During last year’s trade deadline, Yankees fans saw a common return going the Bombers’ way. Almost every trade New York made, brought back international pool money. Many speculated it would be spent on the top international prospect last year, Victor Victor Mesa, but the Cuban teenager signed on with the Miami Marlins. Finally, we have an answer to our questions. Ben Badler of Baseball America, is reporting that the Yankees are expected to sign top overall international prospect, Jasson Dominguez when international free agency begins on July 2.
When the deal is official, it the Yankees will be dishing out an over $5-million signing bonus to the Dominican center fielder, the largest for an IFA in franchise history. Dominguez is viewed as one of the best international prospects in years, with scouts throwing big names like Yasiel Puig, Bo Jackson, and Yoan Moncada when trying to characterize the teenager. Some scouts have even compared the teenager to Mike Trout, Mickey Mantle, and called him the best July 2 player ever.
Dominguez has the physical tools to end up in the majors at a young age, ranked as an elite runner with a plus arm and good reaction; he has the potential to develop into one of the top center fielders in the game. The switch-hitting outfielder has a great bat, with ridiculous bat speed and the ability to hit for power from either side of the plate. At this point in his career (again, he’s 16), he is already hitting the ball at exit velocities over 110 mph.
Badler characterizes Dominguez as having an “exciting level of explosiveness, athleticism and loud tools, with 60s and 70s (on the 20-80 scouting scale) scattered across his tool set.”
Dominguez is expected to be ranked as a top 100-200 prospect when he first signs, and has a solid chance to crack the top 10 in a Yankee farm system that has lost a lot of its depth to graduation. While the Yankees are sitting pretty with their center field situation, with Aaron Hicks handling the position and Estevan Florial sitting in the wings, a player of Dominguez’s caliber may change how they look forward.
The Yankees are expected to spend the majority of their pool allocation on the 5-11, 194 pound Dominguez. While he is still just 16, Dominguez has the potential to find his way to The Bronx sooner rather than later, and there is cause for excitement for Yankees fans.
