Wandy Asigen of the Dominican Republic picked the Mets after working out in showcases for several teams over the past week. Rich Graessle / Icon Sportswire via Associated Press
In a major move for the upcoming signing period, the New York Mets flipped one of the top international prospects Thursday from the New York Yankees, league sources confirmed.
Wandy Asigen, a 16-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic, picked the Mets after working out in showcases for several teams over the past week. He recently backed out of his agreement with the Yankees, who are experiencing turnover in their international scouting department. The international signing period opens Jan. 15, so things won’t become official until then. However, teams tend to strike deals with the top available teenagers early.
Asigen’s agreement with the Mets is expected to be worth $3.8 million, as independent journalist Francys Romero first reported. The Mets had another deal with a teenager from Venezuela worth $2.7 million that fell through, which created funds for Asigen, league sources said.
Evaluators from organizations said Asigen is among the top few prospects in the class. MLB’s Pipeline ranks him as No. 2, though evaluators across the league said ranking him anywhere within the top four makes sense.
Asigen’s electric bat speed, advanced approach and power for his age make evaluators believe he has plus-hit tools. One evaluator described Asigen, a left-handed batter, as a possible five-tool shortstop in the future. MLB Pipeline’s scouting report says Asignen holds “arguably the most advanced offensive profile among his class,” with an ability to hit balls 110 mph. The website also gave favorable grades for Asignen’s defense and speed.