The Atlanta Braves have always looked to the international market to fill their organization with incredible talent. They found the current face of their franchise through this method as well. It often works out very well. However, there are times when it is a massive gamble. Atlanta has to hope they have scouted well enough to see a great outcome.
This is the case with a couple of Atlanta's current international prospects. They spent big on them and haven't seen huge strides in their development. So, they'll need to see some improvement in 2026 to confirm if they made the right choice or not. The two prospects in question are shortstop Jose Perdomo and outfielder Luis Guanipa. Both were pretty costly, with Guanipa signing for $2.5 million and Perdomo for $5 million. If they don't work out, the Braves need to make some big changes with their approach to international free agents.
If Luis Guanipa and Jose Perdomo don't work out, the Braves need wholesale changes in their international scouting department
Perdomo ranked as Atlanta's 15th-best prospect last season, despite not having played a lot since he was signed in 2024. He received the largest bonus of any international prospect in that class. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury after a handful of games.
2025 had promise, but he underperformed a bit with a .223/.275/.270 slash line in 54 games. Perdomo showed that he could remain healthy for a season. Unfortunately, he didn't progress further than the FCL league. His strikeout rate wasn’t too bad at 19.3%, but his OBP was terrible, despite a respectable walk rate of 6%. Perdomo just isn't doing enough to lift the ball, as indicated by his 54.3% GB% and 69 wRC+.
Perdomo will need to play much better in 2026 to prove to the Braves that he's the player they signed. He is only 19 years old after all, so it makes sense that he's struggled a bit. Hopefully, he can turn things around.
Guanipa was Atlanta's 20th-ranked prospect last season. He was signed thanks to his great bat speed and ability to make hard contact at times. He was also limited in action during 2024 due to injury, and played in 52 games with the FCL Braves and Low-A Augusta.
Unfortunately, he didn't fare better in 2025. Guanipa played in fewer games last season (35), and slashed .262/.345/.325. He had five doubles, a home run, two steals, 14 walks, and 20 strikeouts in 142 plate appearances between Augusta and the FCL again. He did make some impressive strides with his plate approach. He tweaked some things and finished the season strong with a .324 average over 18 games. So, it's positive to see he's coachable and able to make necessary adjustments.
Guanipa needs to add a bit more power to his game and stay on the field for a full season to take the next step in 2026. Atlanta thinks he has five-tool potential, so that has to happen if he's to fulfill that hope. He's also young at 20. There's more than enough time to adjust and become a great player.