There was no question that the Yankees, like everyone else in baseball, wanted Saga Roki.
And if the Japanese right-hander ended up in the Bronx, it would have worked out well with Donnie Roland, the Yankees director of international amateur scouting.
But Roland kept his eyes on the player he had been scouting for years.
Players like Mani Cedeno, a 16-year-old shortstop who is one of the youngest players in this year's international class, signed with the Yankees this week for a $2.5 million bonus.
Sasaki, 23, made a different decision and left with the Yankees instead of the Dodgers.
We asked him how he thought the process worked, with Sasaki being a Dodger and the Yankees adding minor league depth with Cedeno and outfielders Ruben Castillo and Isayas Castillo at the top of the class. , said Roland. The answer is, I want what's best for the Yankees. And if what's best for the Yankees is Sasaki, then obviously that's what I want. The fact of the matter is that it didn't turn out that way and we really liked this class. ”
The Yankees group is led by Cedeno, a 5-foot-10 shortstop from San Pedro de Macoris of the Dominican Republic.
Roland called Cedeno a “potential five-tool player.”
According to Rolando, Cedeno could remain at shortstop, but his best tool is his bat.
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“He has a simple, efficient swing from the right side and generates elite exit velocity for his age,” Roland said of Cedeno, among the youngest players in this class. “He has great strength in all areas.”
Of Roland's Ruben Castillo, the center fielder is “very athletic” with above-average defense.
“He moves really easily,” Roland said. “He has a chance to be a premium defensive center fielder.”
According to Rowland, his left-handed swing is reminiscent of former Angels outfielder Garrett Anderson, but 5-foot-9 Castillo doesn't have Anderson's size.
and Isayas Castillo, an outfielder Roland called “kind of exciting.”
“He has a physical, explosive power and speed combo with the ability to play center field and run,” Roland said.
Now the Yankees are waiting – just like they made headlines in 2019 when they signed Jasson Dominguez to a record $5.1 million bonus.
Dominguez turns 22 in February and is expected to be in the Yankees' outfield this season, along with Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger.
“We sign at 16 years old, about seven years before we become college seniors,” Roland said. “So you're predicting and predicting. You're looking for a crystal ball. It's not easy. You hope to get it right more often than the other team.”
Also in Los Angeles, Sasaki has a spotlight on Cedeno and Co. as they progress through the Yankees' farm system.
As with Dominguez and other top signees in recent years like SS Roderick Arias, the organization's No. 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline and outfielder Brando Mayea, No. 13.
“I want what's best for the club,” Roland said. “I always look at it as, 'Let's make the most of the talent that we can.' If that means getting some of these other players that we like, that's great. ”
