D-backs Sign Ruben Gallego to Headline Huge International Class

The Diamondbacks land a top international prospect (not the senator).

Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A detailed view of an Arizona Diamondbacks hat at the game between the Washington Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

On Thursday, MLB's international signing period began. The Arizona Diamondbacks made a splash, signing 18 players to free agent contracts per their transaction logs. Cuban shortstop Ruben Gallego inked a $1.75 million free agent deal as the headlining signee.

Gallego, 17, was ranked among the top 50 international prospects available, coming in at No. 42 per MLB Pipeline and No. 9 on insider Francys Romero's top-50 list. Gallego does not profile far off from the likes of a Geraldo Perdomo, who was also once an international free agent acquisition.

Related Content: Top Diamondbacks International Free Agents in Franchise History

Full scouting report on Gallego via Baseball America's Ben Badler:

"Cuban shortstop Ruben Gallego, signing for $1.75 million, has the traits to stick at shortstop. He’s a smart, instinctive defender with smooth, fluid actions at the position. At 6-foot, 163 pounds, he’s an
average runner with quick feet, soft hands and a quick transfer to an average arm.

"Scouts were split on Gallego’s pure hitting ability, with some seeing him as a defensive-oriented player and others thinking he would be a solid hitter with a line-drive approach and gap power from both sides of the plate. There’s still more physical upside left in his frame, though he doesn’t project to ever be a big power hitter."

D-backs Kick Off International Signing Period with 8 Players

We have agreed to terms with 18 international signees. pic.twitter.com/gLLSpNuNOc

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) January 16, 2026

Gallego is the highest-paid (and most prominent) player on Arizona's list. Below are the other seven:

SS Leonardo Sevilla (Cuba): Another shortstop, Sevilla is 18 years old with a high level of athleticism, standing at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds. He profiles as a speedy line-drive hitter with a mature approach and the tools to stick at shortstop, though he may move to second base.

SS Brayan Figueroa (Dominican Republic): Figueroa is a power hitter who is still developing a contact-hitting tool. He has a massive arm and will likely move to third base.

OF Loidel Amaya (Cuba): Amaya profiles as a potential corner outfielder with a power upside, but also has a solid hit tool.

OF Yohendi Fernandez (Dominican Republic): Fernandez is a center fielder with plus athleticism and a more contact-hitting skillset.

C Jhosep Villarroel (Venezuela): Villarroel is just 5-foot-9 and is more of a contact hitter, but has some raw power present in his bat. He'll have a chance to stick at catcher with a solid arm.

OF Joscar Hernandez (Venezuela): Hernandez is a center fielder with plus athleticism and a 6-foot-1, 163-pound frame. He profiles as more of a speed- and glove-first player while his bat develops.

Arizona also signed the following signees:

OF Yamir Mendieta (Panama)

SS Jorge Silvera (Venezuela)

OF D-Shawn Martina (Curacao)

C Angel Chacon (Venezuela)

C Jesus Linares (Venezuela)

OF Manny Almonte (Dominican Republic)

RHP Diland Cebeda (Dominican Republic)

CF Jeremy Suriel (Dominican Republic)

RHP Hector Ozuna (Dominican Republic)

RHP Yohansis Peña (Dominican Republic)

CF Jossiel Feliz (Dominican Republic)