Major League Baseball's 2026 international free agency period began on January 15, allowing teams to sign amateur players from outside the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This annual event enables clubs to bolster their farm systems with global talent, with bonus pools allocated based on market size and revenue. Top prospects like Luis Hernandez and Wandy Asigen have already secured high-value deals with the Giants and Mets, respectively.
The 2026 international signing period runs from January 15 to December 15, a change made permanent after the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the timeline from its previous July-to-June format. Eligible players must be at least 16 years old and turn 17 by September 1 of the following year, meaning this class was born between September 1, 2008, and August 31, 2009. International free agency persists because MLB and the MLB Players Association failed to agree on an international draft during 2022 collective bargaining talks; the union resists it to preserve players' freedom to choose teams and maximize earnings. The current CBA expires in December, and MLB is expected to push again for a draft.
Bonus pools, which cap spending on these signings, favor small-market teams. The largest pools of $8,034,900 go to the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Guardians, Orioles, Pirates, Rockies, and Royals. Mid-tier pools of $7,357,100 are assigned to the Athletics, Brewers, Mariners, Marlins, Rays, Reds, Tigers, and Twins. Larger-market teams like the Astros, Giants, Mets, and Yankees receive $5,440,000 each. Some clubs faced penalties: the Blue Jays, Padres, and Red Sox lost $500,000 for signing qualified free agents, while the Astros, Giants, Mets, and Yankees forfeited $1 million for exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold. Teams can trade for up to 60% more pool space, and bonuses of $10,000 or less do not count against the cap.
Players under 25 must sign minor-league contracts only. Roughly 30% of current MLB players, including stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and José Ramírez, entered via this route. Perennial contenders like the Dodgers and Yankees rely on it to acquire high-end prospects despite late draft positions.
Early standout signings include shortstop Luis Hernandez from Venezuela, the consensus top prospect, who joined the Giants for $5 million. MLB Pipeline describes him as "gifted with immense physical projection and a laundry list of impressive tools," praising his work ethic and baseball IQ. Shortstop Wandy Asigen from the Dominican Republic signed with the Mets for $3.9 million, noted for his defensive skills and "special left-handed swing." Catcher Fernando Graterol from Venezuela went to the White Sox for $1.6 million, highlighted for his raw power and strong arm. Outfielder Francisco Renteria from Venezuela signed with the Phillies for $4 million, drawing comparisons to Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin. Left-hander Andri Hidalgo from the Dominican Republic, the top arm available, inked a $625,000 deal with the Orioles, boasting an "extremely high ceiling" with his fastball, slider, and changeup.
Baseball America is tracking agreements across all 30 teams, with official contracts pending physicals and commissioner approval. Many players agreed to deals years in advance, but January 15 marks the first possible signing date.
