The Rays had several interesting names getting some reps in international leagues during the offseason. I’ve recapped the performances from some of the standouts below and looked ahead to what it could mean for them in 2026.
Australian Baseball League
Leonardo Pineda
The 2024 international signee has played less than 100 professional games since joining the organization, but that didn’t stop the Rays from his aggressive assignment to the ABL. Playing against competition over half a decade older than him on average, Leo held his own and then some – slashing .279/.362/.402 in 36 games (138 PA) and playing a solid CF.
Maybe the most impressive number from his campaign down-under is that 26.5% of his hits went for extra bases (compared to just 20.8% at the complex league last season). He’s starting to tap into his above average bat speed and find in-game power without having to sell-out and sacrifice any contact ability.
Despite his relatively small sample of professional games even with his ABL experience, I expect Pineda to begin the year with low A Charleston where he might be pushed to a corner at times to make room for Rays CF prospect Slater de Brun. Pineda will still get his time in CF where he looks like he could develop to be an above average defender there.
Nicandro Aybar
A late injury replacement addition to the Perth squad, Aybar didn’t miss a beat as he made the most of his opportunity. He hit four HRs – doubling his professional HR total so far in his career – and showed above average bat-to-ball skills. His versatility and athleticism could make him a valuable utility player as he develops.
In the last two seasons, Aybar has seen time at all three OF positions as well as 2B and 3B, but looks best in a corner outfield spot. I think he has enough lateral quickness and arm to continue to get reps at his two infield positions going forward.
I expect Aybar to begin the year with Charleston after getting a cup of coffee there late last season.
Dominican Winter League
Hunter Bigge
Bigge seemed destined for a key bullpen role in 2025 before a freak injury derailed his season. He has since gotten back on the saddle – earning three saves across 8 IP to go along with 11 K and 3 BB.
The most exciting part of his performance in the Dominican Republic is that his stuff and confidence are just as great as they were pre-injury. I think Bigge could play a pivotal role and pitch in plenty of high leverage moments in 2026 as part of the closer committee. He could be a sneaky pick to lead the team in saves this year.
Kenny Piper
While the offensive production hasn’t been there for Piper this offseason, his defensive skills continue to shine. Piper is a plus receiver with above average athleticism behind the plate and his pitchers love throwing to him. Piper also has a 70 grade arm that he has been able to show off more this offseason as he has worked to improve his exchange.
His 42% caught stealing rate is by far the best in the Dominican Winter League, and 18% better than the league average. For more context, the ML leaders last season at 43% were Luis Torrens and Austin Hedges – Piper has shown similar pop times to both of them.
His hit and power tools currently grade below average and there might not be much we can expect from Piper offensively, but his work behind the plate is a valuable asset and he could be an impact defender in the majors if given the opportunity to play in a back-up role. I expect him to be ready to help the major league club as he awaits his opportunity in Durham along with Dom Keegan. Sometimes I wonder about the alternate universe where Danny Jansen begins the 2025 season on the IL and Piper makes the Opening Day roster.
Venezuelan Winter League
Jadher Areinamo
Areinamo put on a show this offseason. His performance in Venezuela is MVP worthy (although his ROTY award was also a nice prize) as he hit .364/.420/.692 with 13 HR across 162 PA. He continues to show an above average hit tool highlighted by double-plus contact rates. The biggest surprise from Areinamo has been his emerging power. It might never be above average power, but he has hit 28 HR since the start of 2025 in 167 games after hitting just 16 HR in his first 328 games of his career.
It’ll be interested to see how his emerging power translates to AAA. The run environment there is inflated so the production will likely be there, but I’ll be watching his hardhit%, 90th percentile EV, and his hardhit launch angles. Without his newfound power, Areinamo profiled as a utility infielder. These guys can be valuable in specific bench roles but may struggle to hold down an everyday job. But if the power is real, Areinamo could easily be the everyday second baseman as early as 2027. He already is a solid defender there, and with his offensive tools he would be an above average everyday contributor.
I’m wondering about what his swing decisions will look like at the next level. Areinamo has historically maintained chase rates far worse than average, so I’m concerned about his willingness to expand the zone even though he has found a way to be productive so far in his career. Areinamo’s recent power surge suggests that he’s making plus swing decisions in-zone – which is a nice way to hedge his potential weakness in expanding the zone. The swing decisions both in and out of the zone against more advanced pitching in AAA and the majors will be something to watch. I also have questions about Areinamo’s swing at the next level in terms of mechanics. There are a lot of moving parts, but he has double-plus bat-to-ball skills that have allowed him to make it work thus far. His noisy swing might cause him to whiff at elevated rates against higher velocity and quality breaking balls, and his suboptimal chase rates would only exacerbate this issue.
I have no concerns about Areinamo’s raw talent. He’s a plus athlete with outlier contact ability, but all players will be tested at some level where they can no longer rely on talent alone. This is where adjustments will have to be made in order for him to succeed at the next level and I hope Areinamo can show that in 2026.
I expect Areinamo to start the year in Durham.
