MLB International signing period (2024-2025)
In-Depth Guide: top talents, dark horses, teams signings bonus, budget
On January 15th, 2025, a new international signing period will begin, one of the most important dates alongside the Amateur Draft for the entry of talent into the Major League system. This is another period with different characteristics. Organizations have focused on position players, while high-potential pitchers have become scarce. MLB teams have been focused on athleticism, versatility, and multi-tool players.
Recently, someone mentioned to me that if Babe Ruth were alive today, he wouldn’t even sign for a bonus of $10,000. Times have certainly changed. Analytics have created new standards for how talent is evaluated and developed. Here’s what you need to know about the 2024-25 international signing period, which runs from January 15 to December 15.
Top Talents
Most prospects lists have a real contradiction between value and talent. Is a prospect with a $3 million signing bonus more talented than one with $600,000? Not necessarily.
In the current international signing system, MLB organizations make offers or pay for projected tools. Undoubtedly, these tools may not develop or progress in the future. This list of 2024-2025 international prospects, which I present below, is based on projected talent to contribute in the short term at the MLB level.
1-RHP Roki Sasaki (Japan)
DOB: 11/3/2001 (23) / H: 6-2 / W: 190 / B: R/ T: R/
Sasaki is the most advanced player for contributing to the Major Leagues in the short term in the current international period. I understand that his ranking alongside players between the ages of 16 and 18 is controversial, especially since the World Baseball Classic 2023 champion has played four professional seasons in Japan. However, he fits within the same parameters of the international system, which is a valid reason for his inclusion, just as it has been for Cuban players in the past.
No international talent or amateur draft prospect can now match what Roki Sasaki projects: an unparalleled pitching arsenal with a 100 MPH average fastball and a 92 MPH split-finger (his best pitch). His arm projects many years of contributions and a future multi-year contract worth between $200 million and $300 million.
2-SS Josuar Gonzalez (Dominican Republic) San Francisco Giants ($2,500,000)
DOB: 10/16/2007 (17) / H: 5-11 / W: 177 / B: S/ T: R/
Several organizations and scouts in the industry believe that Josuar is the most advanced player in talent within this international signing period. González is considered an above-average athlete, highly explosive and electric, with the traits of a legitimate shortstop and a projected arm strength of 70. As a hitter, he is a switch hitter, with more power from the left side, as he faces more right-handed pitchers, and he has plus bat speed. He makes contact and is expected to develop power. His speed on the bases will make him a valuable base-stealing threat.
Some have compared him to José Reyes, while others believe his ceiling is Francisco Lindor. He is a joyful player who perceives the game with a unique energy. If he's having a 0-for-4 game, he'll still make an impact in other areas. He's the type of player who never goes unnoticed. "He is the most complete player in the entire class”, said a scout.
3-OF Kevin Alvarez (Cuba) Houston Astros ($2,000,000)
DOB: 1/13/2008 (16) / H: 6-4 / W: 180 / B: L/ T: L/
For several teams, Kevin Alvarez is regarded as the top hitter of the 24-25 international class. His bat has the potential to change the game. With many similarities to Kyle Tucker, he has worked hard to improve his body, adding muscle mass. Alvarez also has the potential to enhance skills like speed and defense, with the ability to play corner outfield and possibly center field. What truly stands out about Alvarez is his offensive game, which promises to be exceptional. “Outstanding makeup and work ethic”, said a scout in one of his reports about Kevin.
4-SS/3B Elian Peña (Dominican Republic) New York Mets ($5,000,000)
DOB: 10/19/2007 (17) / H: 5-11 / W: 172 / B: L/ T: R/
Peña was evaluated as one of the best hitters in the class, very similar to Rafael Devers. He projects a lot of power in his game, even more than his hitting ability. One of the main concerns with players of Peña's talent type is his athleticism. Will he be able to stay at shortstop? He will have to fight to remain in the position, so he could end up at third or first base.
