Get ready to meet the future stars of baseball! The Milwaukee Brewers have just unveiled their 22-man international signing class for 2026, and it’s a lineup that’s turning heads across the league. But here’s where it gets exciting: three players alone snagged seven-figure bonuses, signaling a bold investment in talent that could reshape the team’s future. Let’s dive into what makes this class so special—and why it’s sparking conversations among fans and scouts alike.
On January 15, the Brewers kicked off the international signing period with a bang, introducing a group led by shortstops Diego Frontado, José Rodríguez (both from Venezuela), and Ricki Moneys (Dominican Republic). Each of these young phenoms secured bonuses exceeding $1 million, collectively claiming more than half of Milwaukee’s $7.36 million bonus pool. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just about the money—it’s about the potential these players bring to the table.
Diego Frontado: The All-Around Star
Frontado, who landed the largest bonus at $1.6 million, is a name you’ll want to remember. Known internationally for his versatility, he embodies the kind of player the Brewers value: a true ballplayer’s ballplayer. Standing at 6 feet tall, Frontado’s baseball IQ and all-around skills suggest he’ll remain a staple in the infield as he climbs the ranks.
“He can run, he can hit, and there’s power there,” said Taylor Green, Brewers’ director of international scouting. “His defensive ability and instincts are top-notch. He’s mature, hardworking, and has a real shot to make an immediate impact in the Dominican Summer League and beyond.”
Ricki Moneys: The Powerhouse
While Frontado’s bonus might be bigger, Moneys’ power is undeniable. With exit velocities reaching 108 mph, his compact frame (5-11, 180 pounds) generates effortless power reminiscent of stars like Jackson Chourio and Jesus Made at the same age. But here’s where it gets controversial: some scouts argue his swing is too tailored to right-center field, but Green disagrees.
“His natural power and defensive skills make him stand out,” Green said. “He’s a confident, mature kid with a bright future. And yes, his name is awesome—though it’s worth noting it’s been spelled differently across outlets. But if he delivers on his potential, nobody will care about the spelling.”
Alexander Mercedes: The Towering Lefty
Among the eight pitchers signed, Alexander Mercedes is the lone left-hander—and he’s a standout. At 6-6 with a fastball clocked at 95 mph, Mercedes combines size, strength, and smooth mechanics. Here’s the kicker: his strike-throwing potential has the Brewers dreaming of a dominant southpaw in their rotation.
“He’s a 6-6 lefty who makes it look easy,” Green said. “When you see a kid that size with that kind of velocity, it’s hard not to get excited.”
Other Standouts: Speed, Defense, and Youth
Beyond the headliners, this class is deep with talent. Shortstop José Rodríguez, for instance, is a defensive wizard whose glove earned him a $1.5 million bonus. Venezuelan catcher Moises Salazar, just 16, signed for $700,000 and is already praised for his switch-hitting ability and cannon of an arm. And then there’s Manny De Los Santos, a 5-8 speedster who blazes through 60-yard dashes in 6.1 seconds.
A Shift in Strategy?
Interestingly, the Brewers focused solely on players from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela this year, breaking from their recent involvement in Nicaragua and Mexico. Is this a new trend, or just a one-off? Green assures it’s the latter.
“We’re always trying to match talent with value, and this year, these two countries aligned with our goals,” he explained. “But we’ll continue to scout globally—there’s too much talent out there to ignore.”
The Full Lineup
Here’s the complete 2026 international signing class:
- Miguel Andrade, RHP, Venezuela
- Jordy Brache, RHP, Dominican Republic
- Manny De Los Santos, CF, Dominican Republic
- Angeni Fernandez, SS, Dominican Republic
- Sebastian Franeites, C, Venezuela
- Diego Frontado, SS, Venezuela
- Santiago Garcia, SS, Venezuela
- Joan Gonzalez, RHP, Dominican Republic
- Enrique Lovera, CF, Venezuela
- Leanders Matos, SS, Dominican Republic
- Alexander Mercedes, LHP, Dominican Republic
- Francisco Mir, C, Dominican Republic
- Ricki Moneys, SS, Dominican Republic
- Daniel Muñoz, RHP, Venezuela
- Osiris Ramirez, SS, Dominican Republic
- Ruben Revost, SS, Dominican Republic
- Jean Rivero, RHP, Venezuela
- José Rodríguez, SS, Venezuela
- Josue Rodríguez, SS, Dominican Republic
- Moises Salazar, C, Venezuela
- Diego Trillo, RHP, Venezuela
- Marcos Veras, RHP, Dominican Republic
Now, we want to hear from you: Which player in this class do you think will make the biggest impact? And do you agree with the Brewers’ strategy of focusing on just two countries this year? Let us know in the comments!
