Get ready to meet the future stars of baseball! The Milwaukee Brewers just unveiled their 22-player international signing class for 2026, and it’s a lineup that’s turning heads across the league. But here’s where it gets controversial: three players alone snagged over half of the Brewers’ $7.36 million bonus pool. Let’s dive into what makes this class so special—and why it’s sparking debates among fans and scouts alike.
On January 15, the Brewers kicked off the international signing period with a bang, led by shortstops Diego Frontado (Venezuela), José Rodríguez (Venezuela), and Ricki Moneys (Dominican Republic). Each of these young phenoms secured seven-figure bonuses, with Frontado topping the list at a whopping $1.6 million. And this is the part most people miss: these three players combined to claim more than half of the Brewers’ allotted bonus pool, leaving some to wonder if the team’s investment is balanced across the class.
‘It’s a very well-rounded group with players we believe have major-league potential,’ said Taylor Green, the Brewers’ director of international scouting. ‘There’s incredible depth here, and it could be another standout class for us.’ But is this depth evenly distributed, or are a few stars overshadowing the rest?
Diego Frontado: The All-Around Phenom
Frontado, the class’s top earner, is a 6-foot shortstop with a reputation that precedes him. Known internationally for his versatility, he embodies the kind of player the Brewers value: a true ballplayer’s ballplayer. ‘He can run, hit, and has power,’ Green noted. ‘His defensive instincts and maturity set him apart.’ With tools that are both polished and projectable, Frontado is poised to make an immediate impact in the Dominican Summer League and beyond.
Ricki Moneys: The Powerhouse
While Frontado’s bonus is the largest, Moneys brings the raw power that’s hard to ignore. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, he’s generated exit velocities up to 108 mph, drawing comparisons to stars like Jackson Chourio and Jesus Made. ‘His power to right-center field is a game-changer,’ Green said. But here’s the twist: Moneys’ name has been a topic of debate, with variations like ‘Ricky Moneys’ and even ‘Money’ floating around before his signing. Is this a sign of the unpredictable nature of international scouting, or just a minor detail that won’t matter if he delivers on the field?
Alexander Mercedes: The Towering Lefty
Among the Brewers’ eight pitching signings, Alexander Mercedes stands out—literally. At 6-foot-6, the left-hander already throws a 95-mph fastball and moves with surprising smoothness for his size. ‘He’s a guy who makes you go ‘wow,’ Green said. But with so much focus on the big names, are other pitchers in the class being overlooked?
Other Standouts: Speed, Defense, and Youth
José Rodríguez, not to be confused with Josue Rodríguez, is hailed as the class’s best infield defender, earning a $1.5 million bonus. Moises Salazar, the youngest player at just 16, is a switch-hitting catcher with an arm that’s turning heads. And Manny De Los Santos, one of the smallest players at 5-foot-8, is also one of the fastest, clocking a 6.1-second 60-yard dash. But with so much talent concentrated in a few players, are the Brewers spreading their resources too thin?
A Shift in Strategy
Interestingly, the Brewers broke from tradition by signing players exclusively from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, skipping countries like Nicaragua and Mexico where they’ve been active in recent years. ‘It’s not for lack of trying,’ Green explained. ‘Sometimes, matching dollar figures with these kids can be challenging.’ But is this a strategic shift, or just a one-time anomaly?
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, here’s the big question: Did the Brewers strike the right balance with this class, or did they put too much emphasis on a few stars? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
