When Major League Baseball teams invest in international prospects, it’s a lot like taking a chance on a lottery ticket. These players are usually teenagers who would still be in high school if they were in the United States. Some grow into stars, but just as many, if not more, end up fading away like countless other minor leaguers.
These young prospects are often paired with lofty comparisons that tend to create unrealistic expectations. Even though some may eventually reach that level, simply being mentioned alongside names such as Juan Soto, Jose Ramirez, or Fernando Tatis Jr. is already an impressive feat for players so early in their careers.
For the St. Louis Cardinals to regain their winning identity, international free agency offers a path to discovering affordable, high-impact talent. The draft-and-develop approach that Chaim Bloom and the DeWitt family aim to establish puts even more emphasis on the importance of identifying and nurturing international prospects.
The Cardinals have seen mixed results with international signings in recent years. Carlos Martinez, Sandy Alcantara, Randy Arozarena, and Ivan Herrera all entered the organization through international free agency. Among them, only Herrera and Martinez have played meaningful roles for the club over the last ten years.
St. Louis has stayed active on the international market, and one of their more recent additions has already drawn a standout comparison.
The St. Louis Cardinals have reached an agreement in international free agency with Dominican outfielder Emmanuel Luna. Early reports indicate the deal is expected to be around three million dollars. For a club that has often emphasized volume over high end talent on the international market, pursuing a prospect with true star potential marks a noticeable shift in strategy.
Luna is a six foot two, 185 pound outfielder who could eventually join the long list of standout players from Santo Domingo, a group that includes Juan Soto, Marcell Ozuna, and Jeremy Peña. MLB Pipeline notes that he offers significant physical projection and already carries the type of presence scouts look for.
He shows plus raw power from the right side and uses the entire field with a mature approach at the plate. His understanding of the strike zone allows him to play beyond his age. Defensively, evaluators believe his precision stands out more than pure arm strength, though he is still plenty capable of cutting down runners. He profiles as someone who could develop into a 30-30 threat in the future.
Luna’s upside has even earned him the nickname the Dominican Aaron Judge, a nod to his size and power potential.
The 2026 international signing period runs from January 15 to December 15, and the Cardinals are expected to finalize the agreement early. Luna will turn seventeen on the opening day of the signing window.
Bringing in Emmanuel Luna signals that St. Louis is putting real emphasis on the international market. His future could unfold in countless ways, but the Cardinals are hoping they have uncovered a future star.