Who is Enmanuel Merlo, the new Twins prospect?

Enmanuel Merlo is a switch-hitting Venezuelan shortstop, ranked No. 34 among the 2026 international prospects, signed by the Minnesota Twins.

How much did the Twins' international signing pool money total?

The Twins received $7,357,100 in pool money for the current international signing period.

What are the eligibility rules for international baseball prospects?

International players must be at least 16 years old before signing and 17 before Sept. 1 of the following year to be eligible for signing.

Home / Sports / Twins Snag Top Intl. Prospect Merlo

Twins Snag Top Intl. Prospect Merlo

16 Jan

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Summary

Twins signed top international prospect Enmanuel Merlo.
Merlo is a switch-hitting shortstop from Venezuela.
The team received $7,357,100 in pool money this year.

The Minnesota Twins continue their successful international scouting by signing highly-touted Venezuelan shortstop Enmanuel Merlo. Merlo, ranked No. 34 among the 2026 international prospects, is a switch-hitter who impresses with his exit velocity from both sides of the plate and is showing increasing power. He is also considered a strong defensive player, likely to play up the middle.

The Twins were allocated $7,357,100 in pool money for this signing period, one of the highest amounts in recent years. Merlo's expected $1.5 million signing bonus reflects his potential. The team also expects to sign Nicaragua's top prospect, shortstop Juan Diego Holmann, who brings significant international experience.

This influx of talent continues the Twins' strong tradition of developing international players, following in the footsteps of stars like Miguel Sanó and Jorge Polanco. With the team boasting one of baseball's top farm systems, this strategic international investment is crucial for sustaining future success.