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.
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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.
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“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.
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“We’re excited about what this group of players brings to our organization,” Salermo said.
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
Since 2000, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols’ 101.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) leads all players, with Alex Rodriguez tied for second ways back at 89.7 WAR. See the rest of the top 25.
1 / 25
Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
Since 2000, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols’ 101.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) leads all players, with Alex Rodriguez tied for second ways back at 89.7 WAR. See the rest of the top 25.
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
2. Alex Rodriguez – 89.7
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
3. Adrian Beltre – 89.7
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
4. Mike Trout – 87.5
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
5. Justin Verlander – 82.2
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
6. Clayton Kershaw – 78.1
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
7. Mookie Betts – 75.2
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
8. Max Scherzer – 74.7
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
9. Zack Greinke – 72.4
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
10. Robinson Cano – 68.7
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
11. Miguel Cabrera – 67.2
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
12. Carlos Beltran – 65.1
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
13. Chase Utley – 64.6
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
14. Freddie Freeman – 64.2
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
15. Paul Goldschmidt – 63.8
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
16. Joey Votto – 63.6
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
17. Roy Halladay – 62.4
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
18. Aaron Judge – 62.3
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
19. CC Sabathia – 61.8
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
20. Manny Machado – 61.7
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
21. Ichiro Suzuki – 60
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
22. Mark Buehrle – 60
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
23. Barry Bonds – 59.1
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
24. Evan Longoria – 58.9
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Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
25. Chipper Jones – 58.3
MLB trade rumors: Giants ‘aggressively pursuing’ Nico Hoerner, Brendan Donovan
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.
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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