The Philadelphia Phillies have been active in the international baseball market, signing outfielder Francisco Renteria, ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the 2026 class, for $4 million during the January signing period. The organization’s international scouting director Derrick Chung and senior advisor Sal Agostinelli discussed their evaluation process and expectations for Renteria.
Agostinelli described how he first learned about Renteria: “I got a call from Carlos Salas, who had seen him. He’s our Latin American coordinator. He told me, ‘I need you to go see this guy.’ So they had an open workout in Orlando, I’d say every team was there, there were like 50 scouts there. He was 13 or 14 years old and he really stood out. We all got in there right after that quickly and we went to see him. And progressively, it was evident he was going to be the guy we were really focusing on. I think we have a checklist of what we like, including things like his background, his makeup, his body composition, his chase rate, where he’s going to play in the future … there are just so many things that come into it (when you give a player) a lot of money. We do our due diligence for the Philadelphia Phillies.”
Chung added that Renteria met all of their criteria: “I think as far as checking boxes, he pretty much checked all the boxes when it comes to makeup, intelligence, the trainer he’s coming from. Not only that but also the body and tools, the athleticism, explosiveness and feel for the game, the ability to make contact, his hand-eye coordination. He checks all the boxes we look for and his intangibles are pretty unbelievable for a kid of his age. He’s such a good prospect to put into our system and let our player development people do their thing and let him fly.”
When asked about where Renteria ranks among previous signees by the Phillies’ international department over recent years—especially given that he has yet to play professional baseball—Agostinelli said: “I think he’s probably one of the best, if not the best, guys in terms of upside in our system now. That being said, he hasn’t played. But when people who know scouting see him, when they see him take BP, when they watch him in a game, they’re going to say,’Wow,this guy has ability.’ I think if you put him behind guys like Aidan Miller,andrew Painter,and Justin Crawford;he fits in that spot.I might still put a guy like Aroon Escobar ahead of him.If we still had Eduardo Tait,I might put him ahead of Renteria.I think that’s a perfect spot for him.It doesn’t put pressure on him and allows him to go out and do what he has to do;not feel stress.When we signed Carlos Carrasco;he was No1 prospect very early,and I think it went to his head little bit,to be quite frank with you;though obviously wound up going on be really good pitcher.”
Chung also commented on Renteria’s potential: “For me,I would say he probably has best mix tools I’ve seen doing this over years;when it comes,you know,the athleticism,power,the hand-eye coordination,and feel hit.When we’re talking about five tools maybe sixth tool makeup…this is best mix tools I’ve ever seen since started doing this.”
Discussing how difficult it can be projecting young players’ futures at such an early age—often seeing prospects at ages 13 or 14—Chung said,”We do our best check all those boxes.I think makeup is huge part.The hardest thing us physical projection because change so much from that age.We do everything can get best information possibly order make decision.When start talking profiles,you ask things like,’Will able stay middle field or end up moving corners?’We get information from within organization,strength conditioning guys athletic trainers everyone else trying figure out answer possible these kids.”
Agostinelli noted changes in international signings over time:”There are so many dynamics,different intangibles.You have deal agents.You have go through knowing you’re give lot money–when get money,a lot guys change.Knowing grounded family important;if parents picture help guide through time,we have think about these things…Things changed so much from when first started.You’d see kid give ten grand.People would say,’OK,signed bunch guys’,get two three big leagues everybody thought did great job.Got these big leagues fifty grand people didn’t realize signed another twenty didn’t make.Now completely different.There are mistakes being made with lot money.That why important,Renteria,we know agent understands game.We know family,we data how does things.We continue make sure stay point don’t lose sight process checklist.”
The Phillies continue efforts developing talent internationally while adapting evolving challenges market.
