The Mariners make some intriguing signings including outfielder Juan Rijo, who is the 12th-ranked prospect in the 2026 international class.
The Seattle Mariners already have one of the top farm systems in all of baseball. Now they’re even stronger after Thursday’s news that they have signed five international players, including three top-50 international prospects.
The signings were announced by Mariners Senior Director of International Scouting Frankie Thon Jr., and included outfielders Juan Rijo (number 12 intentional prospect) and Gregory Pio (number 32), and shortstop Leonardo Reynoso (number 48). The other two players were outfielders Jarvis Gomez and Ambeiro Recio, with all five prospects coming from the Dominican Republic.
The Mariners had $7.3571 million in pool money and as per MLB.com’s Jesse Borek, Rijo signed for $2.2 million. Pio received $2.8 million according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, while Reynoso landed $750k.
In a statement, Thon discussed what a special day it was for everyone involved. He said:
“It’s always a fun and proud time for our Mariners scouting staff, to get to this International Signing Day and witness the fruit of everyone’s collective efforts. More importantly, these players – along with their families – get to achieve a life-long dream, while also taking their first step into professional baseball.”
Juan Rijo draws an intriguing comparison
As the standout signing of the Mariners’ international class, Rijo is considered somewhat of a late bloomer. He has been compared to JoJo Parker, the number 43 prospect in baseball who was selected eighth overall in last year’s draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.
The left-hitting 17-year-old still has work to do on his defense, but has plus offensive tools and good plate discipline, along with strong base running and excellent instincts. Thon said:
“We consider Rijo to be a uniquely advanced player. He’s got a very well-rounded skillset with a chance to be solid-to-above average in every single facet of the game. It’s a mature, polished approach at the plate with a simple adjustable swing that we believe will lead to plenty of hard contact and high on-base skills. Off the field, his work ethic is off the charts and his baseball acumen always shines through. We foresee big things for Rijo and are thrilled to be adding him to our minor league talent pool.”
It’s interesting that Pio received a higher signing bonus than Rijo, but he is a year younger and has been touted as a potential premium prospect for a while now. The right-handed hitter still has to develop at the plate, but he has plus athleticism and excellent speed.
In addition, the 16-year-old possesses plus defensive tools in centerfield with solid instincts. Thon said:
“Pio is a lean, projectable, exciting athlete. There’s no denying the upside associated with his tools. The speed, defense and raw strength all have a chance to eventually be above-average. Defensively, he’s a slam dunk centerfielder and we’re excited to see how the rest of his game develops in the next few years.”
Mariners already looking to move Leonardo Reynoso
Reynoso stands out as the only infield international prospect signing by the Mariners. Although scouts see his future at second or third base as opposed to his current position at shortstop.
The 17-year-old is a switch-hitter, although at this stage he is stronger from his left side. Thon said:
“Reynoso is a switch-hitting infielder from the Dominican Republic. He’s got a sweet swing from the left-hand side, geared for using the whole field and hitting for average. Defensively, he projects to be more of a third baseman with a plus arm. Reynoso has extensive international tournament experience and has performed very well at the plate.
As for the Mariners’ two other signings (both 17), Gomez is a top of the scale athlete who possesses high upside tools, while Recio’s calling card is the raw strength in his game. As per Divish, Thon said:
“Gomez a right-handed hitter … with an impressive combination of speed, power and arm strength. Recio [(has) well above-average power with plenty of loft and leverage in his swing.”
The Mariners have a proud history of international signings who went on to have tremendous success, including Edgar Martinez, Ichiro Suzuki and Félix Hernández, while Julio RodrÃguez is currently headed down a similar path. If any of this year’s class get even close to that foursome, the M’s will be more than happy.
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International signing rules
International players are eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. They must turn 16 before they sign and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
This means players born between Sept. 1, 2008, and Aug. 31, 2009, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players have to be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.
Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rogers Photography
Which of the five Mariners international signings are you most intrigued by, and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
