The New York Yankees, known for aggressively targeting international talent, have set their sights on 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Manny Cedeño, Essential Sports reported. Praised for his offensive potential and dependable fielding, Cedeño is quickly gaining attention as a rising prospect. The Yankees view him as a key building block for their future infield.

Why the Yankees chose Manny Cedeño

Cedeño, ranked as the 15th-best international prospect for 2025 by Baseball America, is described as “one of the most advanced hitters in the 2025 international class.” Scouts have graded most of his skills around 50 on an 80-point scale, emphasizing his potential to become a well-rounded player. Francys Romero, a trusted MLB insider, confirmed Cedeño’s significance, stating, “Dominican SS Manny Cedeño will headline the Yankees’ signings when the international period opens.”

Alongside Cedeño, the Yankees are targeting other promising talents such as outfielder Isaias Castillo and shortstop Carlos Bello. Castillo is known for his elite speed, scoring between 70 and 80 on the scale, and his hitting ability, while Bello stands out for his defensive strength and high baseball IQ. Together, these players are expected to bolster the Yankees’ farm system and contribute to the team’s long-term success.

The Roki Sasaki decision

The Yankees’ decision to prioritize Cedeño comes at the cost of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. At 22, Sasaki has already made waves in Nippon Professional Baseball, boasting a 102 mph fastball and recording 156 strikeouts with a 1.09 ERA in just 122 innings during the 2023 season. Losing Sasaki is a significant blow, as his skills could have transformed the Yankees’ pitching rotation.

However, the move to pass on Roki Sasaki wasn’t purely about talent. Sasaki was expected to command a deal exceeding $5 million, and the Yankees, already carrying a $270.6 million payroll—the second-highest in MLB—opted to prioritize flexibility. This decision allows the team to allocate resources strategically. Recent signings, such as Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year, $12.5 million deal and left-hander Max Fried on an eight-year, $218 million contract, demonstrate the Yankees’ commitment to building a balanced roster.

While Sasaki’s departure leaves a gap in the Yankees’ pitching depth, focusing on Cedeño and other international prospects could pay dividends in the long run. The Yankees are betting on youth, believing that a well-stocked farm system will yield sustainable success. By avoiding the high cost of acquiring Sasaki, the team gains financial leeway to pursue additional opportunities and strengthen their roster in other areas.

Only time will tell if this calculated risk will pay off, but for now, the Yankees remain confident in their decision to invest in the next generation of talent.