Top International Prospect Signs with the Yankees

Author: Spencer Reyes

Average, everyday fans see superstars like Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, and Aaron Judge compete year after year in the majors, but they often fail to see the progression of these athletes. It all starts in the minor leagues. MiLB provides a way for these athletes to make a name for themselves and set the roots of their professional careers. One of the most overlooked clusters of players are international prospects. They are often signed as young as 15 or 17 years old and play under the ballclub’s international affiliates. Some of the most recent big international stars have been Juan Soto, Vlad Jr., Wander Franco. Some players like Soto were able to rush through the minor league system, but others like Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres had to wait their turn.

Regardless, international prospects are a very underrated way to accrue talent for each ballclub, and the Yankees seem to have struck gold twice in 4 years. Back in 2019, the Yankees went out and picked up the top international prospect known as “the Martian” for $5.1 million. At 18 years old, Dominguez has 56 games under his belt between the FCL Yankees and the Class-A, Tampa Tarpons. He has a career batting average of .252 and has added 19 RBI’s and 5 HRs to his name. The Martian is currently ranked as the 17th prospect in baseball, the 2nd for the Yankees, and 4th for all outfielders. He seems to have the physical capabilities to make it the show and his newfound partner, SS, Roderick Arias has a similar ceiling.

Roderick Arias was signed for $4 million, and he may be the backup to rising shortstop sensation, Anthony Volpe. Arias is 17 years old and although he is 6’2” and weighs only, 178 pounds, he is as swift as they come. He is a switch-hitter and has an excellent arm. If the Yankees farm system seasons him for the right amount of time, Arias has the potential to become the next big New York infield duo with Volpe.

Arias will probably report to the FCL team like Dominguez did in 2019, and hopefully get promoted with ease. This may be the beginning of another influx of successful Yankees minor leaguers.