5-OF Diego Tornes (Cuba) Atlanta Braves ($2,500,000)
DOB: 7/3/2008 (16) / H: 6-3 / W: 190 / B: S/ T: R/
Tornes left Cuba at the age of 13 in 2021. He is originally from Havana, and spent three years in the Dominican Republic at the Alex Sanchez Academy, where he honed his skills to become one of the best outfielders in the current international class. He is another switch hitter with mature power and hitting contact for his age. Some scouts compare him to Anthony Santander because he generates power from both sides of the plate, which will have an impact in the middle of the lineup. He has run the 60-yard dash in 6.5 seconds, and his defense is considered plus, with Gold Glove caliber.
6-OF Yorger Bautista (Venezuela) Seattle Mariners ($2,100,000)
DOB: 9/19/2007 (17) / H: 6-2 / W: 178 / B: L/ T: L/
Bautista is considered to have one of the most legitimate chances in the entire international class of becoming a true five-tool player. His hitting ability is limitless. He could be a hitter with many extra-base hits and has the potential to play center field effectively. The Venezuelan-born player from Puerto La Cruz impressed scouts during tryouts with incredible speed and athleticism, resembling a version of Ender Inciarte with more hitting and power, and greater potential to sustain his career. Seattle is developing players the right way with a focus on physical changes, and Bautista is set to be their next gem.
7-SS Brayan Cortesia (Venezuela) Washington Nationals ($2,000,000)
DOB: 11/14/2007 (17) / H: 6-1 / W: 174 / B: R/ T: R/
Coming from a family of athletes, Cortesia is another player that nearly all MLB scouts agree will have a significant impact. He runs the 60-yard dash in 6.4 seconds and also projects power along with hitting ability. He makes the game look easy and can complete complex plays with the utmost simplicity. His arm is plus, and his defense is above average. Some evaluators believe he will end up at third base, resembling Mark Vientos.
8-RHP Kevin DeFrank (Dominican Republic) Miami Marlins (580,000)
DOB: 08/11/2008 (16) / H: 6-4 / W: 218 / B: R/ T: R/
DeFrank is a 6'4" pitcher with an extremely impressive arm that reaches 97 MPH. He is a starter projected to be a 1st to 3rd pitcher in an MLB rotation, and many scouts believe that if he stays healthy and maintains his work ethic, he has the chance to lead a rotation in a few years. DeFrank has two secondary pitches that command the strike zone, and his body is durable and flexible. He is the best pitcher in the international class, excluding, of course, Roki Sasaki, who has been pitching in professional baseball in Japan for several years.
9-SS Ayden Johnson (Bahamas) Athletics ($1,500,000)
DOB: 02/13/2008 (16) / H: 6-2 / W: 185 / B: R/ T: R/
The Bahamas continues to produce talent for the MLB system, and in the upcoming international class, Ayden Johnson emerges as one of its brightest prospects. He is, perhaps, one of the most complete players I've seen since Josuar Gonzalez, poised to sign in January 2025. Ayden has a combination of hitting and power that ranks him among the top talents, with impressive athleticism and physical maturity. Many scouts project him as a potential shortstop or third baseman, with the flexibility to play in the outfield. His brother, Paris, is already part of the Dodgers organization (signed in July 2022). Johnson possesses the tools to continue his rapid development and make a swift rise through the Minor Leagues.
10-OF Cris Joel Rodriguez (Dominican Republic) Detroit Tigers ($3,200,000)
DOB: 01/12/2008 (16) / H: 6-4 / W: 205 / B: R/ T: R/
Almost every MLB organization considers Rodriguez the player with the most power in the international class. His legitimate power is unquestionable, which will lead the Tigers to offer him the highest signing bonus in the franchise since 2012. Many scouts believe his body will keep developing. His arm is his second-best tool, rated 55-60, which could make him a corner outfielder.
11-SS Johan De Los Santos (Dominican Republic) Pittsburgh Pirates ($2,300,000)
DOB: 07/24/2008 (16) / H: 5-11 / W: 170 / B: L/ T: R/
One aspect of De Los Santos that draws me to him for this international class is that he is among the players who have competed in the most tournaments over the past two years. He is athletic, running the 60-yard dash in 6.3 seconds, and has the versatility to play both center field and shortstop. He was a member of the Dominican Republic team in the U-18 Pan American Championship held in Panama in August 2024. His bat shows potential for solid contact and extra-base hits, although power remains uncertain, with a projection of around 10 home runs per season.
