The Philadelphia Phillies opened the 2025 international free agency signing period on Wednesday by taking a predicted approach and securing one of the most sought-after young talents.
Their acquisition involved a player with a unique connection to an NL East rival from the Atlanta Braves. This year, the Phillies have $6,261,000 available in their bonus pool, which they can utilize through December 15.
Phillies Add Top Prospect with Ronald Acuña Jr. Connection
Baseball America’s 2025 MLB international signings tracker revealed that the Phillies signed 17-year-old Nieves Izaguirre, a talented shortstop who happens to be a cousin of former National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. Hailing from La Sabana, Venezuela—nicknamed the “Land of Ballplayers”—Izaguirre stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 160 pounds.
While not physically imposing, his athleticism and speed earned him the 44th spot on MLB Pipeline’s ranking of top international prospects for 2025.
According to his MLB Pipeline scouting report, Izaguirre’s deep baseball roots have contributed to his exceptional game intelligence.
Scouts admire his ability to adapt and make the most of his development opportunities, highlighting his sharp instincts on the field.
Baseball America’s subscription-based scouting report, authored by Ben Badler, further details Izaguirre’s skills. It describes his compact swing, high contact rate, line-drive hitting style, and power to hit the gaps effectively.
Phillies’ Strategy for International Signings
As reported by Badler, the Phillies have opted to distribute their bonus pool funds across multiple players this year instead of committing to a single high-priced signing.
Although the team often secures at least one player with a seven-figure bonus, none of their current deals have exceeded $1 million.
Here is the updated roster of international free agents signed by the Phillies on the first day of the signing period:
