The new addition to the Yankees organization is Cuban Brando Mayea.
Last week, the team agreed for an estimated $4.35 million with the powerhouse outfielder from Havana, who has been sometimes compared to a “mini Gary Sheffield” by one talent evaluator. Mayea was ranked as the ninth best international prospect, in MLB Pipeline’s Top 50.
The Yankees, who have an international signing quota of $5,284,000, have not announced the deal, which would be pending a physical.
Mayea, 17, is considered an elite athlete with advanced tools for his age, with unusual bat speed and power. He is aggressive in the batter’s box and is gaining more and more knowledge of the strike zone.
According to MLB Pipeline, Mayaea has a developed body with a lot of potential, thanks to the strength it offers. The Cuban was once considered a shortstop, and although he is now seen as a center fielder, he could also be moved to the corner outfield.
Mayea is expected to soon join a talented group of international prospects for the Yankees, which includes the club’s second-best prospect Jasson Dominguez and fellow Dominican Roderick Arias (No. 11).