I’m going to take a look at an international prospect, as I did last year when I wrote about Brando Mayea. The Yankees have lots of international rising stars, there’s no question about that. They also have several highly ranked prospects from various positions, they spent their international bonus pool money well.

Mani Cedeno – 16 year old shortstop from San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. Cedeno’s well-rounded abilities at the position have scouts excited. Mani is a right-handed hitter with a clean, fluid swing. He is just coming into his power at 16, but those same scouts believe with the proper training and conditioning he will likely be a 20/20 player. Cedeno has both the arm strength and the slick fielding ability. Cedeno is the definition of a 5-tool player.

San Pedro de Macoris has produced more All-Star infielders per capita than any other international city. The impressive list includes: Fernando Tatis Jr. and 3 infielders who played for the Yankees during their careers—Tony Fernandez, Alfonso Soriano and Robinson Cano. Cedeno signed with the Yankees on a $2.5M signing bonus.

The Yankees’ focus on international players has significantly increased their prospect pool, with 12 of their current top 30 prospects coming from the international front, creating a strong mix of pitchers and position players across all positions.

The big thing as far as his batting stance is his balance. That allows him to make constant repeated contact and have a gap-to-gap approach. This does more than likely mean he will be a hit over power player, but with his speed and arm strength he is the prototypical 5-tool infielder.

The young SS is one of the youngest members of the international signing class. Cedeno has drawn attention for his bat speed to go with his speed on the bases and sharp fielding. Scouts compare him to another up-and-coming shortstop who is in the Red Sox system, Yoeilin Cespedes.

“Cedeno’s best tool is his bat, he’s very athletic with above-average defense,” according to Donny Rowland, the Director of International Amateur Scouting for the Yankees.

While Cedeno’s ceiling excites scouts, patience will be key. At just 16, he’ll have ample time to develop within the Yankees’ system. The Yankees are reaping the benefits of their strategic investment in global talent.

Let me know what you think in the comments below, stay tuned for more articles on international prospects. Feel free to follow me on ‘X’ @HENDO19750 or message me anytime on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HENDO.1975

***Are you interested in sports betting? If so, make sure to use our promo code below where you can get your deposit matched (up to $1000). Use promo code Sportz***

***Have you tried Dubby?? Are you looking for a Pre-Workout??
Our promo code : WeLikeSportz for 10% off!***