The 2026 MLB international signing period began on January 15, allowing amateur prospects from around the world to sign professional contracts with Major League teams. This year's class features promising talents from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, highlighted by top shortstops and outfielders with strong tools. While no standout like Roki Sasaki dominates, the group includes potential future stars amid structured bonus pools for all 30 teams.
The opening of the 2026 international signing period marks a key moment for young baseball talents, enabling players born between September 1, 2008, and August 31, 2009, or older, to join MLB organizations from January 15 to December 15. Eligible prospects must turn 16 before signing and 17 by September 1 of the following year, and they need prior registration with Major League Baseball.
Teams operate under bonus pool limits determined by factors like market size, revenue, and free-agent signings, with no option to exceed allotments or pay taxes. Pools range from $5,440,000 for teams like the Astros, Yankees, Mets, and Giants to $8,034,900 for the Diamondbacks, Orioles, Guardians, Rockies, Royals, Pirates, and Cardinals. Trades allow moving money in $250,000 increments, but teams can acquire only 60% of their original pool. Signings under $10,000 do not count against the pool.
Venezuela claims three of the top four prospects in MLB Pipeline's rankings, with the Dominican Republic contributing 33 of the top 50 overall. The class includes 26 infielders, 15 outfielders, four catchers, three pitchers, and two outfielder/infielders.
Leading the list is Luis Hernandez, a Venezuelan shortstop who hit .346 in 104 at-bats in the Venezuelan Major League at age 15, earning praise for his physical projection, work ethic, and baseball IQ. He is the first No. 1 international prospect born in Venezuela since rankings began in 2012. Wandy Asigen, a Dominican shortstop, stands out with an advanced left-handed swing producing exit velocities over 110 mph and a 6.5-second 60-yard dash. Francisco Renteria, a 15-year-old Venezuelan outfielder, batted 8-for-28 with three doubles against former big leaguers, drawing comparisons to Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin. Angeibel Gomez, another Venezuelan outfielder, won MVP of the 2024 Amateur Scouting League with a .370 average and 1.216 OPS in eight games, showcasing hard contact and near-100 mph throws from center field. Johenssy Colome, son of former MLB reliever Jesus Colome, impresses with a leveraged swing reminiscent of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and fluid shortstop defense.
Baseball America highlights 12 under-the-radar position players signing for under $1 million, including switch-hitting catcher Salazar with an elite 60-70 arm grade and outfielder Yariel Sevilla, a plus-plus runner from Cuba who has barreled balls in Dominican workouts. Other notables are Ezequiel Melbourne (Dodgers), Karel Naranjo (Guardians), and Alexander Pio (Pirates), all shortstops with strong defensive tools and offensive upside. These signings underscore the growing impact of international players, as seen in current top prospects like Leo De Vries, Jesús Made, and Sebastian Walcott, who reached Double-A by age 18.
