Are Yankees already in line to land next year’s top international prospect?
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Back in 2019, the New York Yankees landed the signature of the No. 1 overall international prospect: 16-year-old Jasson Dominguez. This year, they brought in No. 1 overall international prospect Roderick Arias.
The Bombers have prioritized the international market and have used a good amount of their spending power there, acquiring bonus pool money and saving up for the right candidates. It’s a way for them to get a leg up in the draft, where they’re constantly picking in the mid-to-late 20s.
It seems the trend will continue for New York until an international draft is adopted, because we got a glimpse of next year’s top international prospect, Cuban outfielder Brandon Mayea, taking at-bats in Yankees gear.
Collusion?! Who’s to say? It seems there are no rules on the international market, so anything goes? Hey, whatever puts the Yankees in front within reason, we’re for it.
Yankees prospect writer Eli Fishman pointed out that Mayea was head to toe in Yankees apparel while showcasing his skills.
Some foreshadowing/advertising for what’s to come ~11 months from now?! And this isn’t the first time he’s been seen rocking Yankees attire, either.
Some video of Brandon Mayea, the top 2022-23 International prospect, taking batting practice decked out in Yankees gear. Video courtesy his IG. pic.twitter.com/VhPpI9RYaa
— Eli Fishman (@elijfishman) February 9, 2022
The Yankees are already zoning in on the top international prospect for next year.
Three weeks ago, Mayea was spotted with Gary Sachez (again, via Mayea’s Instagram), savoring the moment. It’s been said there’s already a $4.5 million offer on the table for Mayea (again, we don’t know how).
The 16-year-old (who turns 17 in September) is expected to garner more interest though, so it’s not prudent to lock this in as a done deal. Nonetheless, scouts are loving his big-bat potential in addition to his athleticism in center field. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel called him a “top of his class” kind of talent.
This is just more evidence that the Yankees could be gearing up to make a considerable trade when the lockout ends because they continue to stockpile talent that they won’t be able to hold onto as the years go by.
Gary Sanchez with 2020 top Yankees INTL signing Hans Montero and projected top 2023 signing Brandon Mayea (via Mayea’s IG) pic.twitter.com/Bt9TTHNV2T
— Eli Fishman (@elijfishman) January 20, 2022
Here’s your year-in-advance preview of what might happen when the next wave of top international prospects are ready to sign after the bonus pools reset.
Mayea joining the Yankees’ pipeline would undoubtedly help maintain its strength should a blockbuster deal see a number of prospects go … or make it climb the ranks in next year’s rankings.