Phillies sign top international prospect with family ties to Ronald Acuña Jr.

The Philadelphia Phillies kicked off the 2025 MLB international free agency signing period  by making a move many experts had anticipated. The team secured one of the top international prospects of the year, who happens to be related to a player from their division rival, the Atlanta Braves.

With a bonus pool of $6,261,000 to utilize, the Phillies have until December 15 to make their acquisitions during this signing period.

Phillies sign top international prospect with family ties to Ronald Acuña Jr.

The Philadelphia Phillies have signed 17-year-old shortstop Nieves Izaguirre, according to Baseball America’s 2025 MLB international signings tracker. Izaguirre, the cousin of former NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., hails from La Sabana, Venezuela, often referred to as the “Land of Ballplayers.” Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 160 pounds, Izaguirre may not be physically imposing, but his speed, athleticism, and high baseball IQ helped earn him the No. 44 spot on MLB Pipeline’s list of top international prospects for 2025.

MLB Pipeline’s scouting report highlights Izaguirre’s exceptional baseball instincts and his ability to maximize his development, while Baseball America notes his short swing, strong contact rate, line-drive approach, and gap-to-gap power. Izaguirre’s skill set and potential make him a promising addition to the Phillies’ farm system.

 

 

Phillies’ international free agent signings

According to Ben Badler, the Phillies are taking a different approach during this year’s international signing period by distributing their bonus pool money more evenly instead of signing a marquee seven-figure player. As of now, all of their signings fall under the $1 million mark.

Here’s a list of the international free agents the Phillies signed on the first day of the signing period (as of the time of writing):

• Elias Marrero, SS, Dominican Republic
• Eeivis Velasquez, C, Venezuela
• Geremi Viloria, RHP, Venezuela
• Daibert Cruceta, OF, Venezuela
• Leonardo Carpio, OF, Venezuela
• Rafael Oropeza, SS, Venezuela
• Filippo Sabatini, RHP, Italy
• Deiry Gonzalez, RHP, Dominican Republic
• Anderson Araujo, C, Venezuela

In recent years, the Phillies have secured notable international prospects, including outfielder Jalvin Arias in 2024 and shortstop Starlyn Caba in 2023. However, Caba, known for his defensive prowess, was traded to the Miami Marlins in December as part of the deal for pitcher Jesús Luzardo.