The time has come again where the Rays, and all MLB teams, spend upwards of $10 million on prospects that we might not have any data on for a decade!
It’s exciting and concerning all at the same time, and involve
handshake deals years in the making. This year the Rays appear to have done very well, getting the highest marks from Baseball America:
The Rays are infusing their farm system with the most talented group of international signings that the organization has had in several years. Who the best player in the class is up for debate, with exciting players signing both from the position player side and on the mound.
At $1 million, Venezuelan shortstop Fabricio Blanco isn’t getting the biggest bonus for the Rays, but on talent, he stacks up among the top tier of prospects for any team this year. He’s a 5-foot-11, switch-hitting shortstop who has been an outstanding offensive performer in games in Venezuela, taking a tight turn of the barrel from both sides of the plate and consistently barreling balls with good at-bats and the bat speed to drive the ball out to his pull side. He has the tools, actions and instincts to stay at shortstop, giving him an exciting, well-rounded blend of tools and skills at a premium position.
Dominican shortstop Victor Valdez ($3.5 million) is getting Tampa Bay’s biggest bonus. He’s a righthanded hitter with a strong hit/power combination and improved defense that gives him a better chance to stick at shortstop, though his game could profile well at third base if he does ever move.
A third seven-figure signing, Dominican outfielder Jean Paredes, is a deeper projection play relative to Blanco and Valdez, but it’s an easy lefthanded swing, and he has lots of room to layer more strength to his 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame.
The duo of Blanco and Valdez is an excellent duo of hitters, but the Rays also are signing one of the best pitchers in the 2026 class. Colombian righthander Emmanuel Hernandez is 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, throws strikes and has high-end stuff for his age, running his fastball up to 97 mph. He shows the ability to manipulate multiple secondary pitches—including an advanced changeup—with a delivery and pitchability that point to him remaining a starter.
We will update this page with news throughout the day.
