The Guardians have a rich tradition of scouting and developing talented catchers from Venezuela, a legacy that dates back to 1996 when they signed switch-hitting catcher Victor Martinez from Ciudad Bolívar. After Martinez’s standout career, which included three All-Star appearances and 900 hits with the team, Cleveland has now signed another promising Venezuelan catcher looking to make his mark.
Joining the organization is left-handed-hitting Hiverson Lopez, the highest-ranked player (No. 41) in the 2025 international class to sign with the Guardians. They also added shortstop Heins Brito, ranked No. 48 overall, marking the fourth time in the last five years the team has secured two Top 50 prospects in the international signing period.
Lopez’s signing comes with a $900,000 deal, while Brito receives an $825,000 bonus. The Guardians were allocated $6.9 million in pool money for this signing period.
The fruits of the Guardians’ recent international efforts are already evident, with prospects like Jaison Chourio (ranked No. 3 in the system) and Angel Genao (No. 4) making the Top 100 overall prospect list in 2024 after impressive performances since their signings in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Lopez brings an exciting blend of skills both at the plate and behind the plate. As a hitter, he’s a contact-first player with the potential for more power as he matures. His swing and build have drawn comparisons to former Major League catcher Miguel Montero. Behind the plate, Lopez is a strong-armed, athletic catcher with advanced instincts and soft hands, making him well-suited to adapt to the growing importance of pitch framing at higher levels.
Brito, a switch-hitting middle infielder, fits the mold of a player the Guardians have long favored: one who focuses on contact over power. At 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds, Brito shares similarities with 2023 signee Welbyn Francisca, and like Francisca, he quickly advanced in the system, hitting .325 in 29 games at Single-A Lynchburg at just 18 years old.
Brito’s natural left-handed bat has become more versatile as he’s developed his right-handed stroke. His speed is already above average, providing potential for impact on the bases, while his approach at the plate continues to evolve. His performance at the 2022 15U World Cup qualifiers, where he stole a base and collected two hits, further highlights his potential.
In the Dominican Summer League, Brito’s bat will be key to his progress as he competes for a role at shortstop. His ability to hit will be the deciding factor in his ascent through the Guardians’ system.
International players are eligible to sign with Major League teams between January 15 and December 15, as long as they turn 16 before signing and are 17 before September 1 of the following year. Players born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008, are eligible for the current signing period.
