\n\tThursday marked the opening of the 2026 International Signing Period, and it looks like the Twins have a potential for celebration if all things go their way. This is the day that young athletes from Central and South America have the opportunity to sign with a major-league team, continue to work out and grow with the team.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n\tBaseball America says<\/a> that the Twins 2025 class was one of the best classes in the Dominican Republic and produced a solid prospect turnout. This year is about the same and shows that the Twins are certainly using all their technology and scouting potential.\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe Twins pool is $7,357,100 this year, tied for the third-highest allotment, and it sounds like they have plenty of places to spend it.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe Twins officially announced their 2026 international signing class, featuring 20 players. Here’s the full rundown, with an in-depth look at some of the highlights.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \t\tEnmanuel Merlo (SS, Venezuela) – 29th-highest signing bonus in this class. Twins Daily writer Jamie Cameron\u00a0covered Merlo in an article<\/a> going over some of the 2026 class. Merlo is set to make an impact at 6\u20191\u201d, another switch hitter with top notch offensive skills. He is a little more advanced than his peers with exit velo, ability to be patient at the plate, and take a walk if he can. Fast on the plates and the infield – short stop may end up being home for him with his agility and speed. (Signing Bonus: $1.5 million)\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n \t\tAbel Sosa (OF, Venezuela) –\u00a0Sosa is one of the more intriguing bats in the 2026 international class. The Venezuelan outfielder won\u2019t turn 17 until June, yet already stands 6-foot-3, 185 pounds with broad shoulders and plenty of physical upside. Baseball America has noted his impressive raw power for his age, and there\u2019s reason to believe that power could become plus as he continues to mature. Sosa plays with an aggressive approach and will expand the zone at times, but he\u2019s made real progress over the past year improving his contact against live pitching, allowing his power to show up more consistently in games. He\u2019s a plus runner with a strong arm, giving him a legitimate chance to begin his career in center field, though long-term he could profile well in right if he outgrows the position. (Signing Bonus: $800,000)<\/p>\n \n\t\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \t\tJuan Diego\u00a0Holmann (SS\/OF, Nicaragua)\u00a0– One of the top prospects from Nicaragua in 2026.\u00a0In an interview with 8 Deportivo during a workout, Holman told the reporter that he is excited to have the opportunity to sign with the Twins. Touted as an average runner by Baseball America, the shortstop will more than likely find his home between second and third base, and the outfield. His bat will take some honing, but he has a great read on the ball and a gap hitter, which is something the organization definitely needs.\u00a0 Holmann’s father played very briefly in the Dodgers organization. His uncle Mario Holmann spent five seasons in the Yankees organization, topping out at Triple-A. He has participated in events in Europe and speaks fluent German.\u00a0(Signing Bonus: $500,000)\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\tJendy Martinez (SS, Dominican Republic) – The switch-hitter is one of the shortest prospects on the list, Reports say that he hits the ball\u00a0with authority, especially\u00a0given his size. Martinez has plus\u00a0speed, and could be an asset as a utility player, but there is going to be some work to be done to capitalize on his physical strength to match his bat. (Signing Bonus: $500,000) \t\tMisael Rodriguez (OF, Dominican Republic) –\u00a0An athletic center fielder, Rodriguez, according to Baseball America, has plus speed and has\u00a0a good chance to stick in center field. He\u2019s not very big, at just 5-10. He will work on making more consistent contact and driving the ball to all fields. (Signing Bonus: $500,000) \t\tFrederick Hiciano (RHP, Dominican Republic)\u00a0– Eligible to sign in 2025, he decided to wait a year. He\u2019s 6-2\u00a0and 175 pounds and will likely fill out his frame, according to Baseball America. His fastball has reached 95 mph and sits in the low-90s. Like many young prospects, his off-speed pitches are a work in progress but have potential to complement the fastball. His fastball is in the 99th percentile in his class. (Signing Bonus: Unknown)\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\tSebastian Echavarria (RHP, Dominican Republic) –\u00a0Echavarria throws his fastball in the low 90s, but has the potential to add speed, like many young prospects. He also has a breaking ball and changeup. From the Dominican Republic, Echavarria is 6 foot 3 inches, and will likely continue to fill out.\u00a0 (Signing Bonus: Unknown)\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tAdditionally, the Twins announced these players among their 2026 international signing class:\n<\/p>\n \t\tDaiyer Barboza (IF, Venezuela, $130,000) –\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\tJuan Germosen (RHP, Dominican Republic) –\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\tYael Retituyo (RHP, Dominican Republic) –\u00a0<\/p>\n
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