THE SHOCKING OPT-OUT
NEW YORK, NY—In a stunning development that has intensified the rivalry between New York’s two baseball titans, the New York Mets have successfully “poached” the crown jewel of the Yankees’ upcoming international class. As of December 18, 2025, 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen has officially backed out of his verbal agreement with the Yankees to sign with the Mets.
Asigen, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 2 international prospect in the world, is expected to receive a $3.8 million signing bonus when the international window officially opens on January 15, 2026.
WHY THE YANKEES LOST THEIR PRIZE
The “subtle shift” behind this move is an organizational shakeup in the Bronx. The Yankees recently parted ways with longtime International Scouting Director Donny Rowland, who had led the department for 15 years.
- The Chaos Factor: Reports suggest the personnel turnover created a “vacuum of trust,” allowing Mets executive David Stearns and international scouting lead Kris Gross to swoop in.
- The Funding Twist: The Mets reportedly had the $3.8 million available after a previous $2.7 million deal with a Venezuelan prospect fell through, giving them the “war chest” needed to flip Asigen.
SCOUTING REPORT: THE “NEXT SUPERSTAR”?
While he is years away from the Big Leagues, scouts are calling Asigen a “theft of the century” for the Mets.
| Tool | Grade (20-80 Scale) | Scouting Notes |
| Hit | 65 | Elite left-handed swing; “advanced offensive profile.” |
| Power | 60 | Already recording 110+ mph exit velocities at 16. |
| Speed | Plus | Clocked at a blistering 6.5 seconds in the 60-yard dash. |
| Defense | 55 | “Quick-twitch” athlete projected to stick at shortstop. |
