PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates signed 25 players on the first day of the 2026 international signing period.

Jeancer Custodio and Wilton Guerrero Jr., both from the Dominican Republic, were the two most notable signings.

Custodio is rated seventh among MLB Pipeline’s top 50 international prospects. Guerrero Jr. is rated 17th among Pipeline’s top 50 international prospects.

Tucker with Dodgers

Kyle Tucker agreed to a $240 million, four-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, bolstering the franchise’s chance for a third consecutive World Series championship.

A person familiar with the deal confirmed the move to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical.

When healthy, Tucker is among the best all-around players in the majors. But he has played in just 214 regular-season games over the past two years.

Castro, Rockies agree

DENVER — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027.

Reds complete deal

CINCINNATI — Pierce Johnson already knew how formidable the Cincinnati Reds were last year after facing them. It also helped that Johnson’s best friend, Emilio Pagan, is the closer on the Reds staff.

“After Cincinnati ended up re-signing him he was like, ‘You’re coming here. We’re getting it done.’ When you have your best friend selling you on something, it’s easy to buy in,” Johnson said after signing a $6.5-million, one-year contract on Thursday.