12-SS Cristopher Polanco (Dominican Republic) Toronto Blue Jays ($2,300,000)
DOB: 01/03/2008 (16) / H: 5-11 / W: 175 / B: L/ T: R/
Nearly all MLB scouts agree that Polanco has one of the most polished swings in the 2024-25 international class, with remarkable coordination and rhythm. Two international periods ago, the Blue Jays valued another shortstop, Manuel Beltre, with a signing bonus of over $2M. Polanco is a hitter projected to develop more power and strength than Beltre, with defensive tools that should improve over time. Polanco is a hardworking young man who has made steady progress month by month.
13-C Daniel Hernandez (Venezuela) Washington Nationals ($1,100,000)
DOB: 02/16/2008 (16) / H: 5-11 / W: 165 / B: L/ T: R/
Born in Anzoátegui, Venezuela, Daniel Hernandez is widely regarded by scouts as a hitter with the potential for power and a 55-grade hit tool on the 20-80 scale. He showcases an impressive physical frame with ample room to grow into a Major League-ready body. Initially a third baseman, he transitioned to catcher over the past few years. Many organizations view him as an above-average defender with a fluid, compact swing capable of making a significant impact in an MLB system.
14-SS/RHP Shotaro Morii (Japan) Athletics ($1,500,000)
DOB: 12/15/2006 (18) / H: 6-0 / W: 190 / B: L/ T: R/
Morii is a potential power hitter with impact, athleticism, and a plus arm. He began attracting MLB interest mid-year due to his unique path for a Japanese player. Morii has pitched between 91-95 MPH and has an advanced swing against both fastballs and breaking pitches. Since the 2017-2018 international period, no player born in Japan has had the same impact on an international signing as Shotaro Morii is about to. Back then, it was Shohei Ohtani who signed with the Angels for $2.3M. Unlike Ohtani, who played five seasons in Japanese professional baseball, Morii chose to sign with an MLB organization straight out of Toho Junior and Senior High School in Japan before entering the 2024 NPB draft.
This two-way player will receive the highest bonus ever for a Japanese player in international signings who did not go through NPB. Among players from Asia, he joins Taiwanese RHP Jen'-Ho Tseng ($1.65M, Cubs, 2013-14) and Taiwanese OF Sheng-En Lin ($1.4M, Reds, 2022-23) as the highest bonuses in the international class since 2012.
15-Manny Cedeño (Dominican Republic) New York Yankees ($3,500,000)
DOB: 08/14/2008 (16) / H: 5-11 / W: 185 / B: R/ T: R/
Cedeño is among the youngest players in this international signing period. A product of San Pedro de Macorís, he is trained by Daniel Brito at the Paulino Baseball Academy, the same academy where shortstop Roderick Arias signed with the Yankees in 2022 for a $4M bonus. Cedeño’s tools all grade consistently between 50 and 55 on the 20-80 scale, a profile that many scouts favor for evaluating young talent. While he needs to refine his defense to stick as a full-time shortstop, he shows strong potential for further growth in both his hitting and power.
16-OF Maykel Coret (Dominican Republic) Tampa Bay Rays ($1,700,000)
DOB: 09/24/2007 (17) / H: 6-4 / W: 190 / B: R/ T: R/
The Rays will once again bet on a Dominican outfielder as their top signing for the third consecutive international period. Coret is one of the most physically impressive prototypes in the entire class, featuring an explosive swing that generates hard contact with exit velocities over 100 mph. He runs the 60-yard dash in 6.6 to 6.8 seconds and showcases a precise outfield arm, throwing over 93 mph. There are parallels between Coret at this stage and Aristides Aquino, though the young prospect has already demonstrated an advanced ability to command the strike zone effectively.
