Latin America continues to produce some of the most talented baseball players in the world, and these San Francisco Giants prospects are no exception. With recent top-30 prospect lists released, the buzz around Bryce Eldridge is growing. However, the Giants’ impressive international efforts have largely flown under the radar. In fact, over the last three years, the Giants have added a prospect to their system who is currently ranked in their top 10, all of whom have the potential to crack the top 100 prospects very soon.
Joe Salermo, the senior director of international scouting for the Giants, has been instrumental in this success. Promoted in 2022, he has recruited three strong groups since 2023, with this year proving to be the most exciting yet. Despite some setbacks, the Giants’ international scouting efforts are showing promise, even though they have faced challenges. One notable disappointment has been Marco Luciano, who was once considered a top-20 prospect but is now struggling to break into the big leagues.
The signing of Lucius Fox remains one of the most criticized moves in recent memory. The Giants gave him a $6 million signing bonus, only for him to be traded away in a package for Matt Moore just a year later. Fox went on to play just 10 major league games for the Washington Nationals before bouncing around teams. In March of last year, he was released by the Chicago White Sox and remains a free agent.
International Giants Prospects Looking to Make a Statement
Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez
The newest and most highly regarded prospect in the Giants’ system is Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez. Signed in 2025, Gonzalez has quickly gained attention, with many calling him the best prospect not named Roki Sasaki. He received nearly $3 million, marking him the highest-ranked signee for the Giants in the last 12 years.
Receiving comparisons to Francisco Lindor and Jose Reyes speaks volumes about the ceiling for this young talent. Unsurprisingly, scouts project him as a long-term shortstop, one who will remain at the position as he advances through the ranks. His confidence at shortstop comes from a quick first step, a strong arm, and smooth, natural actions. Few 17-year-olds look as comfortable at such a demanding position. His speed also makes him a legitimate basestealing threat.
At the plate, Gonzalez shows promise as a well-rounded hitter. A switch hitter who favors the left side, he has elite bat speed and the ability to hit for average. Scouts believe he has the potential to hit .280 and hit 25 home runs, which would be impressive numbers for an accomplished shortstop.
Jhonny Level
In comparison to Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez in 2025, Jhonny Level was nowhere near as highly touted in 2024. In fact, when he signed for under one million dollars, many experts thought the Giants may have landed a steal. It’s safe to say they were right.
Level’s performance in the Dominican Summer League was impressive, hitting .275/.393/.517. His strong showing helped him climb up various prospect rankings, and while he is currently ranked as the Giants’ number five prospect, many expect that to improve, potentially earning him a spot in the top 100 MLB prospects.
The reasons for Level’s relative under-the-radar status aren’t entirely clear, though his five-foot-10, 154-pound frame may play a role. However, he far exceeds expectations for his size. With a quick, fluid swing, he’s able to drive the ball, and scouts believe he has legitimate 20-home-run power if he can consistently lift the ball more often.
Defensively, his future remains uncertain. While he was a solid shortstop last year, there is still room for physical development. Ultimately, though, his bat is expected to play anywhere, giving the Giants flexibility for the future.
The 2024 class also included another potential steal in Oliver Tejada, currently ranked as the Giants’ number 26 prospect. Signed for under $150,000, Tejada showcased impressive power in his professional debut. Scouts believe he has 25-home-run potential and the tools to be a solid corner outfielder. Keep an eye on him—another strong year could see the 18-year-old continue to rise up the prospect lists.
Rayner Arias
Unlike the last two prospects, Rayner Arias is all about the bat. While he’s a capable fielder with good speed and looks natural in center field, many believe he’ll ultimately settle in right field, where he can excel.
When the Giants invested over $2.5 million in 2023 to sign Arias, it was for his raw physicality. His bat speed and power are impressive for a teenager, and his baseball IQ is well beyond his years. Unfortunately, injuries have limited his first two pro seasons. Arias has only played 41 games, but he has impressed whenever he’s been on the field.
If Arias can stay healthy and play a full season, expect to see his stock rise. Scouts remain extremely high on his bat, but due to his limited playing time, they haven’t been able to see enough to slot him into their top 100 rankings.
The Giants also added Lisbel Diaz for just $50,000 in 2023, and he has already exceeded expectations. In his first two years as a pro, Diaz has impressed, including a solid 55-game stint in Single-A at just 18 years old. He hits the ball hard but will need to improve his discipline over the next few years to have a real shot at reaching the big leagues.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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