The Phillies signed Ronald Acuna Jr.'s cousin. (John Adams/Icon Sportswire) In 51 career games against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ronald Acuña Jr. has homered 11 times and a .971 OPS. Given that the Atlanta Braves have Acuña under contractual control though the 2028 season, he could very well go down as one of the biggest Phillie-killers ever. While the Phillies are facing the prospects of playing Acuña 19 times a year for at least seven more seasons, they're also hoping that some of his family's magic rubs off on their franchise. In an appearance on The MLB Pipeline Podcast, Phillies international scouting director Sal Agostinelli revealed that recent international signee Aaron Escobar is Acuña's cousin. "We signed Escobar. I think he'll probably start at short, and wind up at third base or second base. He's a tremendous hitter. He's Ronald Acuña's cousin ..." Interestingly, when Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia first reported that the Phillies had signed Escobar, he was listed as a second baseman. Escobar was one of 10 international signings that the Phillies reportedly made last weekend. Beyond being cousins with one of the most talented players in the league, we don't yet know much about Escobar just yet. If he has 1/10 of the talent as his older cousin, he'll quickly become a notable name in an organization desperate to strike find some hidden international gems. Elsewhere in the National League East, Elian Soto -- who is the younger brother of Juan -- spurned the New York Mets to sign with the Washington Nationals. MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION ‘Forever Grateful’ For Phillies Fans, Roman Quinn Is Running At A Blazing Speed AgainJonathan Papelbon Says That The Most Talented Team He Played On Was With Phillies, Not Red SoxTop 6 Home Runs Of Ryan Howard’s CareerCharlie Manuel Says Both Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins Should Be Hall of FamersChris Wheeler Talks Hall Of Fame Cases Of Rolen, Rollins, Abreu & SchillingRyan Howard Developed Into An MVP At Reading2006 Ryan Howard And 2021 Bryce Harper: Two MVPs With Torrid Second HalvesPhillies Have Few Realistic Options Available In Center FieldLarry Bowa On Bobby Abreu: ‘Eventually, This Guy Should Be In The Hall Of Fame’These 10 Players Have Made The Most Money As Phillies Phillies Nation Podcast · 2022 Bold Predictions (with Destiny Lugardo)