Yankees Part Ways with International Scouting Director
LAS VEGAS — The Yankees have decided to move on from Donnie Rowland, their long-serving international scouting director. This decision comes as the team’s talent pool from international scouting appears to be running low.
Rowland’s contract was not renewed, marking the end of his 15-year tenure in this position and what would be his 23rd season overall with the franchise. The news of his departure was first reported by baseball writer Francis Romero.
In recent years, the Yankees have made significant signings on the international market, including the record-setting $5.1 million contract for Jason Dominguez in 2019. It’s hard to say how impactful Dominguez will be in the majors—he’s only 22—but many other hefty signings haven’t performed up to expectations, despite having their moments. A case in point is Luis Severino, who was signed for $225,000 in 2011 and is considered one of the more typical lower-profile signings.
Beyond Dominguez, the Yankees have only one other internationally signed player on their 40-man roster: Oswaldo Cabrera, who joined the team for $100,000 back in 2015. They’ve also traded away some of their notable international signings, such as Kevin Alcantara and Everson Pereira.
Interestingly, one of their top contracts in 2018, Cuban shortstop Alexander Vargas, who they signed for $2.5 million, was released after reaching Double-A this past August. In 2017, Venezuelan outfielder Laimfer Salinas received the highest signing bonus, but he faced a PED suspension before his release in 2023, despite playing a total of 163 games in Low-A and below.
After Dominguez’s standout performance, the Yankees signed shortstop Hans Montero from the Dominican Republic with a $1.6 million deal in 2021. At just 21 years old, Montero finished this season with a .269 batting average and an OPS of .788 while playing in Low-A.
The Yankees’ most recent top signings for 2022 and 2023 include shortstop Roderick Arias, who received $4 million, and outfielder Brando Maea, awarded $4.35 million. Both players are still finding their footing in the organization. Arias, now 21, is in his second season in Low-A and has a .208 batting average with a .640 OPS, while Mayea, at 20 years old, is flourishing in the rookie-level Florida Complex League with a .297 average and an .873 OPS.
Interestingly, lower-cost prospects have popped up, such as right-hander Carlos LaGrange, who was signed for just $10,000 in 2022 and has gained recognition as one of the Yankees’ pitching prospects.
