Feb 17, 2026 | 11:06 AM EST

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Imago

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Imago

Baseball’s international pipeline already rewards teenage projection, but David Basabe forced an absurd rewrite. The Philadelphia Phillies quietly positioned themselves early, betting their future credibility and development timeline on him.

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Who Is David Basabe? All About His Parents and His Upbringing?

David Basabe was born in Venezuela, a country that produces MLB players across generations. His Venezuelan identity places him within Latin America’s strongest baseball-producing communities. Venezuela has produced 460 MLB players, shaping countless families of baseball dreams.

However, information about Basabe’s parents is not yet available publicly. Yet, Venezuelan baseball culture matters because Basabe belongs to a surname already present in MLB.

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Venezuelan player Luis Alexander Basabe debuted in MLB during the 2020 season. His cousin Osleivis Basabe made his first big league appearance in 2023, batting .218 across 31 games. So, we can assume that the 11 YO Basabe, too, grew up surrounded by verified professional baseball bloodlines and expectations.

Is David Basabe signing a $1.8 Million Deal With the Phillies, and Why Are the Phillies Interested in the 11 YO?

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Reports claim the Philadelphia Phillies reached a $1.8 million future commitment with David Basabe.

MLB rules require players to be 15 or 16 before officially signing international professional contracts. International signing periods open annually on January 15, regulating bonuses and eligibility globally each year.

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Because David Basabe is 11, any agreement remains unofficial under MLB compliance rules today.

Such verbal agreements happen years early, especially across Venezuela’s competitive prospect training academies today.

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MLB introduced international bonus pools, limiting spending to controlled millions. These pools create urgency, pushing teams toward an earlier handshake before eligibility officially begins.

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That explains why the Philadelphia Phillies evaluated Basabe years before legal signing windows officially opened. Organizations invest early, trusting development systems to shape teenagers into future roster contributors. However, until he turns 15 or 16, nothing becomes legally enforceable under MLB rules worldwide.

Has David Basabe Played in Any Tournaments or Showcases And What Are His Strengths as a Player?

Verified records show Basabe participated in an 18U Milford High School tournament in August 2018. That event occurred between August 11 and 12, providing local competitive exposure. He also played club baseball with the Southwest Aztecs during the Detroit PAL Summer League season.

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No verified international showcases or academy events appear in publicly available scouting records yet.

However, measured tools provide clearer insight into David Basabe’s physical abilities and defensive athletic potential.

He recorded 60 yard dash time of 7.6 seconds during the recruiting evaluation period. Throwing velocity reached 68 mph maximum, showing the arm strength needed for infield positions consistently. His consistent velocity at 64 mph confirmed repeatable throwing mechanics.

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What Is MLB’s Minimum Signing Age for International Prospects?

MLB rules state international players must reach 15 or 16 before signing professional contracts legally.

The international signing period begins on January 15 annually, opening opportunities for eligible teenage prospects worldwide. For example, MLB Pipeline listed 2025 prospects signing immediately after reaching official eligibility ages. These age restrictions protect young athletes while regulating entry into professional baseball systems.

However, teams often reach verbal agreements with players several years before eligibility. These handshake deals remain unofficial because MLB prohibits formal contracts before the minimum signing age. MLB introduced bonus pools in 2012, limiting teams to around $5 million in annual spending.

These limits increased competition, pushing organizations toward earlier relationships, securing future international talent commitments.

David Basabe already forced MLB timelines forward before eligibility rules even allowed formal signatures. The Philadelphia Phillies are investing in tomorrow today, trusting projection over paperwork and patience.

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