Orioles Finally Embrace International Free Agency, Headlined by Jose Luis Acevedo in Breakthrough Class

For years, the Baltimore Orioles were known not just for their cautious spending at the major league level, but also for their near-absence from international free agency. While other organizations aggressively mined Latin America for elite teenage talent, Baltimore largely stayed on the sidelines—often to the frustration of fans and evaluators who saw immense upside being left untapped.

That era is officially over.

Under Mike Elias and new ownership, the Orioles have undergone a philosophical transformation—one that could quietly reshape the franchise’s long-term future. Baltimore is no longer avoiding the international market. Instead, it is preparing to make one of its most significant international splashes in decades, signaling a level of confidence, resources, and ambition that simply did not exist before.

A Shift Away From the Angelos Era

The Orioles’ historical reluctance to engage in international free agency was rooted largely in the approach of former owner Peter Angelos. Angelos was famously wary of the international market, citing concerns about shady intermediaries and the unpredictability of investing large sums in teenage players.

While some skepticism was understandable, the strategy ultimately left Baltimore at a disadvantage. International free agency has long been one of the most efficient ways to acquire elite talent at relatively low cost—especially for small- and mid-market teams.

Since the change in ownership and the rise of Elias’ front office, those concerns have faded. Baltimore now appears fully committed to leveraging scouting, analytics, and infrastructure to compete globally for amateur talent.

Orioles Positioned for Major International Class in 2026

That commitment will be on full display when international free agency opens on January 15. According to Baseball America’s international bonus board, the Orioles are expected to sign four of the top 50 bonus recipients in the upcoming class—an eye-opening development for a franchise once known for sitting out this market.

Baltimore is one of seven teams with the maximum international bonus pool, totaling $8,034,900. That figure is determined by a combination of market size, revenue status, and whether a team signed players attached to qualifying offers in the previous offseason.

The Orioles qualified across the board—and, crucially, appear ready to spend every dollar strategically.

Jose Luis Acevedo: The Headliner of Baltimore’s Class

The centerpiece of Baltimore’s international class is Jose Luis Acevedo, a shortstop from the Dominican Republic who is expected to receive the 11th-largest bonus of this signing period.

Acevedo stands out not because of one loud tool, but because of how complete his profile already looks at such a young age.

Scouts praise:

• His advanced approach at the plate

• Quick bat speed that projects to solid average production

• A growing frame and clean swing mechanics that suggest future power

• Strong defensive instincts at shortstop

Acevedo is not a raw lottery ticket. He’s a polished teenager with the potential to develop into a legitimate five-tool threat if everything clicks. For an organization that prioritizes versatility, plate discipline, and athleticism, Acevedo fits the Orioles’ modern player-development model perfectly.

Depth Beyond the Headliner

Baltimore’s international class doesn’t end with Acevedo.

The Orioles are also expected to sign:

• Ariel Rocque (No. 24 bonus ranking): a toolsy outfielder with athletic upside and projection

• Pedro Gomez (No. 40): an outfielder with notable raw power and run-producing potential

• Gabriel Rosario (No. 42): one of the better pure hitters in the class, though his limited speed may push him to a corner defensively

This group gives Baltimore a balanced international intake—mixing upside, polish, and positional flexibility. While not every signing will reach the majors, the sheer volume and quality of talent dramatically increase the odds that one or more become organizational pillars.

Why This Matters More Than Any Single Signing

The significance of this international push goes far beyond individual prospects.

For the Orioles, this represents a structural change in how the organization operates. International free agency is not about instant gratification; it’s about building a pipeline that feeds the system year after year.

By embracing this market, Baltimore gains:

• Access to elite talent before it reaches the draft

• Cost-controlled players with massive upside

• Greater organizational depth across all levels

• Increased trade flexibility in future seasons

These are advantages top organizations like the Dodgers, Rays, and Astros have exploited for years.

Baltimore is now officially playing the same game.

A Front Office Built for This Moment

Mike Elias and his staff are particularly well-suited to capitalize on international talent. The Orioles’ front office has shown strong confidence in its evaluation process, blending traditional scouting with data-driven projection models.

What was missing in previous years wasn’t expertise—it was ownership support.

That barrier appears gone.

With financial backing, patience, and a clear development philosophy, Baltimore can now take calculated risks on high-upside teenagers without jeopardizing the big-league payroll.

Timing Couldn’t Be Better

The Orioles are entering a competitive window at the major league level, while also rebuilding their prospect pipeline after years of promotions and trades.

Investing heavily in international free agency now ensures:

• Long-term sustainability

• A second wave of talent behind the current core

• Protection against future payroll pressure

It’s a move that aligns perfectly with where the franchise stands in its competitive cycle.

From Passive to Proactive on the Global Stage

Not long ago, international free agency was something Baltimore simply watched happen. Other teams signed stars. The Orioles moved on.

That reality has changed.

By committing nearly $8 million and targeting multiple top-50 prospects, Baltimore is no longer a bystander—it’s an active participant with clear intent.

For fans, this is about more than just names on a list. It’s about knowing the organization is finally using every available avenue to build a winner.

Final Thoughts: A Quiet Move With Massive Impact

While headline acquisitions and major league trades dominate offseason conversations, Baltimore’s aggressive approach to international free agency may ultimately prove even more impactful.

These are the kinds of moves that define organizations five and ten years down the line.

For the Orioles, embracing international talent isn’t just a strategy shift—it’s a statement.

The days of hesitation are over.
The global market is open.
And Baltimore is finally ready to compete in it.