Yankees reportedly favored to sign likely No. 1 prospect in 2026 international class

What's the old adage? "Sign talented shortstops, figure out what to do with your overload of shortstops later"? The Yankees have been doing that forever, stockpiling Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza, Roderick Arias, and George Lombard Jr. at the minor-league level. They're well aware that position switches are likely in the future for most shortstop prospects as they grow -- well, either that, or flameouts -- and so they continue to take advantage of the market, not caring about potential roadblocks.

And now, just as Volpe has (likely) graduated permanently from the minors, and Peraza has inched closer to his departure from the organization, it's time to get their ducks in a row to welcome another one.

According to early reports (and, remember, a lot can change, including ages), the Yankees are the front-runners to sign Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen in next winter's 2026 international free agent class.

Asigen, a lefty swinger with serious pop, is expected to outgrow the position in due time and shift to third, given the current status of his footwork and future projections. A lot can happen between now and then. Still, though ... that swing.

Yankees favorites to sign Dominican shortstop stud Wandy Asigen in 2026 International Free Agency

Another Wandy? Another Wandy! Hopefully, this one can also manage to play in all five games of a Division Series. Because he's an infielder.

While it's fairly absurd to know about these connections already, over a year before the two sides can legally link up, it's safe to say ... you love to see it anyway.

The Yankees' farm system needs an infusion of talent in the years to come to stay competitive. The wave capped by Volpe and Jasson Dominguez has already crashed ashore. The following wave, highlighted by Lombard Jr., Arias, and Spencer Jones, is lagging behind just a bit. The Yankees' development program both does not get enough credit for feeding contributors to MLB despite a lack of high draft picks, and is somewhat overrated, given their inability to produce a star since Aaron Judge.

The more bites at the apple the better, and the 2026 IFA period represents a perfect opportunity for the Yankees to refuel on their own terms.