By Jon Paul HoornstraShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberFor most of this year, Donny Rowland had one date circled on his calendar: Jan. 15, 2026. That's the first day teams are able to officially sign 16-year-old prospects to their first minor league contracts. And Rowland, the Yankees' international scouting director, had found a good one.
Wandy Asigen, a 5-foot-10, 165-pound shortstop from the Dominican Republic, was reportedly in line receive one of the largest signing bonuses of any player in the 2026 international amateur class. At a reported $3.8 million, Asigen would likely cost the Yankees more than any other player in the class.
More news: Mets to Sign Yankees Free Agent to $22 Million Contract: Reports
That changed after the Yankees dismissed Rowland in November, ending his 15-year run with the organization.
...According to multiple reports Thursday, Asigen is now committed to signing with the New York Mets. Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital reported that Asigen changed his commitment after the Yankees dismissed Rowland.
Players typically reach agreements to sign with teams several years in advance of when they are officially eligible to sign. According to Ben Badler of Baseball America, a player of Asigen’s caliber switching teams this late in the process is unusual.
More news: Yankees’ Free Agent Signs 2-Year Contract, Likely Ending MLB Career
Although the circumstances of Asigen's change of heart are unique, it comes amid an unusual time of recent Yankees players choosing to sign with the Mets instead.
Already this offseason, the Yankees have lost two pitchers — relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver — to their crosstown rivals.
More news: Mets Cut Pitcher With 3.45 ERA, Acquire Orioles Catcher
The path from the Dominican Republic to the big leagues for 16-year-olds like Asigen comes with few assurances. However, analyst Wilber Sanchez reported that Asigen had "superior offers from other teams" before choosing the Mets, hinting at his massive potential.
Badler reports that Asigen is a left-handed hitter who has represented the Dominican Republic during international tournaments and has "a promising mix of quick-twitch athleticism, bat speed and power."
The Mets are set at shortstop with Francisco Lindor, 32, who's under contract through 2031. Finding room for both him and Asigen in their organization is a good problem, one the Mets didn't expect to have as recently as last month.
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