17-SS Warren Calcaño (Dominican Republic) Kansas City Royals ($2,000,000)
DOB: 10/17/2007 (17) / H: 6-1 / W: 165 / B: S/ T: R/
Warren is projected as an everyday shortstop who could impact the game with nearly all tools above average. I believe he is a player with excellent potential to contribute both offensively and defensively. His swing still needs further refinement, but he is notably consistent on both sides of the plate. He is not expected to be a power hitter, with more than 10 HRs per season, but the most exciting thing about Calcaño is the broad growth potential in all aspects of the game.
18-SS Andrew Salas (Venezuela) Miami Marlins ($3,700,000)
DOB: 03/04/2008 (16) / H: 6-3 / W: 185 / B: S/ T: R/
Andrew is the younger brother of Ethan and Jose, all from a baseball family of Venezuelan descent and raised in Florida. The Marlins have continued their search for a future SS, and Andrew has shown that he at least projects to be a good player with legitimate tools, such as hitting with a smooth, compact swing that could generate power. His brother Jose was the Marlins' highest signing in the 2019-2020 international period. He may not be the ideal athletic shortstop, but he has excellent defensive mobility and is an above-average runner. However, one of the main concerns about Salas is whether he will remain a shortstop in the coming years or end up at a position like 3B or 2B. Some scouts believe Andrew's tools didn’t justify such a large signing bonus, so time will tell regarding certain doubts about his undeniable talent.
19-SS Raymer Medina (Dominican Republic) Rays ($1,250,000)
DOB: 10/31/2007 (17) / H: 5-11 / W: 170 / B: S/ T: R/
The fluidity of his movements and his effortless actions are two of Medina's standout traits. His above-average arm reaches speeds over 93 MPH, and his defense is currently his best tool, rated 55-60 on the 80-grade scale. His swing is compact and clean, with the potential to generate power and hard contact. Medina will be 17 years old when he begins playing in the Dominican Summer League. If he can control his aggressiveness at the plate and command the strike zone, we could be looking at a legitimate hitter capable of producing a .280 AVG and 15 HR at the professional level.
20-OF Darwin Ozuna (Dominican Republic) Athletics ($1,000,000)
DOB: 03/24/2008 (16) / H: 6-3 / W: 195/ B: R/ T: R/
Ozuna is a blend of power, arm strength, and contact, honed at the Niche Academy in Santo Domingo, a breeding ground for talents like Juan Soto, Elly De La Cruz, and Wenceel Perez, among others. He stands out as one of the most promising players in the current international class with the potential to become a legitimate slugger. Some scouts envision him as a 30-HR hitter with the ability to master the strike zone. With an arm rated 65 on the 80 scale, he is poised to be a formidable presence in the corner outfield in the early years of his career.
21-3B Alejandro Cruz (Cuba) Chicago White Sox ($2,000,000)
DOB: 01/02/2007 (17) / H: 6-3 / W: 185 / B: R/ T: R/
Cruz was a member of the Cuba U-15 team in 2022 and was named the best third baseman of the World Cup held in Mexico between August and September. Fun fact: Ethan Holliday was selected as the best shortstop. Cruz left Cuba in early September 2023. He is from Sancti Spíritus, the same place where Yuli Gurriel and his brother Lourdes Jr. developed and played at the beginning of their careers in Cuba. Cruz has excellent athleticism and contact-hitting ability. His arm is a plus, and he could also play as a corner outfielder. Right now, he is more of a contact hitter than a slugger, but his power is projected to increase soon.
22-SS Liberts Aponte (Venezuela) Cincinnati Reds ($1,900,000)
DOB: 11/08/2007 (17) / H: 6-0 / W: 160 / B: R/ T: R/
Aponte is the Reds' top signing for this period, and his tools are certainly promising. His contact and speed grade solidly at 50-55 on the 80 scale, while defensively, he showcases excellent hands and an above-average arm. His swing is efficient and coordinated, consistently putting the ball in play with an aggressive approach. One of the main questions with Aponte is whether he can continue to develop his body and add power to his offense. All things considered, his talent paints the picture of a player destined to make his mark at the MLB level.
