MLB’s 2026 International Signing Class: The Best Teams and Prospects So Far
It’s now been over a month since the 2026 international signing period officially opened, giving time for contracts to finalize and for MLB Pipeline to take a hard look at which teams have come away with the most impressive talent. With ink now dry on deals around the globe, the league’s international scouting landscape is starting to take shape, and some organizations have made a big splash.
For fans following the signings, MLB Pipeline offers comprehensive coverage:
Complete international signing news and analysis
Top 50 International Prospects list
The five most impactful signing classes of the year
Each team’s highest-ranked international prospect
Here’s a quick breakdown of the leagues and teams for context:
American League East (ALE): BAL | BOS | NYY | TB | TOR
American League Central (ALC): CLE | CWS | DET | KC | MIN
American League West (ALW): ATH | HOU | LAA | SEA | TEX
National League East (NLE): ATL | MIA | NYM | PHI | WSH
National League Central (NLC): CHC | CIN | MIL | PIT | STL
National League West (NLW): AZ | COL | LAD | SD | SF
The players officially joining these organizations are achieving a dream many have chased for years. While Venezuela and the Dominican Republic continue to produce elite talent, this year’s class includes prospects from countries like China, Brazil, and even Russia, demonstrating the global reach of baseball’s next generation. After reviewing the signings, MLB Pipeline highlights the five most impressive international classes so far in 2026.
Baltimore Orioles
It’s shaping up to be a standout year for Orioles international scouting director Koby Perez. Baltimore has a record five players from MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 International Prospects, including shortstop Jose Luis Acevedo (No. 14) and outfielder Ariel Roque (No. 18), their highest-ranked signings in more than a decade. Acevedo’s signing also came with a $2.3 million bonus—the largest the club has ever offered in international free agency.
Baltimore focused on high-upside hitters capable of extra-base impact, securing outfielders Pedro Gomez (No. 35) and Gabriel Rosario (No. 41), both of whom display advanced power and feel for the long ball despite their young ages. The Orioles also landed Andri Hidalgo (No. 25), the top-ranked pitcher on the 2026 market, a left-hander who rounds out a highly promising group for Baltimore’s already potent farm system. With this combination of elite hitting and pitching talent, the Orioles look poised to continue producing high-level prospects, particularly at the lower levels of the minors.
Philadelphia Phillies
Some prospects only come around once in a generation, and Francisco Renteria (No. 3) is one of them. The 15-year-old Venezuelan outfielder is a true five-tool player, often compared to MLB’s No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin, thanks to his ability to excel in every aspect of the game. Renteria even collected hits off former major leaguers in the Venezuelan Major League, combining lightning-fast bat speed with plus-plus raw power. The Phillies invested $4 million to secure him, a clear statement of intent on their international scouting.
Philadelphia also landed Venezuelan shortstop Juan Parra (No. 39), who impressed scouts with his work ethic and fluid defensive actions. Parra trained under former Phillies star Bobby Abreu and projects as a long-term option at shortstop.
Beyond the marquee signings, Philadelphia added intriguing low-cost talents. Right-hander Justin Burgos, a 6-foot-5 pitcher from the Dominican Republic, consistently reaches 92–93 mph with his fastball, hinting at a four-pitch arsenal. Another noteworthy signee, Alexandre Moreti, became Philadelphia’s first amateur signing from Japan, highlighting the Phillies’ global scouting reach.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics’ spotlight signing is shortstop Johenssy Colome (No. 5), one of the most hyped international prospects heading into January. Known for his plus-plus power and fluid defensive skills, Colome has an exceptionally high ceiling, and scouts are excited to watch his professional development.
Fellow shortstop Ricky Duran (No. 33) has also progressed significantly on defense, pairing a line-drive hitting approach with solid glovework, giving the Athletics two promising infield options. Catcher Jose Perdomo (No. 45) is another standout, known for his receiving skills, arm strength, and power potential. Infielder Edward Suazo rounds out the group, a contact-focused player with excellent offensive upside. Together, these prospects give Oakland a deep and versatile international class.
New York Mets
Unlike some clubs that spread their bonuses across many players, the Mets concentrated heavily on two standout prospects: shortstop Wandy Asigen (No. 2) and outfielder Cleiner Ramirez (No. 23). Asigen, a left-handed hitter from the Dominican Republic, is considered the top player from his country in this class and will spend nearly all of the Dominican Summer League season at age 16, giving him maximum development runway.
Ramirez, meanwhile, has drawn comparisons to former Met Luisangel Acuña for his dynamic style and impact at the plate. He dominated the Caracas Prospect League, hitting .419, walking almost twice as often as striking out, and showcasing exceptional speed and arm strength in the outfield.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have made their mark by securing two top-20 international prospects for the second time in five years. Outfielder Jeancer Custodio (No. 7) is the highest-ranked player Pittsburgh has ever signed, a powerful and consistent hitter. Shortstop Wilton Guerrero Jr. (No. 17), the son and nephew of major league talent, boasts blazing speed and a high baseball IQ, blending talent with a gritty playing style.
Additionally, Pittsburgh added infielder Alexander Pio, who briefly appeared on the Top 50 list and has posted exit velocities over 105 mph at just 16. The Pirates continued their global approach by signing Brazilian pitcher Pietro Rienzo and Chinese pitcher Mingxuan Zhang, emphasizing the international depth of their class.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 international signing period has already highlighted a remarkable crop of young talent, from traditional baseball powerhouses like Venezuela and the Dominican Republic to emerging regions such as China and Brazil. Organizations that invested wisely, focusing on both high-ceiling stars and undervalued prospects, have set themselves up for exciting years ahead. With players like Francisco Renteria, Johenssy Colome, and Wandy Asigen leading the way, fans can expect these international signings to shape the future of MLB for years to come.
