MLB Pipeline highlights why SF Giants top international signing was the top prospect in this year’s class

In January, the SF Giants finalized deals with a trio of international prospects, headlined by middle infielder Luis Hernández out of Venezuela. MLB Pipeline shared why they had ranked Hernández as the No. 1 prospect in this year’s class.

MLB Pipeline highlights why SF Giants top international signing was the top prospect in this year’s class

The debate was between Hernández and  Wandy Asigen of the New York Mets. 

Asigen had an interesting winter. The middle infielder had long been connected to the New York Yankees, but backed out of that deal in December following changes to the Yankees’ international scouting department.

The Mets took this as an opportunity to land one of the top international prospects in this year’s class. Once the signing period opened up, Asigen earned a $3.9 million signing bonus with the Mets, which had been the same amount he previously agreed to with the Yankees. 

On the other hand, Hernández landed a signing bonus for just under $5 million. It marked one of the largest investments by the Giants through this channel, and the second straight year in which they landed one of the top international prospects. 

In 2025, the Giants signed middle infielder Josuar Gonzalez for just under $3 million. Since then, he has quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in baseball, reaching a high watermark in Baseball Prospectus’ latest rankings. 

In the Dominican Summer League, the switch-hitter posted a .288/.404/.455 line (129 wRC+) with four home runs, 24 RBI, and 52 runs in 228 plate appearances. He also swiped 33 bases in 38 opportunities.

Hernández was viewed as the No. 1 prospect in this year’s class. Jesse Borek of MLB Pipeline highlighted why they viewed him as the top prospect:

"Hernández is seen as a slightly better defender and could also hold down center field if the Giants ran him out there. He figures to impact the game on the basepaths right away and has 30-30 potential if he continues along his current trajectory."

Jesse Borek on Luis Hernández

Typically, international prospects start their pro career in the Dominican Summer League. However, the Giants are considering bypassing that level for Hernández due to his experience against more advanced pitching already.