The Philadelphia Phillies have made history with this major signing.
While Philadelphia Phillies fans wait on the potential news of a Bo Bichette addition, the Phillies made another significant move.
On Thursday, Philadelphia landed Venezuelan outfielder Francisco Renteria, securing him on a $4 million contract.
It was a historic move for the Phillies, as Renteria — the third-ranked prospect in the international class — is the highest-ranked player the team has ever acquired on the international market, via Jesse Borek of MLB.com.
"There seemingly isn’t much that Renteria can’t accomplish once he hops the white lines," Borek wrote. "A 6-foot-3 right-handed hitter, he earned comparisons from one evaluator to Konnor Griffin, the Pirates’ 2024 first-round Draft pick who ascended to MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect status during his first year of pro ball."
Philadelphia received nearly $6.7 million in international bonus pool money this offseason, most of which has been allocated toward the addition of Renteria.
Philadelphia Phillies president Dave Dombrowski. Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images."Renteria is equipped with tons of bat speed and an advanced knowledge of the strike zone, a considerable one-two punch when working with a player of his age," Borek added. "He’s also an above-average runner, which enables him to impact the game on the basepaths and utilize those wheels and long strides to run down the ball from gap to gap in center field."
The international signing window opened on Jan. 15 and runs through Dec. 15, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are attempting to add Bichette, who recently met with the team via video call.
Philadelphia re-signed Kyle Schwarber on a $150 million contract earlier this winter and also added outfielder Adolis Garcia and relief pitcher Brad Keller. Otherwise, the Phillies have been fairly quiet.
The club is still in need of another bat to put alongside of Schwarber and Bryce Harper, and Bichette could be the answer. The cost to sign him, however, will likely be rather extravagant.
Philadelphia would have to cough up a pair of draft picks — second and sixth-rounders — as well as $1 million in international bonus pool money to land Bichette due to the fact that the Toronto Blue Jays made him a qualifying offer and because the Phillies were slapped with a $56 million luxury tax bill.