The St. Louis Cardinals made a bold move at the start of the 2026 international signing period. They used their financial flexibility and sharp scouting to land one of the most exciting amateur classes in baseball.
This group is led by a standout outfield prospect. The Cardinals kept up their tradition of finding top talent from international markets, especially in the Dominican Republic.
Cardinals Strike Early in the 2026 International Signing Period
The Cardinals came in with one of the biggest international bonus pools in Major League Baseball. With $8,034,900 to spend—tied for the most in the league—they didn’t waste any time making their presence felt.
The headline signing is Emanuel Luna, a right-handed-hitting outfielder from Santo Domingo. Luna, ranked No. 8 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects, signed on his 17th birthday for a $2.3 million bonus. That’s one of the largest international deals in Cardinals history.
Emanuel Luna Brings Star-Level Upside
Scouts rave about Luna’s advanced offensive skills for his age. He’s got a rare mix of strike-zone awareness, natural bat-to-ball skills, and growing raw power.
Physically, Luna already looks impressive. At 6-foot-2 with a strong, athletic build, scouts expect him to keep getting stronger without losing his agility.
Some think Luna could stick in center field, but even if he moves to a corner, he’s got a shot to become a legit 20-homer, 20-steal threat in the majors.
Depth Added with Premium Position Players
Luna isn’t the only hitter the Cardinals brought in. They also put serious resources into middle-infield talent, which has always been a priority for the organization.
Carlos Carrion Profiles as a Polished Shortstop
The Cardinals signed Carlos Carrion, a left-handed-hitting shortstop from the Dominican Republic, for $1.1 million. Carrion is more of a project than a finished product, but he’s got a solid foundation.
Scouts like his smooth defensive actions, steady hands, and internal clock at shortstop. At the plate, Carrion can spray line drives all over the field. There’s a chance he’ll add some gap power as he fills out.
Pitching Prospects Show Advanced Feel
Pitching prospects often take time to develop, but the Cardinals see real promise in two right-handers who are already ahead of the curve.
Moronta and Beltran Bolster the Rotation Pipeline
Rafeli Moronta signed for $450,000 and already stands out at just 16. He throws from a high three-quarters arm slot. His fastball has reached 91 mph and he mixes in a sharp breaking ball.
If Moronta’s command keeps improving, he might turn into a future starter. Jordan Beltran got a $250,000 bonus and only recently switched from hitting to pitching.
Beltran’s higher arm slot and smooth delivery help him run his fastball into the upper-80s and low-90s. There’s a lot of upside as his pitching instincts develop.
International Success Fuels Cardinals’ Farm System
The Cardinals have seen strong results from their international efforts. Right now, they have eight Top 30 prospects who signed internationally, including catchers Rainiel Rodriguez and Leonard Bernal.
Outfielder Kenly Hunter, a former Top 50 international prospect, really stands out. In the Dominican Summer League, Hunter hit .314 with a .442 on-base percentage and stole 25 bases in just 37 games. That’s the kind of impact talent the Cardinals keep finding.
Understanding MLB’s International Signing Rules
MLB regulations say international amateurs have to register and follow strict age guidelines.
For the 2026 signing period, eligible players were born between September 1, 2008, and August 31, 2009. This setup makes sure prospects turn 16 before signing and 17 by the next September 1.
The Cardinals keep finding ways to get the most out of those rules.
They’ve built a reputation as one of baseball’s most disciplined and effective international scouting organizations—no small feat these days.
Here is the source article for this story: Top 10 ranked OF from Dominican highlights Cards’ international class
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