At a Glance
- Francisco Renteria, 17, signed for $4 million on international signing day
- 6-foot-3 Venezuelan outfielder ranked No. 3 in international class
- Scouting grades: 65 power, 60 hit/run/field, 55 arm
- Why it matters: Philadelphia ties its largest amateur international signing since Jhailyn Ortiz in 2015
The Philadelphia Phillies struck quickly on international signing day, securing 17-year-old Venezuelan outfielder Francisco Renteria to a $4 million contract, according to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic.
Elite Teen Prospect
Renteria, born in January 2009 in Maracaibo – the same birthplace as Hall of Fame infielder Luis Aparicio – checks in at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. MLB Pipeline ranks him as the No. 3 prospect in the international class and labels him one of the most complete players available.
His scouting report on MLB’s 80-grade scale:
- Hit: 60
- Power: 65
- Run: 60
- Arm: 55
- Field: 60
- Overall: 60
Power and Athleticism
Evaluators praise Renteria’s combination of size and athleticism at such a young age. The right-handed hitter already displays advanced bat-to-ball skills, and scouts believe added strength could translate into above-average power as he matures. That power was evident during a recent Home Run Derby in Venezuela where he launched 18 home runs at age 16.
MLB.com’s Jesse Borek recently compared elements of Renteria’s offensive profile to current MLB Pipeline No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin.
Defensive Flexibility
Renteria’s athleticism provides the Phillies with defensive options. He projects as a potential center fielder but could also settle into a corner spot while providing above-average defense regardless of position.
International Signing Period
Thursday’s signing represents just the beginning of the Phillies’ international activity. The signing period runs through December 15, and eligible players must be at least 16 years old at signing and turn 17 before the following year. Renteria meets these requirements.
Philadelphia entered the period with $6,679,200 in international bonus pool money. Renteria’s $4 million bonus matches the club’s largest amateur international signing – outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz received the same amount in 2015.
Venezuelan Pipeline
The Phillies have found success in Venezuela before, signing pitchers like Ranger Suárez (2012) and infielder César Hernández, along with current No. 5 organizational prospect Aroon Escobar in 2022. Renteria becomes the latest high-upside addition to that pipeline.
The club has also been rumored to sign shortstop Juan Parra (No. 39), another highly-touted position player from Venezuela.
Key Takeaways
- Renteria’s $4 million signing ties the Phillies’ record for amateur international bonuses
- His 65 power grade represents his highest scouting attribute
- The Venezuelan outfielder provides defensive versatility across all three outfield positions
- Philadelphia retains over $2.6 million in international bonus pool money for additional signings
