Currently Available International Players
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 27, 2026 5:46 PM EST
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Yoennes Cespedes (Getty)
This is really tricky. I'm not "in" the loop here, as I don't have any direct contacts in the D.R. or other Latin American countries but I do have names I've heard or read that have yet to sign. I may have missed the signings as well as many of these don't get a lot of attention. In other words, this is a work in progress and always will be. Nothing with International talent is transparent.
1. Yoennis Cespedes, OF. The Cuban defector has a couple hoops he needs to jump through before being decalred a free agent and able to sign, but he could be within a couple weeks or a couple months. There is a lot of red tape here. When he signs, he shouldn't need more than some time to acclimate to the U.S. before making his MLB debut. He could be treated similar to Leonys Martin last season.
2. Jorge Soler, OF. A younger version of Cespedes is going through a similar situation. I might prefer his potential to Cespedes but he would probably begin in Low-A or maybe High A ball as a 19 year old. A cautious team may even place him in their complex level team in the Gulf Coast or Arizona league before sending him to a full season league next year. Timing will also be a large part of this. Whoever signs him will need some patience.
After that there is a drop off. There is a talented Dominican named Helsin Martinez who I was impressed by but no one has signed him and I haven't heard anything about him lately. Not sure what's happening with him now, but I'd place him 3rd here based on talent. After that, none of the pre-July 2nd guys are big names that you should get very excited about.
I wrote about some of the signings from this season here as well.
After the jump is a list of player I believe to be international free agents as well as some July 2nd names. I haven't done my due diligence on them yet but I will have a report about them prior to J2.
Like I said, some may have signed and I missed them but here they are:
| Darfi Ortiz | 2B | D.R. |
| Adaniel Blanco | SS | D.R. |
| Alberto Garcia | SS | |
| Alexis Parma | OF | Venezuela |
| Alfrandy Cespedes | P | D.R. |
| Carlos Pereira | 3B | D.R. |
| Cesar Aybar | P | D.R. |
| Cesar Gonzalez | C | Venezuela |
| Daniel Rodriguez | P | D.R. |
| Deivi Paulino | P | D.R. |
| Eddy Morabel | 3B | D.R. |
| Elvis Sanchez | 3B | |
| Eskarlin Vazquez | OF | |
| Felix Carvallo | P | Venezuela |
| Fidias Soto | OF | D.R. |
| Ismael Alcantara | 3B | |
| Jonas Corporan | P | D.R. |
| Jose Julio Ruiz | 1B | Cuba |
| Luis Abad | P | |
| Michale Leso | P | D.R. |
| Pedro Araujo | P | D.R. |
| Vladiimir Tejeda | P | D.R. |
| Yadil Mujica | 3B | Cuba |
| Yoguar Villega | SS | D.R. |
| Yorman Landa | P | Venezuela |
| Chih Yu Lin | P | Taiwan |
| Jih Yuk Ryu | 3B | South Korea |
| Ju Suc Ha | SS | South Korea |
| Mitchel Martes | 3B | Aruba |
| Robert Michael Garcia Quiroz | P | Mexico |
| Ronald Ferreras | P | D.R. |
| Sung Hyuk Han | P | South Korea |
| Helsin Martinez | OF | Dominican Republic |
| Gustavo Perinan | SS | Colombia |
| Carlos Rodriguez | P | |
| Eric Gabo | OF | |
| Erick Hurtado | P | Dominican Republic |
| Manuel Gonzalez | P | Dominican Republic |
| Jhoan Urena | 3B | Dominican Republic |
| Jose Leal | OF | |
| Luis Carreno | P | |
| Sanber Pimentel | OF | Dominican Republic |
| Gialy Arias | P | Dominican Republic |
| Junior Flores | P | Venezuela |
| Kevin Sosa | P | Venezuela |
| Victor Medina | OF | |
| July 2nd guys | ||
| Deivei Grullon | C | D.R. |
| Yancarlos Baez | SS | D.R. |
| Ronny Carvajal | OF | D.R. |
| Jose Pujols | OF | D.R. |
| Luis Barrera | OF | D.R. |
| Frandi Delarosa | SS | D.R. |
| Wendell Rijo | SS | D.R. |
| Natanael Javier | 3B | D.R. |
| Gustavo Cabrera | OF | D.R. |
| Andres DeAza | OF | D.R. |
| Hector Morales | P | D.R. |
| Francis Peguero | SS | D.R. |
| Lugo Octavis | SS | D.R. |
| Angel Moreno | SS | D.R. |
| Grofi Cruz Martinez | SS | D.R. |
| Alberto Sanchez | 3B | D.R. |
| Luis Castillo | 3B | D.R. |
| Juaquin DelaCruz | 3B | D.R. |
| Kelvin Esteves | 3B | D.R. |
| Francisco Castro | C | Mexico |
| Branly Crisotomo | P | D.R. |
| Angel Heredia | P | D.R. |
| Winder Novas | P | D.R. |
| Yairo Munoz | SS | D.R. |
| Nelson Alvarez | OF | D.R. |
| Natanael Delgado | OF | D.R. |
| Rafael Santana | OF | D.R. |
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top 100
where would people have these two ranked if they were included in this year’s crop?
