LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers had themselves a busy first day of the International signing period, as they inked 22 international free agents, including four of the Top 100 international prospects in Baseball America's rankings.
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers had themselves a busy first day of the International signing period, as they inked 22 international free agents, including four of the Top 100 international prospects in Baseball America's rankings.
In total, Los Angeles signed seven pitchers, five catchers, five infielders, and five outfielders to open up their 2026 signing period.
The 2026 group is led by four players hailing from the Dominican Republic: outfielder Rubel Arias, shortstop Ezequiel Melburne, and infielders Ariel Reynoso and Jose Victorino.
Arias is ranked the No.46 prospect according to Baseball America, with a quality eye and a smooth stroke from the left side of the plate. The switch-hitting shortstop Melburne ranks No.67 in the International class, with his ability to hit from both sides of the plate, more so from the right side.
The two infielders round out the quartet. Reynoso, who ranks No.86, and Victorino, who ranks No.93, have tremendous talent defensively, with the ability to play multiple positions inside the diamond, and pair that with their above-average offensive productivity.
Another major signing from the class is highly touted left-handed prospect from Cologne, Germany, Tom Apfelbaum.
Apfelbaum is regarded by experts as the best pitching prospect out of Europe, as he showcases strong physical projection and an advanced three-pitch mix.
Down below is the full list of Dodgers International signees:
OF, Venezuela, Jose Requena
OF, Venezuela, Jeibert Rondon
RHP, Venezuela, Anderson Carias
RHP, Venezuela, Diego Paez
RHP, Cuba, Luis Ricart
LHP, Colombia, Kenry Alvear
LHP, Germany, Tom Apelfbaum
LHP, Venezuela, Miguel Herrera
LHP, Venezuela, Victor Tovar
C, Venezuela, Oliver Chapman
C, Venezuela, Aaron Guzman
C, Venezuela, Haram Hernandez
C, Russia, Ricardo Pulles
C, Mexico, Roberto Saucedo
SS, Dominican Republic, Ezequiel Melburne
SS, Dominican Republic, Jose Victorino
IF, Panama, Willy Bergolla
IF, Panama, Adrian Del Cid
IF, Dominican Republic, Ariel Reynoso
OF, Dominican Republic, Rubel Arias
OF, Curacao, Fran-Jean Haseth
OF, Venezuela, Helvin Mendoza
Category: General Sports