Guardians stock up on switch-hitting shortstops as int'l signing period opens
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There may be no more exciting type of prospect than a switch-hitting shortstop.
Cleveland believes it has landed one of the best in the 2026 international class as the signing period opens, having agreed to a deal with Svert Reinoso, who checks in at No. 38 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 list.
But that’s not all. The Guardians tapped back into the same market and reportedly handed out six-figure deals in excess of $600,000 to Karel Naranjo and Rafeliz Lara, both of whom were in consideration for spots on Pipeline’s list alongside Reinoso.
Cleveland received $8,034,900 in pool money this year, tied for the highest allotment in the league.
Reinoso comes from a baseball family in the Dominican Republic, giving him a terrific starting point. After serving primarily as a left-handed hitter during his early amateur years, he learned to swing right-handed and has become almost equally proficient from that side. Evaluators say that’s just a small glimpse into Reinoso’s drive, as he’s earned top-of-the-scale marks for his makeup and desire to improve all facets of his game.
Evaluators presently see a solid combination of hit and power for Reinoso, who has an ability to drive off his back leg and make loud contact when he squares the ball up. But his standout tool is his throwing arm. There’s little doubt he’ll stick on the left side of the infield long term, with third base a legitimate possibility, as he’s already filled out to a physical 195 pounds at age 17. Reinoso gets tons of carry on his throws and could be a seamless fit at the hot corner if that loft-oriented offensive profile takes off.
Watch Naranjo and Lara on consecutive days, and your opinion of who’s the better prospect is likely to oscillate a half-dozen times. Both 5-foot-9, the pair of switch-hitting shortstops have surprising power for their size, stepping into the box with the intent to do damage.
Naranjo was born in Cuba but moved to the Dominican Republic to further hone his game as an amateur. He has the advantage of not turning 17 until June, giving him an even further runway to develop. Working with high-end bat speed from both sides of the plate, he knows how to get the barrel on the ball and has a feel for how to work counts in his favor. Evaluators rave about his baseball IQ and his ability to make spectacular plays defensively, backing it up with pro-level body control and a plus throwing arm.
Lara trained with Jaime Ramos, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, in the Dominican Republic and stood out among a star-studded group of amateurs for his hitting ability from both sides of the dish. He has long limbs and is still growing, which might force him off the premium defensive spot one day, but he has the type of throwing arm that will stick on the infield.
Competition is often fierce for reps at shortstop, particularly at the lower levels of the Minors. Bringing Reinoso, Naranjo and Lara aboard will further bolster Cleveland’s already formidable middle-infield prospect crop, which includes Dean Curley (No. 10), Welbyn Francisca (No. 15), Dauri Fernandez (No. 23) and Gabriel Rodriguez (No. 24). The organization’s upper Minors boasts even more talent, with Travis Bazzana (No. 1/MLB No. 17), Angel Genao (No. 3/MLB No. 59) and Juan Brito (No. 14) all knocking on the big league door.
But as Guardians fans are well aware, it’s not always the highest-ranked signees who develop into impact big leaguers. José Ramírez received just a $50,000 signing bonus to sign with the club as an international free agent in 2011. Nearly a decade and a half later, he became the first primary third baseman in MLB history to notch more than 250 home runs and 250 steals in his career.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2008, and Aug. 31, 2009, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.