Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 70 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 45

The Yankees began targeting Mayea when they first saw the Cuban training in the Dominican Republic in 2020, and they signed him for $4.35 million as soon as he became eligible in January 2023. He offered one of the best combinations of tools and skills in his international class, with one scout comparing him to a smaller Gary Sheffield. He made a successful pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, slashing .276/.382/.400 with 22 steals in 38 games.

Mayea has advanced bat-to-ball skills and uses his quick right-handed swing to make hard contact to all fields. With his combination of hitting ability, bat speed and projectable strength, he could have average or better power when he's fully developed. To get there, he'll have to learn to pull pitches and launch them in the air more consistently than he did in the DSL.

Mayea's speed earns 70-80 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale and it was evident on the bases and in center field during his first taste of pro ball. His quickness allows him to cover plenty of ground in center, where his fine reads and routes enhance his range. He also features plus arm strength and would be an asset at any outfield spot.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 70 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50 

The Yankees usually go all-in on one of the top international prospects in each class, and their 2023 target was Mayea. They first saw the Cuban when he training in the Dominican Republic three years earlier and signed him for $4.35 million this January. His combination of tools and skills was one of the best available, with one evaluator likening him to a smaller version of Gary Sheffield. 

Mayea could have plus or better tools across the board and has advanced bat-to-ball skills for a 17-year-old. He focuses on making hard contact with his quick right-handed stroke and uses the entire field rather than selling out for power. His combination of hitting ability, bat speed and developing strength could give him 30-homer pop, and he's mature enough to let it come naturally. 

Mayea's best pure tool is his double-plus speed and some scouts go a step further and give him top-of-the-scale 80 grades. He definitely has the quickness to stay in center field and could have outstanding range as he refines his defensive instincts. He has at least plus arm strength and is capable of playing anywhere in the outfield.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

Mayea is a premium athlete with advanced tools for his age, and the team that signs him is getting one of the most exciting players in the class.

He has the type of uncommon bat speed and power that scouts like to see. One evaluator described him as “mini Gary Sheffield” and others praised his advanced approach at the plate. He’s very aggressive in the batter’s box, and he's getting a better understanding of the strike zone.

He has a mature frame, but there is still plenty of upside because he is strong and twitchy. On defense, there’s a chance he stays in center field, but a move to a corner spot could be possible, according to scouts who have seen him play.

Mayea trains with Jaime Ramos in the Dominican Republic. The Yankees have shown interest in him. Ramos is a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	05/20/2024	FCL Yankees activated OF Brando Mayea from the 7-day injured list.
	05/04/2024	FCL Yankees placed OF Brando Mayea on the 7-day injured list.
	05/03/2024	OF Brando Mayea assigned to FCL Yankees from DSL NYY Yankees.
	01/23/2023	DSL NYY Yankees activated OF Brando Mayea.
	01/23/2023	OF Brando Mayea assigned to DSL NYY Yankees.
	01/15/2023	New York Yankees signed free agent OF Brando Mayea to a minor league contract.