Three of the top 10 prospects in baseball were international signings, with 28 of the Top 100 signing from Latin America. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero is the most notable low-dollar international signing on the list, but it’s full of international players who signed for at least $1 million. That includes players with big league experience like Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio or Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez, down to prospects in the lower levels with Mariners outfielder Lazaro Montes, Cubs shortstop Jefferson Rojas, Guardians outfielder Jaison Chourio and Phillies shortstop Starlyn Caba.
When the next international signing period opens on Jan. 15, 2025, teams will get another opportunity to add high-end international signings to their farm system. These are 12 big international prospects to watch for the 2025 class who look to be in line for some of the biggest bonuses in the class, with video, scouting reports and the team set to sign each player once Jan. 15 arrives.
Elian Peña, SS, Dominican Republic
Team: Mets
Peña is expected to sign the biggest bonus in the class, likely in the $5 million area, which would be nearly all of the $6,261,600 in the Mets’ bonus pool. Peña is a polished lefthanded hitter and one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the class. It’s a sweet lefty swing that’s compact and stays through the hitting zone a long time, with Peña showing the ability to manipulate the barrel to consistently square up pitches for hard contact throughout the strike zone. Against live pitching, he has shown a discerning approach for his age, taking his walks and getting a good pitch to hit, with plus raw power. A tick above-average runner underway with a plus arm, Peña is an offensive-minded infielder who some scouts thought would fit best at third base, though others think he has a chance to stick at shortstop.
Andrew Salas, SS, Venezuela
Team: Marlins
Salas is following in the footsteps of his brothers, Padres catcher Ethan Salas and Twins infielder Jose Salas, as players born and raised in Florida signing as international free agents out of Venezuela. Andrew is a switch-hitting shortstop whose baseball acumen is evident in his instincts and ability to slow the game down on both sides of the ball. He has a good eye for the strike zone, with a slightly more advanced swing from the left side, where he has good balance and goes with…