Detroit Tigers 2026 International Class Scouting Report

The Tigers’ top bonus ($2.3 million) is going to 17-year-old catcher Manuel Bolivar from Venezuela. When Bolivar was 13, he played in the U-15 World Cup in 2022 in Mexico as the youngest player on Venezuela’s team. An early standout in the 2026 international class, Bolivar performed well during that tournament and has grown into a power-hitting catcher. He’s strong for his age with the bat speed to drive balls deep out of the park to his pull side in batting practice with potential plus raw power. There have been stretches of swing-and-miss against live pitching, so it’s likely a power-over-hit offensive profile, but scouts highest on Bolivar think he will make enough contact to tap into that power in games. He’s a longtime catcher who has the tools to stick behind the plate, where he’s an athletic mover who blocks well and has a strong arm.

Venezuelan shortstop Oscar Tineo has a promising foundation of physical upside, athleticism and actions that work well on both sides of the ball. He’s a slender 6-foot-2, 165-pound shortstop who moves around with ease in the infield. He’s an above-average runner who is light on his feet with smooth actions, soft hands and good body control. He’s an instinctive defender with a good internal clock and a quick release into an average arm that could tick up as he gets stronger. Much of Tineo’s future will depend on his physical development. His present strength is behind most of the top players in the class, but he has room to easily add another 30-plus pounds, at which point his power could spike significantly. He’s a switch-hitter with gap power who makes steady contact in games and is more advanced from the right side of the plate.

Dominican outfielder Randy Santana ($1.25 million) packs a lot of strength and quick-twitch explosiveness into his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. It’s a muscular, physically advanced build for his age, and it shows in the present tool set. Santana has quick hands from the right side of the plate and can drive the ball with impact to be a potential 20-plus home run threat. It’s a pull-heavy approach and he will need to sharpen his plate discipline, so it’s a likely power-over-hit offensive game that could come with some swing-and-miss. Santana’s best tool is an outstanding arm that’s already plus-plus. He’s a good athlete who is built more like a right fielder, and he could ultimately end up there, but he’s a plus runner and should get a chance to prove himself in center field to start his career.

Venezuelan outfielder Douglas Olivo has a long-limbed 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame with lots of space left to fill out. He’s a plus runner who glides around with ease in center field, where he gets good reads off the bat and has a strong chance to stick. He’s a switch-hitter who generates natural loft with gap power and could see his overall offensive game take a step forward once he adds much-needed strength.

Among Detroit’s other notable signings, one is Dominican shortstop Eduardo Tusen. He’s a switch-hitter who is strong with fast bat speed from both sides of the plate to drive the ball for hard contact. He’s a shortstop for now with the hands and arm strength for the left side of the infield, likely fitting best at third base. 

Santiago Ventura from Venezuela is a plus runner and athletic mover in center field. His defense stands out the most, but he has a sound swing when he’s synced up with gap power.