The Yankees signed 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Ronny Rojas to a contract with a $1 million bonus, Ben Badler of Baseball America reported Saturday.
This year’s international signing period opened on July 2, but the switch-hitting shortstop couldn’t officially sign until his 16th birthday on August 23. Rojas is number 11 on Baseball America’s and MLB.com’s Top 50 International Prospects rankings, giving the Yankees four players in BA’s Top 50. The Yanks also signed Venezuelan outfielder Everson Pereira (No. 5), Venezuelan shortstop Roberto Chirinos (No. 20) and Dominican outfielder Anthony Garcia (No. 28).
According to Badler, the 6-foot, 170 pound youngster carries plenty of offensive polish from both sides of the plate. He also notes that he has 15 to 20 home run potential and a chance to play either short or second base in the Majors.
Baseball America subscribers can read Badler’s full scouting report on Rojas.
