The Seattle Mariners made an immediate impact when the international signing period opened, announcing the addition of five young prospects on the very first day. The signings highlight the organization’s continued commitment to building depth through international scouting while carefully balancing short-term roster needs with long-term development.
The five new Mariners are outfielders Juan Rijo, Gregory Pio, Jarvis Gomez, and Ambeiro Recio, along with infielder Leonardo Reynoso. All five players hail from the Dominican Republic, a region that has long been a major source of elite baseball talent. Their arrivals are the result of years of evaluation, scouting, and relationship-building led by director of international scouting Frankie Thon Jr. and his staff.
In a statement released by the team, Thon Jr. emphasized the significance of the day for both the organization and the players involved. He described International Signing Day as a moment of pride for the Mariners’ scouting department, noting that it represents the culmination of countless hours of work. More importantly, he highlighted that the signings allow the players and their families to fulfill a lifelong dream by taking their first step into professional baseball.
Among the group, Juan Rijo stands out as one of the most highly regarded prospects. The 17-year-old outfielder is ranked 12th overall in his international class by MLB.com and reportedly agreed to a $2.2 million signing bonus. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Rijo is a left-handed hitter praised for his advanced offensive approach. Scouts have graded both his hitting ability and power as well above average, and the Mariners believe he has the tools to contribute in all aspects of the game.
Gregory Pio, who signed for a reported $2.9 million, is even younger at just 16 years old. At 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, Pio is known primarily for his athleticism and projectable frame. Evaluators see significant upside in his speed, defensive ability, and raw strength, with many projecting him as a natural center fielder. The Mariners are eager to watch his skill set evolve over the coming seasons.
Leonardo Reynoso adds versatility to the class as a switch-hitting infielder. Ranked 48th by MLB.com, the 17-year-old brings a polished bat from the left side and the ability to use the entire field. While he may ultimately settle in at third base due to his strong arm, some scouts believe he has the potential to develop 20 to 25 home run power. His experience in international tournaments has also helped prepare him for higher levels of competition.
Jarvis Gomez, another 17-year-old outfielder, offers an exciting blend of speed, power, and arm strength. Standing 6 feet tall, he is considered a high-upside athlete with tools that could develop into standout traits with proper coaching.
Rounding out the group is Ambeiro Recio, a physically imposing 6-foot-1 outfielder known for his raw power. His muscular build and leveraged swing give him well above-average strength, making his offensive upside particularly intriguing.
Together, these five signings reflect the Mariners’ strategy of investing heavily in young talent, laying the groundwork for sustained success in the years ahead.
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