The International Signing Day for MLB has passed for 2026, which means the Cleveland Guardians can turn their attention to prospects that will now become available in 2027. With a long history of developing young players, it is a key component of the organization’s methodology.
In fact, according to MLB.com, the Guardians signed 22 such players on this year’s signing day. That group was led by shortstop prospect Svert Reinoso from the Dominican Republic.
Coincidentally, the Guardians are the current favorites to sign another Dominican shortstop prospect, John Cruz, when he becomes available next year.
“Cleveland Guardians are favorites to sign (SS) prospect John Cruz out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Cruz trains with Rivas Y Ventura Academy. He is not eligible to sign until the 1/15/27 International Signing Day,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians are favorites to sign (SS) prospect John Cruz out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Cruz trains with Rivas Y Ventura Academy.
He is not eligible to sign until the 1/15/27 International signing day.#Guardsball pic.twitter.com/lPHPJkU4S6
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 19, 2026
This process has paid off very well for the Guardians in the past, as franchise cornerstone Jose Ramirez was an international signing from the Dominican Republic at 17 back in 2009. Since then, the third baseman has emerged as one of the best players in baseball.
Now 33 years old and about to embark on his 14th MLB season, Ramirez is a perennial AL MVP candidate and may be on a Hall of Fame trajectory. But he is not Cleveland’s only success story.
Current Guardians infielders Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio were signed out of Venezuela. Outfielders George Valera and Angel Martinez were signed from the Dominican Republic.
Cleveland also makes great use of the MLB Draft, and some of those prospects will prove vital this season. Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter and second baseman Travis Bazzana could be part of the Opening Day lineup.
DeLauter became one of the few players in history to make his MLB debut in a postseason game, and he is thought to have a very high ceiling. Bazzana, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has had his arrival delayed by injuries, but that looks to be on the verge of happening heading toward spring training.
This depth of young talent may be the primary reason the Guardians have not added much this offseason, but based on their previous success, it’s an approach the organization and its fans should have full confidence in.
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