Peña Party: Mets Swing Big Internationally
Elian Peña's signing is more than monetary
The Mets have entered a market they were only vaguely familiar with before — spending big internationally.
The Mets inked SS Elian Peña today for $5,000,000 — 80% of their $6,261,600 that they were able spend on their 2025 international free agent class.
Peña signed for the most money of any Latin player this year — and the most of any international free agent in Mets franchise history.
Baseball America had Elian Peña as their No. 1 Latin American prospect in the 2025 class. While the signing itself has been floated since May — it’s excellent timing as a consolation prize for missing out on Roki Sasaki.
Previously, the most the Mets spent on one international free agent was in last year’s class for C Yovanny Rodriguez, who signed for $2,850,000. The same class which brought the Mets Vladi Miguel Guerrero — the half-brother of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The previous high for the Mets was Francisco Alvarez’s $2.7 million signing in 2018, and Ronny Mauricio’s $2.1 million signing in 2017. By signing Elian Peña, it shows the Mets are not only comfortable with international free agency — but taking a risk for a long-term return.
Peña, 17, is a player who can debut before he turns 21 years-old. That’s extremely encouraging from a talent perspective, as well as from an internal scouting standpoint. The Mets hired James Kang to be their new Director of International Scouting last year — and deserves a fair share of the credit.
“Today is a special day for the New York Mets as we welcome an exciting class of dynamic players into the organization. This is the first step for these players as they embark on their professional careers. Thank you to our baseball operations team as well as the families of these young men for their help along this process.” -James Kang
By the same token, David Stearns’ ability and willingness to either travel to Japan to scout Roki Sasaki — or physically meeting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Japan as Steve Cohen did — speaks to the Mets’ willingness to make their presence known internationally.
Peña is 5’10, 167 pounds, runs a 60-yard dash in 6.5 seconds — with all the tools to be a major-league star. He has a plate discipline rarely seen for his age. For someone who’s only 17, his bat is more improved as opposed to his glove at the moment. The common comparable you’ll hear is to Rafael Devers, which is valid.
Again, he is only 17. Applying expectations solely off the monetary value attached to a signing may not be the wisest thing to do; but that doesn’t mean he can’t have a major impact for the Mets down the line. It’s very likely that Elian Peña ends up in the Mets’ top 10 prospects; but certainly can see the jump to top 5 within a year.
Projecting Elian Peña to be Francisco Lindor’s long-term replacement at shortstop — strictly because on paper they’re the same position, would be misleading. While Peña can play shortstop, it makes more sense to profile him as a third baseman.
The same connection can be made with Ronny Mauricio. While he came up as a shortstop, he saw time at second base in the majors. Mauricio certainly profiles better at third base or in the outfield for the Mets moving forward.
From a scouting perspective, shortstops are a very interchangeable position around the field. Most of the time, a shortstop is your most athletic baseball player with the most maneuverability in their athleticism to profile at other positions.
Scouting Report, Elian Peña:
Scouting grades: Hit: 65 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 60 | Overall: 60
“Peña’s hit tool is his calling card. Equipped with oodles of bat speed from the left side, he complements his propensity to hit the ball hard with some of the most advanced plate discipline seen on the international scene in years. It’s rare for a prospect so young to have a keen eye for the zone, but Pena routinely puts it on display while spraying the ball to all fields when he does cut it loose. The power is expected to come on as he continues to mature and adapt to the routine of pro ball.”
“Top-tier defenders up the middle know that the foundation of playing shortstop starts with footwork. Peña has routinely shown the actions and feel for the position, adding in smooth hands that make it likely he sees the majority of his time there. Boasting a lean frame, Peña runs well among his age group and isn’t likely to be maxed out physically at a young age, leaving room for significant projection and upside.”
In addition the Elian Pena, the Mets had 14 other intentional signings, completing their 2025 international signing class:
Giomar Ubiera (11/27/2007) INF — Dominican Republic
Yobanny Sanchez (12/12/2007) RHP — Dominican Republic
Roni Garcia (3/5/2008) INF — Dominican Republic
Adrian Silva (2/6/2008) C — Venezuela
Jose Padilla (6/24/2008) INF — Venezuela
Yorber Semprun (9/14/2007) INF — Venezuela
Aiberson Blanco (2/12/2008) OF — Venezuela
Kleber Gamez (9/3/2007) RHP — Venezuela
Jose Vielma (3/29/2007) RHP — Venezuela
Pablo Medina (10/12/2006) LHP — Dominican Republic
Darling Perez (3/13/2007) RHP — Dominican Republic
Jhonael Cuello (11/7/2007) OF — Dominican Republic
Olmedo Barria (12/7/2006) RHP — Panama
Jose Serracin (6/7/2008) C — Panama