The post Blue Jays sign Italian WBC star to free agent contract ahead of World Baseball Classic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Toronto Blue Jays have added to their roster by signing a player who won’t even be able to play right away.
advertise
That’s because they just signed a catcher who played for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
The WBC game hasn’t even started yet and Major League Baseball (MLB) has signed a new player.
Francis Romero reported the news on Wednesday:
“Hours ahead of the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the first player on the tournament roster has signed with an MLB organization. Giaconino Lasaracina, a 22-year-old catcher on the Italian roster, has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.”
More: Reds reportedly paying $2.8 million to sign 12-year-old
La Saracina was actually born in Venezuela. He’s 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and hits and throws right-handed.
advertise
His Baseball Reference page lists three Italian Serie A seasons from 2022-24.
La Saracina has always been a monster in this league. In three seasons, he batted .374 and had an OPS of 1.030.
In 91 games over three seasons, La Saracina hit 36 doubles, 8 triples and 6 home runs while stealing 16 bases.
More: The Mets phenom ate 900 raw eggs in a month to develop a 100 mph fastball
Obviously, the move from that league to American-affiliated competition is a huge step forward.
The Blue Jays may have seen something in recent seasons that convinced them this was worth a chance.
advertise
Now, as the WBC competition unfolds, Toronto fans have another player to root for. He’s a new face, but if he can have an incredible rise, maybe he’ll have a future with the Blue Jays.
