The Pittsburgh Pirates invested their top international signing bonus in a Dominican teenager who is the nephew of a Hall of Famer and cousin of one of the game’s most prodigious power hitters.
The Pirates agreed Thursday to sign 16-year-old shortstop Wilton Guerrero Jr. for $1.95 million, as the top-20 prospect headlined their class on the opening of the international signing period.
The Pittsburgh Pirates officially signed Wilton Guerrero Jr. for $1.9 million.
One of the best arms and athletes in the class.
Pictured alongside him is his father, former MLB player Wilton Guerrero. pic.twitter.com/53y8m2aDFK
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) January 15, 2026
His father played second base and outfield with four teams in parts of eight seasons in the major leagues, primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos. Wilton Jr. is the nephew of Hall of Fame slugger Vladimir Guerrero and a cousin of Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Wilton Guerrero Jr. is ranked the No. 17 international prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 19 by Baseball America. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitter is known more for his speed than his power — his running received a 70 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale — as well as a quick glove and a high baseball IQ.
Pittsburgh Pirates are favorites to sign 16-year-old Wilton Guerrero Jr in January of 2026. Son, cousin, nephew of MLB players (Wilton/Vlad/Vlad Jr). Shortstop who can fly around the bases and already shows good power pic.twitter.com/Bu7PkhNHOj
— John Dreker (@JohnDreker) May 12, 2025
“One of the younger players in his international class, upside is the name of Guerrero’s game,” MLB.com wrote in its scouting report. “He doesn’t get cheated in the box and makes lots of hard contact while displaying a quick, level right-handed swing. His biggest supporters see plenty of power still to come as he fills out and gains strength upon entering the pro environment.
“Where Guerrero can impact the game most is on the basepaths. He’s been clocked as fast as 4.1 seconds down the first-base line and he’s always apt to go from first to third or second to home when given the opportunity. Those top-tier wheels help his lateral movement at shortstop, where he also displays a quick glove and heady instincts as the captain of the infield. The arm strength won’t blow anyone away but Guerrero’s all-around look is the prototypical ‘best athlete on the field’ package that clubs often covet in the domestic draft as high up as the early competitive balance rounds.”
The @Pirates have signed 17-year-old Dominican outfielder Jeancer Custodio, No. 7 on the Top 50 International Prospects list, for a reported $900,000.
Keep track of top international signings: https://t.co/vjyjyma64Jpic.twitter.com/NljOTqNJLQ
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2026
Baseball America reported that the Pirates also signed 17-year-old Dominican outfielder Jeancer Custodio for $900,000. The 6-1, 190-pound Custodio played for the Dominican Republic in the Under-18 World Cup Americas Qualifier in 2024, ranking second on the team with a .333/.429/.375 slash line. Baseball America ranks Custodio its No. 54 international prospect.
“Custodio is strong for his age and projects to have a burly build. He has the strength to drive the ball out of the park to his pull side and could grow into 20-plus home run power,” Baseball America wrote in its scouting report. “Scouts highest on Custodio liked his hand-eye coordination to be able to tap into his power in games, though there was a split camp about how his swing and pure hitting ability would translate at higher levels. Custodio is an above-average runner underway, so he could see time in center field at the lower levels, but he’s built more like a corner outfielder and probably will shift there long term.”