The New York Yankees‘ international free agent class has taken a hit.
New York reportedly had an agreement in place with Mairon De La Rosa. He’s considered the top hitter in the 2027 international class. The deal was worth a reported $4.3 million. However, MLB insider Wilber Sanchez reported he’s broken the deal and is looking to sign elsewhere in 2027.
“SOURCE: The New York Yankees and Mairon De La Rosa have parted ways,” Sanchez wrote on X. “According to sources, the $4.3M agreement between the Yankees and the top hitter in the 2027 international class has fallen through. De La Rosa is expected to hold private workouts with multiple teams in the coming days and is projected to sign for an even higher bonus.”
De La Rosa is a shortstop prospect and is known for his elite speed and hitting. MLB insider Hector Gomez also confirmed Sanchez’s report and added more context to the news.
“De La Rosa ran a 6.1-second 60-yard dash, is a switch hitter, with plus-plus speed, immense raw power potential, and a quick, balanced right-handed swing,” Gomez wrote. He’s considered the most talented player in a long time.”
Where De La Rosa will sign now is to be seen. But it’s a major blow to the Yankees organization as De La Rosa would have been one of their top prospects. He also has the potential to be the shortstop of the future.
Yankees Face Problems in Dominican Republic
Not only did De La Rosa back out of the deal, but it could be the beginning of a larger problem for the Yankees.
When a fan asked Gomez why De La Rosa backed out of the deal, he was quick to the point.
“They have faced problems with their staff at the academy in DR (Dominican Republic),” Gomez wrote.
If the Yankees are facing issues recruiting players from the Dominican Republic, it’s a massive blow to the team’s future. The Dominican Republic is a key area for the, and it’s clear that there are some issues for New York to address.
However, the Yankees reportedly have a record-setting agreement with Albert Mejías, the Venezuelan prospect from the 2030 class. Sanchez reported that he has a pre-agreement with the Yankees for a record-setting $7.0 million bonus ($6.4M + $600K in educational scholarship).
“He is the best player in the history of the international market,” a source told Sanchez. “He could play in a professional league right now. At his age, no one was doing the things he does.”
However, the Yankees will have to keep that agreement intact until they can sign him in 2030.
New York Made Change to Front Office
A key reason why the Yankees could be losing some top International Free Agents is due to the change they made to their front office.
Earlier this offseason, the Yankees dismissed Donny Rowland from his role as international director. Since then, multiple players have backed out of the deal.
Sanchez reported on Saturday that Leonardo Feliz became the third international player the Yankees have lost in less than 24 hours.
“According to sources, the $1.3 million agreement between the Yankees and his representatives has fallen through,” Sanchez wrote. “Multiple teams have already shown strong interest in the Academia Ramos prospect. He’s expected to begin holding private events/tryouts in the coming days.”
Along with De La Rosa and Feliz, in December, shortstop Wandy Asigen broke his agreement with the Yankees. To make matters worse, he then signed with the New York Mets.
Yankees Lose Elite Hitter as Top IFA Backs Out of Lucrative Deal