Phillies' expected major international prospect signing could be franchise-altering

The 2026 international signing period is nearly upon us. Opening on Jan. 15, the signing window allows MLB teams to begin officially signing international prospects with whom they've had agreements for years. Last year, the Philadelphia Phillies' top international signing was Venezuelan shortstop Nieves Izaguirre, cousin of Ronald Acuña Jr.

This year is lining up to be an even bigger splash for the Phillies.

The Phillies are expected to make a big move in this year's window by signing Francisco Renteria, a just-turned 17-year-old outfielder out of Venezuela. Everyone expects the Phillies to spend around $4 million of their $6,679,200 international bonus pool on Renteria, and it looks like he might be worth every penny.

Phillies' next international prospect Francisco Renteria looks like the real deal

While it's going to be years before fans have a chance to see Renteria in the upper minors and hopefully eventually in the majors, there are plenty of reasons to be excited. Scouts and analysts across the board are excited about the tools and projectibility that Renteria brings.

Ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 3 international prospect, he's already being compared to Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect and MLB Pipeline No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin. There are no guarantees when signing a player who's still a teenager, but if Renteria works out this move could end up securing a giant piece of a future Phillies lineup.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 200 pounds, Baseball America ranks Renteria at No. 2 (subscription required) on their pre-signing big board, meaning that he's expected to sign for the second-largest bonus in the 2026 period.

As Baseball America's scouting report notes, Renteria has physicality, power, and athleticism that stand out, with strength and explosive bat speed that yield some of the best raw power in this year's international class.

"When he’s on time, that power translates in games, especially against fastballs, though he has been more susceptible to quality breaking pitches. It’s likely a power-over-hit profile with the upside to become a 30-plus home run threat," according to Baseball America.

Currently playing center field, Renteria is built more like a corner outfielder. However, as noted in his scouting report, his speed and athleticism should allow him to develop as a center fielder in the lower levels of the minors. While there's a possibility he can remain in center as he advances to the upper minors, Baseball America thinks it wouldn't be surprising, based on his body type, if he ends up in a corner outfield position eventually.

However, MLB Pipeline thinks Renteria could stick in center long-term.

"Scouts think the 6-foot-3 outfielder has the actions and all-around athleticism to stick in center field long-term," his scouting report reads. "An above-average runner, Renteria impacts the game on the basepaths and utilizes those wheels and his long strides to run down the ball from gap-to-gap."

The Phillies are also preparing to sign a slew of other international prospects during the 2026 signing period, which ends on Dec. 15, 2026. Their other most recent top international signings include outfielder Jalvin Arias in 2024 and shortstop Starlyn Caba in 2023.

We'll have to wait to see where else they spend their money after securing the exciting Renteria.