Here's where the Rangers stand ahead of opening of 2026 international signing period

As the 2026 international signing period gets ready to begin on Thursday, the Texas Rangers are preparing to add new young talent to the organization.

The international free agent market has been good to Texas over the years, delivering the organization top prospects, most recently their current 19-year-old Bahamian shortstop, Sebastian Walcott.

With just over $6 million to spend during the signing period, which spans a full 12 months, the Rangers are already projected to land a couple of top international prospects.

What is the international signing period?

The international signing period opens up every January and runs through the majority of the year. In 2026, it will run from Jan. 15 to Dec. 15, 2026.

A player who at least turned 16 before he signed and will turn 17 prior to Sept. 1 of the following year is eligible to sign a deal with a big league franchise and begin their professional baseball journey.

Each organization is allotted a certain amount of pool money dependent on factors including market size, revenue and previous trades of money previously sent elsewhere. For the exact number, Texas is in the third-tier with $6,679,200 to spend on international players this year.

2 players that are top of Rangers' list as international signing period opens

Elian Rosario, OF/3B

The 17-year-old Dominican Republic outfielder, Rosario is expected to garner the ninth-largest bonus among the pool and sign with the Rangers once the period opens.

A six-foot-two, 195 pound outfielder is ranked as the 10th overall international prospect of 2026 is seen as a "physical presence in the batter's box, one who routinely rips off triple-digit exit velocities and showcases pop to all fields," according to MLB Pipeline.

He's an intimidating threat in a lineup at either the corner outfield spots or even in the hot corner as he was brought up in the Dominican as an infielder. At 17 he still has a lot of growing to happen but he could be ready right when needed to join Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter in the Rangers' outfield.

Frandel Pineda, RHP

The 47th ranked prospect in the 2026 international class, this 17-year-old right-hander is another on the list of Baseball America's (subscription required) expected Rangers' signees.

He's the nephew of nine-year big leaguer Michael Pineda, who won 94 career games with the Mariners, Yankees, Twins and Tigers from 2011-2022. At six-foot-two and 175 pounds, Frandel boasts a 92-94 mph fastball, a wipeout slider and is developing a changeup.

Pineda has a lot of upside given he still projects to grow and alongside that, refine his delivery and add strength. Not only will adding size increase velocity to his four-seam but it will also give him a chance to be a quick riser through the minor league system.