Blue Jays Sign Team Italy Infielder Ahead of WBC

Giaconino Lasaracina inks minor-league deal with Toronto after strong Serie A play in Italy.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Toronto Blue Jays have signed 22-year-old Venezuelan-born infielder Giaconino Lasaracina to a minor-league contract ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Lasaracina, who is on the roster for Team Italy, has impressed with his play in Italy's Serie A league over the past three seasons, batting .374 with a 1.030 OPS in 91 games from ages 18-20.

Why it matters

The signing of Lasaracina highlights how the World Baseball Classic can serve as a showcase for lesser-known international talent, providing an opportunity for players outside of the MLB system to earn contracts with major league organizations.

The details

Lasaracina, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound corner infielder, officially signed his deal with the Blue Jays on Monday, becoming the first player from a WBC roster to join a major league team ahead of the tournament. He is expected to join the Blue Jays' minor league system, with a path to the majors likely still a few years away.

  • Lasaracina signed his minor-league deal with the Blue Jays on Monday, March 4, 2026.
  • Team Italy, with Lasaracina on the roster, will open WBC pool play on Saturday, March 8, 2026 against Brazil.

The players

Giaconino Lasaracina

A 22-year-old Venezuelan-born infielder who has played in Italy's Serie A league the past three seasons, batting .374 with a 1.030 OPS.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Major League Baseball team that has signed Lasaracina to a minor-league contract ahead of the World Baseball Classic.

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What’s next

Lasaracina will join the Blue Jays' minor league system after the conclusion of the World Baseball Classic, where he will look to work his way up to the major league level in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays' signing of Lasaracina demonstrates how the World Baseball Classic can serve as a valuable platform for international players to showcase their talents and earn opportunities with MLB organizations, even if they are not yet household names.