The Major League Baseball international signing period is in full swing, having kicked off on January 15th, with teams focusing on bolstering their rosters with talent from overseas. Among the teams making moves, the New York Yankees are eyeing a few potential signings, with 16-year-old shortstop Manny Cedeño emerging as a top target.
The international market is competitive, featuring players from Central America, the Caribbean, and Japan. The Yankees, like many teams, are prioritizing position players, a strategy they successfully employed in previous years with key infield and outfield acquisitions.
While pitching from the international pool is also an option, many teams, including the Yankees, tend to focus on position players due to their broader experience against top-tier amateur competition. Cedeño, however, is expected to be a priority for the Yankees, and it is believed that he has a verbal agreement to sign with the team this week, with the deal likely to go through as planned.
Manny Cedeño: Background and Evaluation
Cedeño hails from San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, a region well-known for producing baseball talent. At just 16 years old, he has caught the attention of MLB scouts and is ranked 11th on MLB Pipeline’s list of top 50 international prospects. Cedeño is also part of MLB’s trainer partnership program, which adds to his pedigree.
Standing 5’11” and weighing 181 pounds, Cedeño has made significant physical strides in the past year, developing greater strength and muscle mass. This improvement is reflected in his skills on the field, where his abilities as both a hitter and a defender make him a highly regarded prospect.
Offensive Skills
At the plate, Cedeño displays a solid presence. He has a compact, consistent swing and impressive bat speed. He uses his hands and lower body well to generate power, allowing him to make solid contact across the strike zone. While he typically favors line drives, he also has the power to hit home runs. His two-strike approach is strong, and he can generate extra-base hits while working the defense with solid contact.
Defensive Skills
Defensively, Cedeño excels at shortstop. His hands are soft, and his reactions are quick, allowing him to cover ground efficiently. His arm strength is another asset, making him reliable in the field. There is also potential for him to transition to second base if necessary, but he is expected to continue developing as a shortstop. His combination of defensive skills and offensive potential could lead to a quick promotion within the minor leagues.
