The Baltimore Orioles signed several international free agents to their farm system as they seek to replenish their minor league depth. They have signed 10 international free agents, one of the lowest nets per team so far.
Despite the low number, the quality of the prospects is what Baltimore is scouting in their decision-making process. At least five of the 10 prospects are listed on MLB Pipeline’s top-50, according to MLB.com. Four of those are on Fangraphs’ top 59.
All of these players are far from making a significant impact on the major league roster, facing years of development. But the team’s strategy comes at a time when they have only two top 100 prospects. There are a few names in this group that the organization must keep its eyes on.
The @Orioles have signed 5 of the Top 50 international prospects:
14. Jose Luis Acevedo, SS ($2.3M)
18. Ariel Roque, OF ($1.7M)
25. Andri Hidalgo, LHP ($600K)
35. Pedro Gomez, OF ($1.25M)
41. Gabriel Rosario, OF/1B ($1M)Top international signings: https://t.co/vjyjyma64J pic.twitter.com/CWewt5psnn
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2026
The Top Orioles International Free Agent Signees
Jose Luis Acevedo, Shortstop, Dominican Republic
Acevedo is ranked as the ninth-best international amateur on Fangraphs and the 14th-best on MLB Pipeline. The Orioles expect to officially sign him on a $2.3 million bonus, which is a quarter of their $8 million pool money. His bonus is also the highest the team will give out this year during the signing period.
The scouting report on the 17-year-old shortstop puts him as a plus-grade hitter and fielder, with a slightly below-average power ceiling. MLB’s report suggests he has a line-drive hitting profile that finds the gap, but has a very aggressive approach at the plate. The report also highlights his defensive abilities.
From the Orioles, their top international signee SS Jose Luis Acevedo ranked No. 11 on BA bonus board and No. 14 via MLBPipeline. pic.twitter.com/Ts0cOXmjJN
— Steve Melewski (@Steveonbaseball) January 15, 2026
“Acevedo is advanced defensively, even amongst a class of talented shortstops. He has a natural feel for the position and showcases good actions routinely,” MLB’s report says.
The six-foot-one, 180-pound shortstop would have to fight for a spot in the lineup if he gets to that level. With a backlog of middle-infielder players, including prospects Wehiwa Aloy and Colin Yeaman, he might be a trade piece in the future.
Andri Hidalgo, Left-Handed Pitcher, Dominican Republic
One of the major concerns the Orioles have in their entire system is a lack of pitching, with Esteban Mejia being their highest-rated pitcher. The team went for Andri Hidalgo with a $625,000 signing bonus, after rising to the number 80 spot on Baseball America’s top 100 international prospects. It’s a smart move for a team searching for young, dependable pitching.
From @BaseballAmerica: LHP Andry Hidalgo is a top pitcher in the 2025-26 International class with great stuff and a lot of potential.
The young southpaw is expected to sign with the #Orioles today 🇩🇴 https://t.co/1evmBpvW0D pic.twitter.com/fHiYwWOR60
— Charm City Connection (@88OriolesFan88) January 15, 2026
Hidalgo holds a three-pitch arsenal that includes a plus-graded fastball and slider combination. He has an emerging changeup and holds average control, which is a major positive for any 16-year-old. MLB’s report puts his fastball in the low 90s, topping out at 95 mph, along with a unique delivery due to his long limbs.
The unique thing about the six-foot-four unit on the mound is that he has “been a full-time pitcher for the past 3-4 years,” per MLB Pipeline.
Again, he still has a lot of time to develop into a big-league starter and won’t see much action until he is 18. Still, even if he doesn’t emerge as a true starter, he could be a closer with his fastball-breaking combination. He could be the most valuable free agent the Orioles pull out this cycle.
Ariel Roque, Outfielder, Dominican Republic
The Orioles didn’t stop their big-time spending at Acevedo. They also went out and got outfielder Ariel Roque for a $1.7 million signing bonus. Baltimore spent $4 million between Acevedo and Roque alone, nearly half of their entire free agency pool money.
With outfield being one of their big, long-term concerns for 2026 and beyond, the team seeks a permanent answer despite the emergence of Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers. The 17-year-old Roque, ranked at 18 on the MLB Pipeline’s big board, is also a top graduate from former player Yordany Ramirez’s academy.
The good news is that Roque is billed as an all-around athletic player with the tools to succeed. Scouts also note his hitting ability, including his leg kick that he uses for his power development.
“He keeps his hands fairly high but utilizes his oodles of bat speed to consistently get to all types of pitches, often spraying line drives from gap to gap,” MLB’s report states.
Fangraphs also lists his athleticism as a plus, suggesting he could be a suitable defensive weapon in the future.
Main Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
