The Amateur Scouting League in the Dominican Republic has long been fertile ground for MLB teams seeking to secure tomorrow’s stars today, and the Atlanta Braves are again making noise on the international stage. This year’s headline acquisition is shortstop Jose Manon, a name that has become increasingly familiar to scouts and evaluators thanks to a potent combination of production, tools, and projection.
Manon Adds Muscle and Momentum to Braves’ Farm System
Ranked No. 15 on the 2026 Top 50 International Prospects list, Manon joins the Braves’ system with a reported signing bonus of approximately $1.5 million, a sizable investment that speaks volumes about Atlanta’s confidence in his long-term ceiling. With over $6.6 million in international bonus pool money this year, the Braves are using their capital to chase upside, and in Manon, they’ve secured a player who has flashed both present skill and future star potential.
Listed at 6-foot-2 with a strong frame and a right-handed swing that consistently finds the barrel, Manon has impressed evaluators with his ability to both make contact and drive the baseball, particularly to his pull side. In a recent nine-game stretch in the Amateur Scouting League, he not only went 8-for-26 with seven RBIs but also swiped seven bags in as many tries. That kind of well-rounded production, contact, power, and speed is precisely what teams seek in a premium middle-infield prospect.
Defense and Development: Manon’s Path to Shortstop Stability
Defensively, Manon has spent most of his time at shortstop and possesses the quick feet and athleticism needed to remain there, even as competition stiffens at the professional level. He trained with Amaurys Nina in the Dominican Republic, a trusted figure in MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, a detail that further validates the polish and preparation Manon brings into the Braves’ system.
Atlanta also reached an agreement with Starlyn De La Cruz, a left-handed-hitting outfielder who barely missed the Top 50 list but brings high bat speed and game-changing speed to the table. At 5-foot-10, he may not profile as a slugger, but his compact swing, advanced feel for hitting, and ability to patrol center field with ease make him a strong bet to develop into a valuable contributor.
Braves International Strategy Pays Off Again
The Braves now find themselves among elite company, joining the Mets and Mariners as the only franchises to sign a Top 15 international prospect in each of the last three signing periods. That’s more than just a coincidence; it’s a reflection of sustained strategy and sharp scouting.
History tells us that not all elite international signings explode out of the gate. Julio Teheran, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies each encountered early struggles before blossoming into core players. For Manon and De La Cruz, the road ahead will include both setbacks and growth. But in an industry where trajectory matters more than destination, Atlanta has added more intriguing arrows to its quiver.
As the international signing period kicks off, the Braves’ focus on toolsy upside and defensive athleticism offers a glimpse into their long-term strategy. Battery Avenue may not see these names lighting up the scoreboard tomorrow, but their journey has officially begun.
