The New York Yankees have been idle for a while when it comes to major league roster moves.
However, they made a splash on the amateur international free agent market over the weekend, proving that they are traditionally one of the most active teams in the period that opened on Sunday and will remain as such all year.
“The Yankees have agreed to a deal worth an estimated $4.4 million with OF Brandon Mayea, No. 9 on the Top 50 International Prospects list, per @JesseSanchezMLB,” MLB Pipeline tweeted.
The Yankees have agreed to a deal worth an estimated $4.4 million with OF Brandon Mayea, No. 9 on the Top 50 International Prospects list, per @JesseSanchezMLB.
More: https://t.co/KNPNXAQ6aL pic.twitter.com/1o8vOdpX6D
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2023
Last year, the Yankees secured the number 1 prospect, shortstop Roderick Arias, with a sizable bonus.
This time around, they focused on one of the best outfielders available.
Mayea is ranked ninth among all prospects, but he is a top-end talent.
The Yanks entered the day with a $5,284,000 allocated international money slot.
They still have not confirmed the agreement, and it’s still pending a physical.
According to Sanchez, “Mayea is a premium athlete with advanced tools for his age, and he is considered one of the most exciting players in the class.”
On the offensive side of things, he has elite bat speed and considerable power.
In fact, he was described as a “mini Gary Sheffield” by a talent evaluator.
He also has a rather advanced approach at the plate: he’s still aggressive and likes to hunt for his pitch when he sees it, but he is learning how to lay off bad offerings and getting a better understanding of the strike zone.
He is athletic, strong, and has a mature frame.
He is a center fielder and can stay there for a few years, but his long-term home is one of the corners because he is rather big.
It appears the Yankees snagged another young gem for their system.
