The complex leagues are filled with raw talent. However, some complex league prospects stand out amongst their peers. Starting this last weekend in Arizona and Florida, these four prospects are names to keep an eye out for.
Arizona Complex League Prospects
Luis Hernandez – SS (San Francisco Giants)
Luis Hernandez was the top MLB International signee from the 2026 class. This could be the reason Hernandez is skipping the Dominican Summer League and heading straight to Rookie Ball. Or it could be the fact that he hit over .340 in the Venezuelan professional league at just 17 years old. Hernandez is under the tutelage of former big leaguer Carlos Guillen, who helped train him in Venezuela before becoming one of the top Arizona Complex League prospects.
Luis Hernandez was the top signee from this year’s international class for good reason. He plays a premier position and has the potential to be a top-end hitter. However, defensively, he may be moved off shortstop due to his average arm at the position. In the box, Hernandez’s trademark is his premier bat speed. Additionally, he could add power as he adds weight onto his 5’10”, 170-pound frame. Hernandez is one of many Arizona Complex League prospects who can make an impact on the basepaths, as well.
Aaron Watson – RHP (Cincinnati Reds)
Aaron Watson was drafted in the second round of the Florida as a prep pitcher. The Reds signed him for overslot value to get him away from the University of Virginia. He currently ranks just outside of the top ten prospects in the Reds system. Watson is one of the more intriguing Arizona Complex League prospects, in large part because he’s in the Reds’ farm system. In recent years, the Reds have developed multiple high-end pitching prospects, and Watson could be the next.
Aaron Watson made his first appearance in a Reds uniform during the Spring Breakout games. He dominated in his inning of work, holding the Giants scoreless and striking out a batter. On the mound, Watson works with three fastballs and three off-speed pitches. His slider is currently the most polished of his off-speed pitches, thanks to his great feel for it, even with its sharp movement. If Watson can improve both the curveball and changeup and continue to demonstrate feel for the fastball, there’s no reason he won’t dominate other complex league prospects.
Aaron Watson, the @Reds‘ 2025 second-round pick, spins a 1-2-3 frame in his Spring Breakout debut!
More on the 19-year-old’s pitch mix: https://t.co/d0q27Q5IEW pic.twitter.com/Ahi14YXTzX
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 20, 2026
Florida Complex League Prospects
Cris Rodriguez – OF (Detroit Tigers)
Cris Rodriguez is one of many promising hitters amongst the Tigers’ ranks. Rodriguez was the first top-five-ranked international signee to agree to a deal with the Tigers when he signed in 2025. It only makes sense that his signing made him the richest international free agent in Detroit Tigers history. Now one year removed from the Dominican Summer League, Rodriguez looks to make an impact with his bat as a complex league prospect.
The #Tigers have agreed to a $3,197,500 deal with Dominican OF Cris Rodriguez, No. 4 on the Top 50 International Prospects list.
Follow signings here: https://t.co/85U9SjTqH8 pic.twitter.com/OMJXPxR0Cm
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2025
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2025
Cris Rodriguez’s best tool as an international free agent was his power. This power is what makes him such an intriguing prospect. However, Rodriguez has multiple hitches in his swing, which led to him striking out nearly 25% of the time in the DSL. The Tigers’ current plan is for him to stick in center field thanks to his natural athleticism and quickness at the position. Rodriguez will look to make more contact and generate power if he is to become a standout in the complex league.
Darell Morel – SS (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Darell Morel is the newest of the Pittsburgh Pirates international signees ready to make an impact. Last season, Edward Florentino rose through Rookie Ball as not only one of the best Florida Complex League prospects but also one of the best prospects in baseball. This season, Darell Morel has the potential to do the same thing. Morel signing with the Pirates before the 2025 season was a result of his backing out of a deal with the Dodgers.
Darell Morel will look to leave a mark as a complex league prospect in the Florida league this summer. Morel has plus raw power, which should only increase as he fills out. Right now, he mans the shortstop position, but this may not be the case for the duration of his career. He currently only weighs 180 at 6’4”, and if he fills out, his athleticism might lose out to the added weight.\
Main Photo Credits: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
