The Top MLB International Signees Ahead of 2026
Luis Hernandez – SS (Venezuela)
The top international signee of the 2026 class hails from Venezuela and plays up the middle. Luis Hernandez is a 17-year-old shortstop and the pupil of former big leaguer Carlos Guillén. He signed with the San Francisco Giants for nearly $5 million. Hernandez debuted in the Venezuelan professional league, hitting .346 in 100+ at-bats at just 15 years old. Coming in at 5 ’10” and 170 pounds, Hernandez has a projectable frame that should allow him to put on more muscle and take even more advantage of his premier bat speed. Athletically, Hernandez is a plus runner who should have the ability to steal bases at the professional level. Soft hands and quick feet allow Hernandez to field his position well at the time being, but an average arm might limit the international signee’s time at short in the future.
For the second straight year, the Giants are signing a player many scouts have atop their list in the entire class.
This year, it’s Venezuelan shortstop Luis Hernandez, whose $5 million bonus is the highest for any 2026 player.
More on the exciting class:… pic.twitter.com/6OK9PnWD1i
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 16, 2026
Wandy Asigen – SS (Dominican Republic)
One of the younger international signees, Wandy Asigen, is another shortstop. The New York Mets’ newest international signing calls the same city home as former All-Star Nelson Cruz. While Cruz has a much bigger frame than Asigen, Asigen looks to add weight once in pro ball. Currently, at a thin 6’0″ and 180 pounds, there is plenty of room to fill out for the young shortstop. At the plate, Asigen demonstrates above-average bat-to-ball skills and should add more power as he puts on weight. The left-handed hitting shortstop holds his own in the field as well. Additionally, thanks to 6.50 60 speed and good angles, Asigen’s ability to play shortstop is seen as a plus tool, as well.
“Arguably the most advanced offensive profile among his class” 👀
The @mets are getting an electric player in Wandy Asigen ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Pn0bGAMRT8
— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) January 15, 2026
Francisco Renteria – OF (Venezuela)
The Philadelphia Phillies used $4 million of their bonus pool on Francisco Renteria. This Venezuelan international signee is the second-highest-paid player in this year’s class. Renteria’s size may have affected his price tag. By far the biggest player on the list, Renteria is 6’3″ and 215 pounds fresh after turning 17. Advanced physically and working with top-end bat speed, Renteria profiles as an offensive juggernaut. Recently, in the Venezuelan Major League, he showcased this talent, getting two hits off former big leaguers. The power should only increase with more development and time with the Phillies. Renteria may even remind scouts of a better-hitting Jorge Soler. Unlike Soler, Renteria should have the ability to play center field at the next level.
The Phillies are signing, international prospect, OF Francisco Renteria for 4M. Some quick notes (various sources):
• 17 years-old, ~6’4″ , 200lb. Son of former big-leaguer, Edgar Renteria
• ++ raw power, great bat speed — possessing some of the best pop, in the 2026 class
•… pic.twitter.com/WWK4OW6AQO— Joseph Cammisa (@jcammisabsbl) January 15, 2026