how about where they are in the top 50 hitters?
by jwa1417 on Jan 27, 2026 7:12 PM EST reply actions
probably
In the 25-30 range for Cespedes, lower for Soler since he is younger and more unproven.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 28, 2026 10:39 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
really?
how proven is Cespedes? especially to be 25-30? hes the oldest on the list and the most unknown, only hype… If he is what everyone thinks he is theres still a learning curve.
by jmar0824 on Jan 28, 2026 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
I should
have specified..top 25-30 hitters. He has huge power potential and he is older but he is close to MLB ready.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 28, 2026 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Baseball America
Plans on putting them in the 10-20 range on their list. John Manuel mentioned it in a chat.
by srbaseball2003 on Jan 31, 2026 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
I know it's extremely small sample size
But is anyone else scared off by Cespedes performance (or lack thereof) in winter ball? The concern is more about his plate discipline than anything else, and he’ll be too old to learn it if he doesn’t have it a la Viciedo.
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by The Congo Hammer on Jan 28, 2026 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
I'm not concerned
Now is the best time for him to get into playing shape. Who knows how long before he gets to face live pitching again if he wouldn’t right now.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 28, 2026 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
Gerardo Concepcion
18 y/o Cuban lefty is apparently close to signing.
http://www.yankeeanalysts.com
by lemonjello on Jan 27, 2026 8:14 PM EST reply actions
What will be the effects of the new CBA?
When does it take effect regarding the international signing limits? I am wondering if the July 2 deadline will still be in place for 2012 or will this be the last year? If it is the last year that players can sign before the CBA kicks in, I would think teams would be spending some serious cash because they won’t be able to do so in the future. Maybe teams will lay low this season and just wait until they are told how much they will be spending?
If you were a GM, would you spread your signing budget out among lots of players or focus on just a few elite talents and spend all of your budget on them?
by daveyork on Jan 27, 2026 9:39 PM EST reply actions
As I understand it, international signings are still under the old rules until July 2
Then in the 2012-13 signing period, each team will be allotted an equal signing pool, and starting in the 2013-14 period, the pools will be divvied up based on the previous year’s standings.
by psiogen on Jan 27, 2026 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Teams won't lay low
They will spend plenty as usual. I don’t see a lot of changes via the CBA and I think more teams will sign more players for smaller amounts. The big bonuses like Miguel Sano, Michael Ynoa and Nomar Mazara will go away but bonus money is tradable and I can see teams making deals to gain more international cap space to makes runs at the top guys. If I were a GM it would depend on the talent available before I decided on how to spend but I would spend every penny I could on amateur talent acquisition.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 28, 2026 10:50 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Not sure if it's the same kid but
a now 17 year old third baseman named Elvis Sanchez played with one of the DSL teams in his first season in the Mets organization in 2011. He was heralded as a pretty big IFA signing back in 2010. Here’s his B-Ref page.
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You might know me as mistermet.
by Steve Schreiber on Jan 27, 2026 10:23 PM EST reply actions
Every one of these guys is actually named Maria Espinoza and they're all 42 years old.
As for Helsin Martinez, he was rumored to have signed with the M’s, then it was denied, and now limbo. Far as anybody knows, he’s still available.
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 27, 2026 10:35 PM EST reply actions
The DPL site currently claims that Martinez is still available.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
by Fla-Giant on Jan 28, 2026 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
If you had to guess what Soler will eventually sign for, Matt
How much do you think he will get?
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
by OremLK on Jan 27, 2026 10:56 PM EST reply actions
It's only one report
but Jim Callis expects Soler to top Leonys Martin’s $15.6M deal. Personally, I’m not so sure because, even if Soler is more talented, he’s 19 and headed for A+ at best while Martin was 23 and played in the majors in his first season in the states. If I were to go out on a limb (mind you, I have no sources to suggest this is true) I’m expecting $10-12M. I am really really hoping the Pirates land Soler because, while they have expressed interest in Cespedes, They aren’t going to dish out the money necessary to land him. Soler, on the other hand, will be substantially cheaper and it seems more in keeping with their organizational approach to target a minor leaguer/prospect than a guy who is, for all intents and purposes, a big-time ML free agent.
by KentuckyPirate on Jan 28, 2026 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
I imagine many teams will be very interested in Soler
I can’t even begin to guess who he’ll actually sign with.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
by OremLK on Jan 28, 2026 4:34 AM EST up reply actions
Would love the Braves to go after him
we do have a history of signing IFA and being patient with them (Salcedo). plus, we have a history of cuban players (escobar).
by JoelGuzman'sScout on Jan 28, 2026 5:21 AM EST up reply actions
Braves
I was thinking the same thing. Since the Braves spent a very small amount of money on the 2011 Draft, I hope that it is because they planned to spend more on internationals signings….
by Stephen in the UAE on Jan 28, 2026 7:25 AM EST up reply actions
we do have a history of signing IFA and being patient with them (Salcedo).
