The Atlanta Braves make their moves once the international signing period opens. According to Baseball America, shortstop and outfielder are both expected to join the Braves organization.
As reported by Baseball Prospectus writer Gaurav, those two players are projected to be Atlanta’s most notable international additions. Each is expected to sign for under $1.5 million, a smaller investment than what the club has typically committed to top-tier international prospects.
Mañon currently ranks 15th among international prospects per MLB.com. He’s a well-rounded player with several tools graded at 55 on the 20–80 scouting scale, including his hit tool, power, and speed. Scouting reports highlight his ability to make frequent contact and his aggressive approach at the plate.
Defensively, Mañon’s glove and arm are both considered average, earning 50 grades. While his arm strength raises some questions about his long-term fit at shortstop, evaluators believe additional development could allow him to remain at the position.
In the 2024 Amateur Scouting League, Mañon went 8-for-26, posting a .308 batting average with seven RBIs across nine games.
Information on De La Cruz is more limited, but Gaurav was able to uncover several positive evaluations. De La Cruz is praised for his advanced contact skills and disciplined approach, including strong pitch recognition and strike-zone awareness. He also shows the ability to drive the ball with authority, pairs that with above-average athleticism, and offers reliable defense in center field. Some scouts have drawn loose comparisons to Michael Harris II in terms of his blend of speed and power, suggesting a high developmental ceiling.
As the signing period approaches, additional names are expected to emerge. The prevailing belief is that Atlanta will target several lower-ranked prospects in an effort to stretch its international bonus pool as efficiently as possible.
Any of these additions could quickly crack the Braves’ top-30 prospect list. While the organization has a strong track record of developing talent, its farm system remains relatively thin and ranks near the bottom across MLB. With much of its top prospect depth concentrated on the pitching side, prioritizing position players on the international market makes strategic sense.
The international signing window officially opens on January 15, with many of the top prospects typically signing immediately. Last year, Atlanta’s marquee international addition was outfielder Diego Tornes, who has since climbed to No. 14 in the Braves’ prospect rankings.
