The 2026 international signing period will open on January 15, but the Philadelphia Phillies are already looking forward to the 2028 signing period.
According to Francys Romero, the Philadelphia Phillies are “favorites” to sign Kenny Acuña, the youngest brother of rival Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr.
“The Philadelphia Phillies are the favorites to sign Venezuelan SS Kenny Acuña for around $3M when a new international signing period opens on January 15, 2028, per industry sources,” Romero reported on X.
Kenny Acuña is just 14 years old, and all three of his older brothers have are playing professionally. Ronald Acuña Jr. is a five-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger and former National League MVP. Luisangel Acuña made his Major League debut for the New York Mets in 2024, and is currently in the minor leagues after some struggles this year. Bryan Acuña signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2022, and is has split the 2025 season between the Florida Complex League and the Twins’ Single-A affiliate in Fort Myers, Fla.
The youngest Acuña made his stateside debut earlier this year at Perfect Game’s 14U showcase, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber.
Acuña could join two of his brothers in the National League East if they are not on different teams by then. However, the fact that the Phillies are already thinking about committing $3 million in international bonus funds toward him speaks volumes.
In the 2025 signing period, they signed Nieves Izaguirre for $800,000, which was their most expensive international free agent signing of the year.
Photo: Citizens Bank Park as the sun sets during a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies, Friday, July 24, 2020, in Philadelphia. The Marlins won 5-2. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
