The Phillies are expected to spend $4.2 million on their top international draft pick on January 15. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
AP 2013
The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to go big — like really big — in the international draft this year, targeting a Venezuelan kid with a comp that could only be described as crazy.
The kid is 16-year-old outfielder Francisco Renteria, who reportedly will get a $4 million bonus when he signs with the Phillies on January 15. The Phils’ entire bonus pool for the 2026 signing period is $6,679,200 — the bulk of it flowing to Renteria, the No. 3 overall international prospect, according to MLB.com
Here come’s the fun part — or shall we say, the fantasy part? — the comp. At least one evaluator has compared Renteria to Konnor Griffin. Yes, that Konnor Griffin, the top prospect in baseball, who blasted through the Pirates’ minor league system last year at a mere 19 years old.
MLB.com’s scouting report says, “Renteria earned comparisons from one evaluator to Konnor Griffin, the Pirates’ 2024 first-round pick who ascended to No. 1 overall prospect status in his first year of pro ball. Others see even more in the tank for Renteria’s right-handed hit tool due to his advanced offensive approach and considerable bat speed. He’s presently a contact monster, which when coupled with his excellent understanding of the strike zone and his plus-plus raw power, leads to him having one of the highest offensive upsides in the 2026 international class. ”
Here’s some footage of the kid firing missiles on a dirt field in front of about 16 fans:
To clarify how lofty the Griffin comp is: In 2025 — his first pro season — Griffin had a .333 batting average, a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, 65 stolen bases and 94 RBIs in 122 games across three minor-league levels that ended at Double-A. And the Pirates’ are reportedly considering making Griffin their opening-day shortstop for 2026.
So to compare Renteria to an epic prospect who’s been called “a taller Bobby Witt Jr.” needs some explaining. Well, here you go: “Scouts think the 6-foot-3 outfielder has the actions and all-around athleticism to stick in center field long-term. An above-average runner, Renteria impacts the game on the basepaths and utilizes those wheels and his long strides to run down the ball from gap-to-gap,” the MLB.com report said.
But from fantasy to reality: The Phillies have whiffed on their top international picks for about forever. Since 2012, the top pick has not yielded a single player of consequence; a list that includes Yemal Flores, Yhoswar Garcia, Starlyn Castill0 and Brayan Gonzalez… uh, who? Right, who.
It should be noted the team traded its 2023 top international pick — Starlyn Caba — for big-league pitcher Jesus Luzardo, who has shown emerging-ace tendencies. So yes, there is value with these picks to leverage.
It also should noted that the $4 million slated for Renteria will not surpass the $4.2 million bonus the Phillies gave 17-year-old slugger Jhailyn Ortiz in the 2015 international draft. Welp, Ortiz flamed out a few years later and is currently playing pro ball somewhere in Mexico.
So take the Konnor Griffin comp for what it’s worth at this point: practically nothing, but it is fun to dream.