Orioles Unveil 2026 International Amateur Signings Class

The Baltimore Orioles kicked off the 2026 international amateur signing period with a bold statement. They clearly prioritized elite upside over signing a large number of prospects.

This year, the club signed fewer players than in the past. But the financial commitment and the level of prospect pedigree soared to new heights.

Let’s break down Baltimore’s strategy, the headline signings, and maybe what this investment could mean for the team’s long-term future.

Orioles Go All-In on Premium International Talent

The Orioles entered the 2026 international signing window with a clear plan: spend big on fewer, higher-ceiling prospects. This led to the largest bonus commitments the franchise has ever made during an international period.

A record-setting deal for a teenage shortstop from the Dominican Republic headlined the group. Baltimore used its entire international bonus pool of $8,034,900, the maximum allowed.

They gave most of that money to a small group of elite prospects. Four players landed bonuses of at least $1 million, which marks a big shift from their previous focus on depth.

Prospect Rankings Validate the Strategy

Industry evaluators wasted no time backing the Orioles’ aggressive spending. The club signed five players who showed up on several high-profile prospect lists.

• Four players ranked in Baseball America’s Top 50
• Four players ranked in FanGraphs’ Top 50
• Five players ranked in MLB Pipeline’s Top 50

Jose Luis Acevedo Leads a Historic Class

Jose Luis Acevedo sits at the center of the Orioles’ 2026 class. He’s a 17-year-old right-handed hitting shortstop from the Dominican Republic.

Acevedo signed for a franchise-record $2.3 million. He instantly became one of the most important international prospects in team history.

Scouts rave about Acevedo’s advanced defensive instincts at shortstop and his quick hands. He’s got explosive bat speed, too.

He’s still filling out physically, but evaluators see future power coming as he matures. There’s a real chance he becomes a two-way threat at a premium position.

Athleticism and Power Across the Outfield

The Orioles didn’t stop at the infield. They also invested heavily in outfield talent, targeting players with a mix of skills and physical traits.

Ariel Roque, a 17-year-old left-handed hitter, pulled in a reported $1.7 million bonus. Roque looks like a natural center fielder, standing out for his elite athleticism and defensive range.

He’s got plus speed. While his offensive game is still a work in progress, his tools hint at top-of-the-order upside.

Pedro Gomez offers something different. He’s 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, and hits right-handed. Gomez profiles as a corner outfielder with big power potential.

He signed for $1.25 million. If his hit tool develops, he could grow into a real middle-of-the-lineup threat.

Gabriel Rosario, a 6-foot-4 left-handed hitter, rounds out the group of million-dollar outfielders. He signed for $1.05 million.

Rosario brings a mix of hitting ability and raw power. His below-average speed probably limits him to a corner spot, but the bat could play anywhere.

Pitching Upside Anchors the Class

The Orioles didn’t ignore pitching, even though most of the spending went to position players. They landed one of the most intriguing arms on the international market.

Andri Hidalgo Brings Frontline Potential

Andri Hidalgo, a 16-year-old lefty from the Dominican Republic, is ranked as the top pitcher in MLB Pipeline’s international class.

He’s expected to sign for around $700,000. Hidalgo already throws a low-90s fastball that touches 95 mph, and there’s still plenty of projection left in his arm.

A Long-Term Vision for Baltimore

This international class shows a real shift in how the Orioles think: quality over quantity. They’re putting their chips on premium talent, hoping for stars instead of just filling out the roster.

Patience is the name of the game with most international signees. These players won’t arrive overnight, and if we’re honest, we might not see them in the majors until 2032 or later.

For a franchise that wants to build something that actually lasts, the 2026 international class feels like a real investment in the Orioles’ next shot at being competitive.

 
Here is the source article for this story: The Orioles have announced their 2026 international amateur signings