Major League Baseball’s international signing period is well underway. The festivities began on January 15th and ball clubs are beginning to stack their organizations with foreign-born talent. The New York Yankees have a few names in mind in their shopping cart. A young shortstop named Manny Cedeño may be the top priority.

The market is hot this year, as it is every year. Talents from Central America, the Caribbean, and Japan are among the top-represented regions. Like most teams, the Yankees will prioritize position players in this department, as they did last year with some huge infield and outfield signings.

Pitching can be a great target from the international pool as well. However, pitching in the amateur draft is far more relevant, as those players will have more experience against top-tier collegiate or high school competition.

That said, Cedeño will be the Yankees’ focus for this class and he’s expected to sign this week, It is believed that Cedeño has a verbal agreement with the Yankees, and should be in pinstripes if things go as planned.

🎙️Manny Cedeño (NYY Top IFA) putting in work before his official signing day! #RepBx #Yankees pic.twitter.com/Ttp2DClhwV

— YankeesFarm (@YankeesFarm) January 21, 2025

International Prospect Manny Cedeño: Background 

Manny Cedeño originates from San Pedro de Macoris in. the Dominican Republic. The international scouting departments of most MLB clubs have recognized the talents of the 16-year-old.

MLB Pipeline has Cedeño ranked 11th out of their top 50 international prospects, and rightfully so. The young infielder is also a part of MLB’s trainer partnership program.

The Dominican talent plays shortstop; one of many to emerge from his hometown.

Evaluation and Synopsis

The 16-year-old middle infielder has an athletic form, standing at a height of 5’11” and weighing in at 181 pounds. Nine months ago compared to the present day shows a significant change in his physical maturity.

Cedeño has developed stronger and has filled out muscularly in the entirety of his body. This physical change has been reflected in his fundamentals and tools, making those more impactful.

He is already showing a lot of potential, as his tools come from both sides of the game. His ability to hit and play his position makes him extremely valuable and is what puts him within the top 15 names of the pool.

Offensive Breakdown

Cedeño has a presence at the plate, with a noticeable size and athletic structure. He digs in with confidence and deploys a healthy and consistent swing, with a good bat path and compact approach.  The infielder has great bat speed and uses his hands and lower half well to turn on it.

He’s able to connect both the inner and outer parts of the plate, making his two-strike approach effective, and raising his contact ability. His swing is level and more of a line-drive swing, but he can definitely put the ball over the wall.

Cedeño is loose, relaxed, and focused in the box. His fundamentals and kinetics are key, as his load and weight transfer are very healthy and workable. He’s shown raw power, and the ability to place the ball gap-to-gap, with the pull side being his strength.

At the plate, his job will primarily be to compile extra-base hits and work the defense on hard contact rips off the barrel. His baseline skills as a hitter could be enhanced really quickly at the minor league levels.

Defense is Key to a Wholesome Evaluation 

His tools in the hole are also impressive. The shortstop flashes leather with soft hands, quick pick-up, and snap reactions. His arm is a plus to his profile and is evidently strong and reliable. He’s able to cover ground with quick feet and agility.

Evaluators see a lot of potential in Cedeño defensively. It is understood that second base is always an option if shortstop does not pan out. However, he’s expected to excel at his position while presenting a strong bat. He could get a quick promotion once he’s in the minor league system.

Photo Credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images