To say that Nieves Izaguirre is from a baseball family would be an understatement.
Philadelphia has signed the 17-year-old Venezuelan shortstop, who is ranked as the No. 44 prospect in the 2025 international class per MLB Pipeline. Over 60 members of his lineage have become pro ballplayers, including a pair of brothers he calls cousins whom Phillies fans have become well-acquainted with: Ronald Acuña Jr. and Luisangel Acuña.
Izaguirre’s deal is worth $800,000 of the club’s $6.26 million at its disposal in pool money.
With all of that baseball acumen running in the family, it comes as little surprise that Izaguirre’s in-game IQ is regarded as top-notch. Scouts have been impressed with his aptitude for maximizing his development despite coming in at just 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds.
Izaguirre knows his offensive approach well, currently favoring line drives over extra-base pop. Equipped with plus plate discipline and knowledge of the strike zone, he utilizes his athleticism to his advantage both in the box and once he gets into motion.
Having reeled off 60-yard dash times that have been clocked as quick as 6.5 seconds, there’s reason to believe Izaguirre can be a weapon on the basepaths as he gets his pro career underway. He uses those quick feet to his advantage up the middle, with scouts having been on hand to see him make some highlight-reel plays, giving credence to the thought he could stick at shortstop despite having more of a second baseman’s build.
It was two years ago that Philadelphia made a sizable splash in the international market, landing Starlyn Caba (previously Phillies’ No. 4) with a sizable $3 million bonus. He has since blossomed into a Top 100 overall prospect (No. 81) who stole 50 bases last summer before headlining the return on the Jesús Lizards trade package with Miami last month.
Caba’s trade leaves ample room for Izaguirre to develop as a shortstop at the lower levels, while No. 1 prospect Aidan Miller (MLB No. 26), also a shortstop, continues his own development in a push toward Citizens Bank Park.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2008, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.
Additional notable Phillies signees and their bonuses:
Elias Marrero, INF (Dominican Republic) – $700,000
Deivis Velasquez, C (Venezuela) – $620,000
Geremy Villoria, RHP (Venezuela) – $425,000
Leonardo Carpio, OF (Venezuela) – $350,000
Dayber Cruceta, OF (Dominican Republic) – $300,000
