The Houston Astros announced the signing of their 2026 international free agent class, highlighted by two highly regarded shortstops from the Dominican Republic.
Headlined by Two Top Shortstops
Shortstops Albert Fermín (No. 19 overall) and Randy Arias (No. 37 overall) give the Astros one of their strongest international signing tandems in recent years. Fermín will receive a $2.1 million signing bonus, while Arias is expected to sign for approximately $1.4 million.
Fermín, a 6-foot-3 switch-hitter, offers significant physical projection and upside.
“Fermín is a big, strong, switch-hitting shortstop with the attributes to produce damage from both sides of the plate,” Astros International Assistant Scouting Director Raymon Sanchez said. “An explosive and twitchy athlete, Albert projects to play a premium defensive position on the infield and has special, five-tool upside.”
Arias is regarded as a polished defender with an advanced offensive foundation.
“Arias caught our attention due to a strong combination of defensive ability and contact skills that he can apply to the game,” Astros Caribbean Scouting Crosschecker Alfredo Ulloa said. “A true shortstop defender, Arias’ solid defense is complemented by a professional approach and advanced feel to hit, while his occasional power allows him to drive the ball into the gaps and should continue to develop with physical maturation. Arias has average to better speed and plus baseball instincts, and projects as a player who can contribute in all facets of the game.”
Building Through the International Pipeline
The Astros also signed Dominican outfielder Imanol Féliz, a left-handed hitter with plus speed who is expected to remain in center field long term.
“Féliz impressed us with his mixture of athleticism, tools, and aptitude throughout our scouting process,” Astros Senior Director of International Strategy & Pacific Rim Scouting Camron Shipley said.
Houston continues to lean heavily on the international market as a pipeline for talent. Nine members of the Astros’ current Top 30 Prospects were signed internationally, including established major leaguers José Altuve, Framber Valdez, and Cristian Javier.
