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By Valentina Martinez
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Dodgers signed two of the top prospects in MLB's 2025-26 international signing class, outfielder Rubel Arias and shortstop Ezequiel Melbourne.
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MLB insider Francys Romero reported the news.
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Arias signed a $1 million deal with the Dodgers, while Melbourne inked a $750,000 deal. Arias ranks just outside the Top 50 prospects in his class and is an offensive-first player. He is expected to command the highest bonus from the Dodgers' international signings this year.
Melbourne is a switch-hitting shortstop and is the No. 29 prospect in the class. MLB.com's Jesse Borek provided in-depth scouting analysis of Melbourne's projections in MLB.
"While it’s far too early to say Melbourne is on the same track as former Dodgers international signees Adrián Beltré and Carlos Santana (among many others who have called Santo Domingo home), he has tremendous physical projection," Borek writes. "A switch-hitter with a quality eye and a smooth stroke from both sides of the dish, he’s presently focused on line drives, but scouts believe there will be plenty of pop to come as he enters the professional environment."
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The Dodgers also signed German left-handed pitcher Tom Apfelbaum, who is considered one of the more intriguing arms in the class.
Apfelbaum stands at 6-foot-3 with a fastball sitting between 88-90 mph, with some scouts comparing him to Cy Young winning pitcher Chris Sale.
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The Dodgers landed the crown jewel of the international market last winter in Roki Sasaki. The defending champions spent all of their international bonus pool money on Sasaki as the Japanese fireballer chose to join LA after his unique free agency process.
This year, the Dodgers were able to divide their funds ($6,679,200) amongst a versatile group of talent. The organization prides itself on maintaining a successful big league team while also building for the future.
Thursday's signing appears to be another win for the Dodgers as Arias and Melbourne are some of the best ball players to come out Santo Domingo this year.
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