Couldn’t you say that about most teams? Not saying it won’t be ATL but I think it’s wide open right now.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
by OremLK on Jan 28, 2026 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
This
The Pirates, who are hardly a major player in free agency signed Yoslan Herrera after he defected from Cuba.
by KentuckyPirate on Jan 28, 2026 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
The A's have expressed a lot of interest in Soler
and with his age he certainly fits in with the “2015 or bust” motto Beane has taken. They have basically no money tied up and can throw as much as needed at Soler.
by Waiver Claim on Jan 29, 2026 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
That's
Hard to guess and Jim Callis would have a better handle on that them I would but I would have a hard time going past 4-5 million no matter how much I liked the guy.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 28, 2026 10:52 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Teams are gonna bust their nut
because next year they are all going to be limited.
For in depth fantasy analysis be sure to visit the Hawk Fantasy Sports site @ www.HawkBall.com
by PHGold09 on Jan 28, 2026 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Any chance
you could also list their ages as well? unless all them (outside of soler and cespedes) are 16
Snoochies
by guessatomo on Jan 28, 2026 7:34 AM EST reply actions
Considering the history
their ages are probably only an approximation.
by bankertuck on Jan 28, 2026 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
All the July 2
Guys are 16. I only have age data on some but I will post it later. On my phone right now.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 28, 2026 10:53 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
That's not true
Some of the July 2nd guys are still 15. The rule is that they have to turn 16 between Sept 1, 2025 and July 2nd 2012 in order to be available to sign on July 2nd. In addition, any player that turns 16 on July 3rd through August 31st becomes eligible to be signed on their 16th birthday.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
by Fla-Giant on Jan 28, 2026 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
But good work, nonetheless, Matt. Thanks for putting this list togrther for us.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
by Fla-Giant on Jan 28, 2026 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
good point
nonetheless, ages would be a nice thing to know, whether it’s their true age or not haha
Snoochies
by guessatomo on Jan 28, 2026 8:22 AM EST reply actions
All of the July 2nd names will have turned 16 between Sept. 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
by Fla-Giant on Jan 28, 2026 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
also
yairo munoz and sanber pimentel were already signed by the a’s
Snoochies
by guessatomo on Jan 28, 2026 8:24 AM EST reply actions
Munoz signed about a week ago for $280k.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
by Fla-Giant on Jan 28, 2026 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Signings above 500K
Here are all the signings I could find of 500k or above (not updated for East Asian or Cuban Signs):
1. Nomar Mazara, TX, COF, DR, 4.95M
2. Ronald Guzman, TX, LF/1B, DR, 3.45M
3. Elier Hernandez, KC, OF, DR, 3.05M
4. Victor Sanchez, SEA, RHP, VZ, 2.5M
5. Roberto Osuna, Tor, RHP, ~2m, 9/1
6. Adalberto Mondesi, KC, SS, DR, 2M
7. Jose Leal, SEA, OF, VZ, 1.5-1.9M
8. Yohander Mendez, TX, LHP, VZ, 1.5M
9. Marck Malave, Cubs, C, VZ, 1.5M
10. Wilmer Becerra, Tor, OF, VZ, 1.3M
11. Dawel Lugo, Tor, SS, DR, 1.3M
12. Enrique Acosta, Cubs, SS, DR, 1.1M
13. Dorssys Paulino, Cleve, SS, DR, 1.1M
14. Jose Ruiz, SD, C, VZ, 1.1-1.2M
15. Harold Ramirez, Pitt, OF, CO, 1.05M
16. Jesus Gonzalez, Tor, OF, VZ, 1-1.3M
17. Raimel Flores, Bos, SS, DR, 900K
18. Jonathan Perez, Reds, RHP, VZ, 825K
19. Manuel Marcos, Bos, OF, DR, 800K
20. Jose Garcia, Mets, C, VZ, ~800k
21. Carloss Tocci, OF, VZ: rumored here, Phil, 759K, 8/24
22. Miguel Andujar, NYY, 3B, DR, 750K
23. Adelin Santa, Det, 3B, Det, 750K
24. Luis Reynoso, Hous, SS, DR, 700K
25. Pedro Payano, TX, RHP, DR, 650K
26. Franmil Reyes, SD, DR, 700K
27. Miguel Gonzo, MN, RHP, DR, 650K
28. Wander Franco, CO, LHP, VZ, 600K
29. Edgar Pineda, Cleve, LHP, VZ, ~500-700K
30. Dioscar Romero, Bos, RHP, DR, 600K
31. Elvis Escobar, Pir, OF, VZ, 570K
Only Helsin Martinez (11) and Manual Gonzo (31) remain from Badler’s “top 40 projected bonuses” list.
