The Yankees just made a major splash on the international market, flipping the script on what had been a quiet signing period for the franchise - and they did it by nabbing the top catching prospect in the 2027 international class.
Sebastián Acuña, a 16-year-old phenom from Latin America, reportedly backed out of a verbal agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates and is now set to join the Yankees. According to reports, Acuña had initially agreed to a $1.5 million bonus with Pittsburgh, but ultimately pivoted to New York for a $1.6 million deal.
This is a massive win for the Yankees, not just because of the talent Acuña brings, but because it signals a shift in how the club is approaching international talent under new leadership. After parting ways with longtime international scouting director Donny Rowland earlier this offseason, the Yankees brought in Mario Garza to take the reins - and it didn’t take long for Garza to make his mark.
Acuña: A Rare Skill Set Behind the Plate
Let’s talk about what the Yankees are getting in Acuña - and why evaluators are so excited.
This kid checks boxes that scouts rarely see from a catcher his age. He’s already posting a 6.4-second 60-yard dash - elite speed for any position, let alone for a backstop.
His pop time? 1.78 seconds.
That’s Major League-caliber quickness when it comes to throwing out runners. And then there’s the bat: a 105 mph exit velocity at 16 years old is eye-popping.
You don’t often hear comparisons like these thrown around lightly, but Acuña’s name is already being mentioned alongside some of the game’s most dynamic talents. One scout described his power as reminiscent of Aaron Judge, his speed comparable to Elly De La Cruz, and his defensive instincts evoking shades of Yadier Molina. That’s a lofty trio - and it speaks to just how high the ceiling is here.
Of course, we’re talking about projection. Acuña is still years away from sniffing the big leagues, and a lot can happen between now and then.
But when you’re evaluating international talent, you’re looking for tools, makeup, and upside. Acuña checks all three.
A Strategic Turn for the Yankees' International Approach
This signing also marks a turning point for the Yankees’ international strategy. After years of consistently landing top-tier talent, the organization had lost a bit of momentum on that front.
The decision to move on from Rowland, who had been with the team for 15 years, wasn’t made lightly. But with Garza now at the helm, the early returns are promising.
Landing a player like Acuña doesn’t just restore credibility - it reestablishes the Yankees as a major player on the international stage. These are the kinds of moves that can reshape a farm system and, eventually, a Major League roster.
The Yankees are betting big on Acuña’s future. If his tools continue to develop, and if he can handle the grind and growth that comes with being a top prospect in the Yankees' system, this could be the start of something special.
For now, it’s a long-term play. But in a system that’s been searching for its next cornerstone behind the plate, Acuña just might be the answer.