Pittsburgh Pirates Secure Dominican Talent for the Future
With the start of the 2026 international signing period, the Pittsburgh Pirates have significantly strengthened their minor league ranks, finalizing agreements with three of the most prominent prospects in the class: outfielder Jeancer Custodio, shortstop Wilton Guerrero Jr., and infielder Alexander Pio.
These three Dominican youngsters are among the most promising names in the international market. Custodio, ranked as the seventh-best prospect, leads this group. Guerrero Jr. is ranked 17th, while Pio is just outside the Top 50.
The Pirates had an international allocation of US$8,034,900, one of the highest in Major League Baseball, and allocated a significant portion of those funds to these signings.
Guerrero Jr. received a bonus of US$1.95 million, Custodio US$900,000 and Pio US$500,000.
Custodio becomes the highest-ranked international signing in franchise history, and along with Guerrero gives Pittsburgh two Top 20 prospects for the second time in the last five years.Jeancer Custodio: The Star Hitter
Custodio, trained by the renowned coach Jaime Ramos, is considered the best hitter of this trio. The right fielder stands out for his compact and balanced swing, with great bat control.
In the 2024 U-15 World Cup in Panama, Custodio was the second-best hitter for the Dominican Republic team, with a .333 average (8 hits in 24 at-bats) and stealing all four bases he attempted.
Despite measuring 5’10”, his ability to elevate the ball is expected to translate into power as he physically develops, making him one of the most promising hitters in the 2026 class.Wilton Guerrero Jr.: Legacy of Talent
Guerrero Jr. belongs to one of the most emblematic families in baseball. He is the nephew of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero and cousin of the outstanding Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as well as being the son of former Major League player Wilton Guerrero Sr., who was also his coach.
It is distinguished by its exceptional speed, with times of 4.1 seconds from home to first, and a game intelligence that makes it a constant threat on the bases. It is aggressive, competitive, and seeks to make an impact in every turn.Alexander Pio: Power and Potential
Pio, standing at 6 feet 2 inches, has trained with Custodio and possesses one of the most attractive physiques in the group. At 16 years old, he recorded exit velocities exceeding 105 miles per hour, demonstrating his offensive potential.
Currently, he is projected as a power-hitting third baseman, with a strong arm and great physical projection to become an impact hitter.Eligibility and Signature Process
The international period runs from January 15th to December 15th. Players must be at least 16 years old at the time of signing and turn 17 before September 1st of the following year. In this window, those born between September 1, 2008, and August 31, 2009, are eligible, provided they are previously registered with MLB.
