Major League Baseball has officially opened its international signing period, with teams inking top prospects from all around the world.
The top 50 international prospects, per MLB.com, have been signed by MLB teams, including top talent going to play in Northern California.
At the top of the prospect list is No. 1-ranked Luis Hernández, a shortstop from Venezuela, who was signed by the San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com.
The infielder was the No. 1 overall international prospect in the 2026 class. With his 5-foot-9, 175-pound stature, Hernández played in the Venezuelan major league at just 15 years old and recorded a .346 batting average with 14 runs, six doubles, a triple, a home run, 16 RBIs and four stolen bases in 104 games.
His performance was good enough to earn the league’s Rookie of the Year award.
“Luis stood out to us for his ability, character and work ethic,” Giants senior director of international scouting Joe Salermo said in a news release. “We’re proud to welcome him and this entire class as they begin their professional journeys with us.”
Hernandez signed with the Giants for $5 million, but San Francisco wasn’t done just yet.
The Giants also announced the signings of right-handed pitcher Alexis Gallego of Mexico and center fielder Angelo Ugueto of Venezuela.
“We’re excited about what this group of players brings to our organization,” Salermo said.
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Other international players in Northern California
About 90 miles east of San Francisco, there’s the Athletics, who are temporarily playing in Sacramento until they officially move to Las Vegas, expected in 2029.
The A’s signed No. 5-ranked Johenssy Colome, a shortstop out of the Dominican Republic. He was signed for $4 million.
Also signed was another Dominican shortstop, No. 33-ranked Ricky Duran, who signed for $1,050,000, and a Venezuelan catcher, No. 45-ranked Jose Perdomo, who signed for $600,000.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Francisco Giants, Athletics add international prospects to roster