23-C Gabriel Davalillo (Venezuela) Los Angeles Angels ($2,000,000)
DOB: 11/06/2007 (17) / H: 5-11 / W: 200 / B: R/ T: R/
Davalillo comes from a renowned baseball family, highlighted by Pompeyo and Victor, the latter having played 16 Major League seasons between 1963 and 1980. Gabriel is a catcher with the tools to excel at the highest level. He has competed in numerous tournaments, including the U-18 World Cup in 2023 with Venezuela's national team. His standout tools are his hitting and power, projecting a profile at the plate similar to that of Mets catcher Francisco Álvarez. He needs to continue working on his athleticism to remain a catcher in the future. Several scouts project him as a hitter capable of contributing in the middle of an MLB lineup.
24-SS Jhoan De La Cruz (Dominican Republic) San Diego Padres ($2,350,000)
DOB: 11/16/2007 (17) / H: 5-11 / W: 170 / B: S/ T: R/
The Padres continue to add athletic shortstops to their farm system, and De La Cruz is another high-ceiling talent in the international class. A native of San Pedro de Macorís and trained at Mickey's Academy under Ysbel Medina, he is a switch-hitter with bat speed that generates hard contact. Defensively, he can play around the infield, while his above-average physique and arm could keep him at shortstop for a long time at the professional level.
25-SS Dorian Soto (Dominican Republic) Boston Red Sox ($1,400,000)
DOB: 02/14/2008 (16) / H: 6-3 / W: 185 / B: S/ T: R/
Soto is a legitimate hitter from both sides of the plate with real chances of becoming a shortstop in the future and tremendous physical projection. Another advanced tool for this player, born in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, is his surprising power, ranging from 55 to 60 on the 80 scale. Several scouts believe that, at the very least, he will have above-average defensive value. The Red Sox continues to search for talented players in the middle of the diamond, and Soto is one of the most intriguing prospects of the 2024-25 period.
26-SS Santiago Leon (Venezuela) Minnesota Twins ($1,000,000)
DOB: 06/25/2008 (16) / H: 6-1 / W: 175 / B: R/ T: R/
Born in Carabobo, Venezuela, Leon displays exceptional physical maturity for a 16-year-old. Scouts see him as a player who currently impacts the game more with contact than power, a dynamic that could shift after a couple of seasons in professional baseball. Having competed in tournaments across his home country, Leon consistently showcases the skills and poise to remain at shortstop for years to come, backed by an arm rated near 60 on the 80 scale.
27-OF Kenny Fenelon (Dominican Republic) Milwaukee Brewers ($1,300,000)
DOB: 09/30/2007 (17) / H: 6-0 / W: 180 / B: R/ T: R/
Fenelon has made significant physical progress over the past two years and possesses a power-generating swing, with several scouts projecting him as a 20-HR hitter at the professional level. Trained at Ysbel Medina’s Academy in Santo Domingo, he also has the athleticism to play center field and boasts a well-above-average arm. The Brewers have prioritized outfielders during this international signing period, and Fenelon stands out as one of their most promising talents.
28-OF Elian De La Cruz (Dominican Republic) Arizona Diamondbacks ($1,200,000)
DOB: 09/25/2007 (17) / H: 6-2 / W: 185 / B: R/ T: R/
Elian De La Cruz is the Diamondbacks' highest signing in the 2024-2025 international class. According to several scouts, he is an outfielder with impressive instincts for the game. I’ve included him in this list because his power could become a significant asset in the future, and he has excellent potential for further physical development. His arm is rated between 50-55 on the 80 scale. While he still needs to refine his plate discipline, De La Cruz is undeniably a legitimate prospect in this class.
29-OF Brailin Antunez (Venezuela) Milwaukee Brewers ($1,000,000)
DOB: 11/30/2007 (16) / H: 5-10 / W: 185 / B: R/ T: R/
Antunez is another player whose maturity stands out, not only in terms of physical development but also mental fortitude. He has competed in international tournaments, including the Senior Little League World Series with Venezuela in the summer of 2024. With instincts and skills for playing center field, he continues to hone his tools, particularly his defense and speed. Scouts foresee Antunez as a contact hitter with solid plate discipline and occasional power, one that will grow as his swing, which produces hard contact to all areas of the field, evolves.