by Goyogringo on Jan 28, 2026 9:37 AM EST reply actions
Out of curiosity
What’s your source on Osuna’s bonus. I have not seen that numbers, much less any reliable estimate
by MjwW on Jan 30, 2026 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
just an estimate
based on the figures being tossed around at the time. It was 5 months ago though and I lost interest when he didn’t sign with TX. You might email Ben Badler for an updated figure…
by Goyogringo on Jan 31, 2026 3:25 AM EST up reply actions
This July 2nd, 2011 guy is still available:
Jose Luiz Mendez: RHP, Domincan Republic, (6’3"/ ?) (DOB=?/?/1995):
strong arm, he’s tall with long limbs and more room to grow into his frame, he’s already an imposing mound presence and should be strong and physically impressive when he fully matures. DPL Scout Page:
http://dplbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=202:scouts-corner-jose-luis-mendez&catid=38:featured-players&Itemid=54
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
by Fla-Giant on Jan 28, 2026 11:50 AM EST reply actions
Some misses on this list
Sorry, first time posting here =)
Jose Julio Ruiz signed with the Rays way back. I think he may have been let go by them already though, so may be an FA then.
Luis Abad signed with the Astros
Yorman Landa signed with the Twins
Pedro Araujo signed with the Cubs, I think.
Sanber Pimentel was signed by the As earlier in the offseason.
Not sure, but Junior Flores, Kevin Sosa, and some others also all already signed.
I think there are a few other misses here, but this was the ones off the top of my head
by savagejays_2 on Jan 28, 2026 3:02 PM EST reply actions
Yairo Munoz
was also signed by the a’s last week
Snoochies
by guessatomo on Jan 28, 2026 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah
Saw your post earlier, didnt want to pile on too much…there are a few other misses too (e.g. just noticed Jose Leal was signed by the Mariners too)
by savagejays_2 on Jan 28, 2026 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
Araujo is indeed a Cub
He pitched a little over 56 innings for a talented DSL Cubs 2 team.
by Outshined_One on Jan 28, 2026 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
Pretty good site
http://www.dplbaseball.com/
Definitely check out the scouts corner as guys have some video.
by smokeymcpots on Jan 28, 2026 3:59 PM EST reply actions
wonder who
some of the top players eligible for this year’s signing period are
Snoochies
by guessatomo on Jan 28, 2026 7:18 PM EST reply actions
Sorry
for the delay, computer problems.
Here is the age data that I have for these guys, oldest to youngest:
Yadil Mujica 1/1/2026
Jose Julio Ruiz 3/24/1985
Yoennis Cespedes 10/10/2025
Vladiimir Tejeda 12/20/1989
Daniel Rodriguez 3/16/1990
Jonas Corporan 11/25/1991
Darfi Ortiz 2/10/2025
Adaniel Blanco 12/29/1992
Fidias Soto 1/13/1993
Deivi Paulino 3/8/2025
Eddy Morabel 3/26/1993
Pedro Araujo 7/2/2026
Cesar Aybar 7/8/2025
Alfrandy Cespedes 7/10/2025
Cesar Gonzalez 11/20/1993
Ismael Alcantara 12/15/1993
Elvis Sanchez 2/8/2025
Yorman Landa 6/11/2025
Helsin Martinez 2/27/1995
Yancarlos Baez 9/21/1995
Francis Peguero 10/4/2025
Natanael Javier 10/10/2025
Angel Moreno 10/13/1995
Juaquin DelaCruz 10/13/1995
Natanael Delgado 10/23/1995
Rafael Santana 10/24/1995
Luis Barrera 11/15/1995
Kelvin Esteves 11/17/1995
Lugo Octavis 11/19/1995
Gustavo Cabrera 1/23/1996
Frandi Delarosa 1/24/1996
Alberto Sanchez 2/14/1996
Deivei Grullon 2/17/1996
Nelson Alvarez 3/10/2025
Grofi Cruz Martinez 5/3/2026
Luis Castillo 7/12/2025
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 30, 2026 10:28 AM EST reply actions
Armando Rivero
He’s a little older (claiming 23 I believe). I believe he defected with Soler. RHP that looks like a closer in the near future.
by BlueVol03 on Jan 31, 2026 4:02 PM EST reply actions
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