The Blue Jays signed catcher Giaconino Lasaracina to a contract, even though he won’t be available right away.
That’s because the 22-year-old is currently with Team Italy preparing for the World Baseball Classic.
Francys Romero broke the news on Wednesday, making Lasaracina the first WBC roster player to sign with an MLB organization before the tournament even begins.
“Hours before the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the first player from a tournament roster has already signed with an MLB organization. Catcher Giaconino Lasaracina, 22, who is on Italy’s roster, has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.”
Lasaracina was born in Venezuela but represents Italy internationally. He’s listed at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and bats and throws right-handed.
His professional experience comes from three seasons in Italy’s Serie A baseball league from 2022-24. The numbers there are eye-catching – a .374 batting average and 1.030 OPS across 91 games.
That’s not all. He added 36 doubles, eight triples, six home runs and 16 stolen bases during that span.
But let’s put it this way – there’s a massive gap between Italian Serie A and affiliated ball in North America. The Blue Jays must have seen something recent that convinced them Lasaracina’s worth the gamble.
What makes this interesting is the timing. Toronto’s essentially betting on potential rather than proven performance against top competition.
Now Blue Jays fans have an extra reason to follow the WBC. Lasaracina’s a complete unknown to most, but his path from Italy to Toronto could be one of the tournament’s better storylines if he can make the jump work.
