2026 international signing period opened with a bang, and the San Francisco Giants wasted no time making their presence felt. With a heavy-hitting move that’s been years in the making, the Giants officially signed Venezuelan shortstop Luis Hernández-one of the most coveted international prospects in this year’s class.
The signing took place at the team’s Felipe Alou Baseball Academy in the Dominican Republic, where the Giants rolled out a strong contingent to celebrate the moment. Hernández, a right-handed hitter who just turned 17 in December, had been linked to San Francisco for quite some time through a long-standing verbal agreement. Now, with pen to paper, he steps into the organization as one of its top prospects the moment the ink dried.
A $5 Million Statement
The Giants didn’t just sign Hernández-they made a statement. His reported $5 million signing bonus is the second-highest in franchise history for an international player, trailing only Lucius Fox.
That figure carries even more weight when you consider the Giants entered this signing period with the smallest bonus pool in MLB-just $5.44 million. In other words, they bet big on one player, and they’re clearly confident that bet will pay off.
This marks the second straight year San Francisco has landed the consensus top international prospect. In 2025, they brought in shortstop Josuar González, a move that already looks like a win. Now, they double down with Hernández, signaling a clear strategy: go top-heavy, target elite talent, and trust your development pipeline.
What Makes Hernández Special?
There’s a reason scouts have been buzzing about Hernández for years. He’s a dynamic blend of tools and polish, with elite bat speed that doesn’t come at the cost of contact. He’s not just a hitter with flash-he’s got feel for the barrel and a mature approach that belies his age.
Defensively, he’s smooth and instinctive, with the kind of range and footwork you want in a long-term shortstop. Add in his speed on the bases and you’re looking at a true five-tool talent.
And he’s already proven himself against serious competition. In 2025, Hernández suited up in Venezuela’s top pro league, the Liga Mayor de Béisbol.
Facing pitchers often a decade older, he more than held his own-posting a .346/.386/.452 slash line with just 11 strikeouts in 114 plate appearances. That kind of production, at that level, at that age?
That’s not just hype. That’s real.
Straight to the States?
One of the more intriguing developments surrounding Hernández is the possibility that he could bypass the Dominican Summer League entirely and head straight to the U.S. That’s a rare path for international signees, especially those just turning 17, but it speaks to how advanced he already is.
While the Giants haven’t confirmed anything definitive, international scouting director Joe Salermo did hint at the possibility, saying, “We’re looking forward to him … playing at whatever level he plays at,” and added that he hopes Hernández comes straight to the States. Whether it’s Arizona or the DSL, one thing is clear: the Giants see a fast track ahead for their newest star.
Building a Middle Infield Pipeline
With Hernández now in the fold, the Giants are quietly assembling one of the more exciting collections of young middle infielders in the game. Alongside Hernández and González, they’ve got Jhonny Level rising through the system, and 2025 first-round pick Gavin Kilen adding another layer of depth.
That’s four high-upside shortstops brought in through international signings and the draft in just over a year-a clear organizational focus on premium up-the-middle talent. For Giants fans tracking the farm system, especially those who love slick gloves and line-drive swings, this is shaping up to be a fun year.
A Smaller Class, But Not Without Upside
Because the Giants went all-in on Hernández, they had limited flexibility to round out their international class. Typically, they sign 10-20 players during this period (they inked 15 last year), but this time, they announced just three signings on Day 1.
Their second-biggest addition was Mexican right-hander Alexis Gallego, who received a $375,000 bonus. Gallego is already showing a fastball that touches 93 mph and has the frame and athleticism to project into the mid-90s soon. He’s got a starter’s profile, with a feel for both his slider and changeup that’s ahead of the curve for his age.
The third signing was Venezuelan center fielder Angel Ugueto, listed at 5’11. He comes from baseball bloodlines-his father, Luis, had a brief stint in the majors with the Mariners in the early 2000s.
What’s Next?
Even with their bonus pool nearly maxed out, the Giants aren’t entirely done. They can still sign players for $10,000 or less without it counting toward the pool, and they could acquire more international slot money via trade if they choose to expand the class later.
But for now, the headline is clear: Luis Hernández is a Giant. And if the early signs are any indication, he could be a cornerstone piece for the franchise’s next great era.