As MLB’s international signing period gets underway, the New York Yankees are in the middle of a pivotal transition behind the scenes. While other clubs are locking in top-tier international talent, the Yankees are still in the process of reshaping the leadership of their international scouting department-a move that signals a broader recalibration of strategy after years of mixed results.
The Yankees recently resumed interviews for their lead international scout, a position that’s been vacant since the departure of longtime director Donny Rowland, whose contract expired at the end of October. Rowland’s exit, along with that of his assistant Edgar Mateo, marks the end of an era-and perhaps the beginning of a new, more targeted approach to international talent acquisition.
Among the candidates reportedly under consideration are some familiar names. Internally, assistant director of amateur scouting Mitch Colahan and director of baseball development Mario Garza are in the mix.
Externally, the Yankees have shown interest in experienced evaluators like Oz Ocampo, the former international director for the Astros. Ocampo is known for his strong track record in Latin America, and his name being floated suggests the Yankees are serious about tightening up their international operations.
The Yankees have $5.4 million in international bonus pool money to work with this cycle, but how they plan to use it remains a bit of a mystery. Unlike in past years, they haven’t been linked to any of the top-ranked prospects expected to command big signing bonuses.
In fact, two high-profile Dominican shortstops-Wandy Asigen and Yeison Horton-were initially tied to the Yankees but ultimately signed elsewhere. Asigen landed a $3.9 million deal with the Mets, while Horton reached an agreement with the Angels.
That leaves the Yankees with a class of signings that, while not headlined by marquee names, still represents a significant investment in future depth. According to Baseball America, the Yankees have reached deals with several international players, including Venezuelan catchers Kenneth Melendez, Cesar Lopez, and Poly Ojeda; Dominican shortstops Germayhoni Beltre and Abrahan Pichardo; and Venezuelan right-hander Sebastian Rivas. None of these players cracked Baseball America’s Top 100 list, but that doesn’t mean they’re without upside-especially in an era where under-the-radar signings can blossom into everyday contributors.
Still, the shadow of past misfires looms large. The Yankees have poured significant resources into international prospects who haven’t panned out.
Names like Alexander Vargas ($2.5 million in 2019), Hans Montero ($1.7 million in 2021), Roderick Arias ($4 million in 2022), and Brando Mayea ($4.35 million in 2023) were supposed to be cornerstone pieces. Instead, they’ve struggled to live up to expectations, either due to performance issues or developmental stalls.
Shortstop Mani Cedeno, who signed for $2.5 million last year, hit just .163 with 76 strikeouts in 164 at-bats in his debut season in the Dominican Summer League-a tough start for a player the organization had high hopes for.
That track record likely played a role in the front office’s decision to make changes. The Yankees have historically been aggressive in the international market, but the hit rate on their bigger signings has been spotty.
That said, not all has been bleak. Smaller-bonus signings like Oswaldo Cabrera and Luis Severino have turned into valuable contributors, and the organization has also used international talent as trade chips to acquire big-league help when needed.
And then there’s Jasson Domínguez-the $5.1 million man from 2019-who, despite a delayed debut due to injuries, has shown flashes of the star potential that once made him one of the most hyped international prospects in recent memory. He’s only had one full season in the majors, but the tools are there, and the Yankees remain hopeful he’ll become a foundational player.
As the Yankees navigate this signing period, the focus isn’t just on who they’re signing-it’s on how they’re building for the future. The ongoing search for a new international scouting director is about more than filling a vacancy.
It’s about reestablishing a pipeline that’s long been a key part of the Yankees’ identity but has lately needed a reset. Whether they choose to spend that $5.4 million or flip it into other assets, one thing is clear: the Yankees are rethinking their approach, and the decisions they make now could shape the next wave of talent in the Bronx.