Introduction

The international market in baseball is a realm of uncertainty, where teams strive to uncover hidden talent with limited data at their disposal. This year, the focus is on the 2025 international free-agent class, featuring standout performers and their impressive debut statistics. As the countdown to the 2026 signing period begins, let’s delve into the top 10 prospects from the 2025 class and evaluate their performances.

Top Prospects

1. Roki Sasaki - Los Angeles Dodgers

Bonus: $6,500,000Stats (MLB): 10 G, 8 GS, 4.46 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 28 K, 36.1 IP

Roki Sasaki, despite facing challenges in his rookie year, showcased his skills with a stellar postseason performance, carrying a 0.84 ERA. Although he had to navigate shoulder issues and command struggles during the season, his emergence as a closer in the playoffs was a promising sign.

2. Elian Pena - New York Mets

Bonus: $5,000,000Stats (DSL): 55 G, .292/.421/.528, 23 XBH (9 HR), 33 RBI, 21 SB

Pena, the highest bonus recipient after Sasaki, demonstrated robust offensive skills and defensive prowess. His performance, marked by a solid hit tool and base-running capabilities, positions him for a bright future in the Mets’ lineup.

3. Andrew Salas - Miami Marlins

Bonus: $3,700,000Stats (A): 104 G, .186/.319/.245, 14 XBH (3 HR), 21 RBI, 39 SB

Though Salas’ batting average falls short, his on-base percentage and experience against older players may pave the way for development in the coming seasons.

4. Gabriel Davalillo - Los Angeles Angels

Bonus: $2,000,000Stats (DSL): 41 G, .302/.408/.518, 15 XBH (7 HR), 31 RBI

Davalillo emerged as a promising catching prospect in the Angels system, boasting impressive offensive numbers but facing questions in his defensive game.

5. Josuar Gonzalez - San Francisco Giants

Bonus: $2,997,500Stats (DSL): 52 G, .288/.404/.455, 19 XBH (4 HR), 24 RBI, 33 SB

With a standout debut, Gonzalez has the potential to leap up prospect rankings, owing to his impressive combination of power and speed.

6. Dorian Soto - Boston Red Sox

Bonus: $1,400,000Stats (DSL): 47 GS, .307/.362/.428, 14 XBH (2 HR), 18 RBI

Soto's switch-hitting and power potential elevate him within the Red Sox system, although his defensive transition remains in question.

7. Elorky Rodriguez - Texas Rangers

Bonus: $1,097,500Stats (DSL): 46 G, .337/.473/.506, 17 XBH (6 HR), 48 RBI, 9 SB

Rodriguez’s strong debut and versatility position him as a key player in the Rangers’ future.

8. Kevin Defrank - Miami Marlins

Bonus: $560,000Stats (DSL): 10 GS, 3.19 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 10 BB, 34 K, 31.0 IP

Defrank’s pitching prowess has elevated his status within the international class, showcasing a powerful fastball and advanced command.

9. Cris Rodriguez - Detroit Tigers

Bonus: $3,197,500Stats (DSL): 50 G, .308/.340/.564, 23 XBH (10 HR), 39 RBI, 10 SB

Rodriguez's power hitting puts him on a trajectory towards middle-of-the-order contention within the Tigers lineup.

10. Andrew Salas - Miami Marlins

Bonus: $3,700,000Stats (A): 104 G, .186/.319/.245, 14 XBH (3 HR), 21 RBI, 39 SB

While Salas faced tough competition, his on-base performance illustrates future breakout potential as he acclimates to higher levels.

Conclusion

The 2025 international free-agent class has yielded impressive talents who are beginning to make their mark in professional baseball. With more opportunities looming in the 2026 signing period, teams and fans alike watch closely as these prospects continue to develop.