30-Djean Macares (Aruba) San Francisco Giants ($1,100,000)
DOB: 05/01/2008 (16) / H: 5-11 / W: 175 / B: L/ T: L/
Macares is an exceptionally solid bat for his age, with several tools that project improvement and room for growth soon. He will become the highest-bonus player born in Aruba during this international signing period. The Giants continue to explore the markets in Aruba, Curaçao, and the Bahamas, with recent signings in previous periods. Macares’ bat is his standout tool—he is currently a well-above-average hitter who combines hard contact, patience at the plate, and excellent strike zone awareness, with the potential to develop significantly more power in the future. His athleticism enables him to play center field.
31-SS Kendry Martinez (Dominican Republic) Seattle Mariners ($2,500,000)
DOB: 02/10/2007 (17) / H: 5-11 / W: 165 / B: L/ T: R/
Most scouts place Martinez among the top 20-30 prospects in the 2024-25 international class. Offensively, he is highly polished, with a fluid, well-directed swing that consistently produces hard contact. Though his power potential is no more than average, his explosiveness and versatility allow him to handle multiple positions. He also demonstrates exceptional plate discipline, rarely chasing pitches outside the strike zone.
32-SS Wilfri De La Cruz (Dominican Republic) Chicago Cubs ($2,300,000)
DOB: 09/15/2007 (17) / H: 6-3 / W: 175 / B: S/ T: R/
De La Cruz is another exceptional athlete in the 2024-25 international class, with incredible physical power and solid tools like hitting and arm strength, both close to 60 on the 20-80 scale. The Cubs have once again spread their international budget across three big signings over a million, with Wilfri De La Cruz, Juan Cabada, and Juan Thomas. Several scouts envision him beginning his career as a shortstop, with a natural progression to third base as his journey unfolds. De La Cruz combines refined plate discipline with fluid arm extension and exceptional coordination, resulting in powerful, impactful swings. His instincts for the game are extraordinary, and his untapped potential suggests a ceiling that remains remarkably high.
33-SS/3B Juan Thomas (Dominican Republic) Chicago Cubs ($1,100,000)
DOB: 11/28/2007 (17) / H: 6-3 / W: 180 / B: S/ T: R/
Thomas originally had a pre-agreement with the Miami Marlins for approximately $950,000. However, after some shifts in their international department, they decided to move in a different direction, opening the door for the Chicago Cubs. As a switch-hitter with impressive speed and power to all fields, Thomas brings a rare explosiveness to shortstop and third base, complemented by an above-average arm. A dynamic and well-rounded talent, he seems poised to leave his mark on an MLB system sooner rather than later.
34-OF Harold Rivas (Venezuela) Boston Red Sox ($1,000,000)
DOB: 05/10/2008 (16) / H: 6-2 / W: 172 / B: R/ T: R/
Harold Rivas is viewed by some scouts as one of the top outfield prospects in the international class. With five-tool potential and impressive physical projection, his swing resembles Hunter Pence’s. I see him as a consistent hitter with a .280 AVG and 20 HR, with room to increase his power. Defensively, he has a plus arm and while he could play center field, I see him as a corner outfielder.
35-SS/OF Kenly Hunter (Nicaragua) St. Louis Cardinals ($800,000)
DOB: 05/09/2008 (16) / H: 6-0 / W: 165 / B: R/ T: R/
Hunter will receive the third-highest signing bonus for a Nicaraguan-born player in the international periods. No MLB organization has valued a Nicaraguan player this highly since 2013. Hunter is an excellent runner and contact hitter with great instincts for the game, which he showcased along with some of his valuable tools at the U-18 Pan American with his home country. In that tournament, he posted an offensive line of .423/.444/.577, with 3 extra-base hits and 3 RBIs in 7 games. He has the potential to play center field with an average arm.
Alongside this selection of top talents, I’ve included a “Dark Horses” section and a comprehensive breakdown of International Signings Tracker by team, available exclusively to paid subscribers.