The Mets just poached a top international prospect from the Yankees’ signing class, and it’s the kind of move that stings even before the player throws his first professional pitch.
Wandy Asigen, a Dominican shortstop who was lined up to sign with the Yankees on Jan. 15, 2026, has opted out of that agreement to join the Mets instead. The deal’s worth around $3.8 million, according to MLB insider Francys Romero.
Here’s why this matters more than your typical prospect flip.
MLB Pipeline has Asigen rated with a 65 hit tool (out of 80), plus 60 power, 60 speed, 50 arm and 55 field. It’s rare to see a 15-year-old with that kind of across-the-board potential. Most international prospects excel in one or two areas – Asigen seems to have it all.
The Yankees thought they had this locked up. MLB teams typically have their international signings mapped out well before players turn 16 and become eligible. Losing a player you’ve been tracking and developing relationships with for years? That’s got to sting.
Now, let’s be realistic here. Asigen’s still years away from the majors, and plenty of highly-rated international prospects never make it to the big leagues. The jump from Dominican academies to professional baseball is massive.
But when a player has tools like this, you want him in your system rather than across town.
The Mets are clearly willing to spend aggressively in the international market, and they just made a statement by flipping a Yankees target. If Asigen develops into the player his scouting report suggests he could become, this’ll be one of those signings that looks even better in hindsight.
For the Yankees, it’s another reminder that their crosstown rivals aren’t just competing for established stars anymore. They’re going after the next generation too.
