What's Happening?
The New York Yankees have signed Tijn Fredrikze, a promising young pitcher from the Netherlands, as reported by Honkbal Softbal's Seb Visser. Fredrikze, who confirmed the signing on his Instagram, is a left-handed pitcher with experience in the Dutch Major League. Over the past two seasons, he played 29 games, with 17 games last season for Kinheim, where he made 16 starts and achieved a 3.79 ERA. Notably, Fredrikze led the league in strikeouts with 110 as an 18-year-old. His signing bonus is reported to be $90,000, which will count against the Yankees' 2025 bonus pool allotment. This move follows the dismissal of the Yankees' international scouting director, Donny Rowland, who had a significant role in signing notable prospects like Jasson Domínguez
and Luis Severino.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Tijn Fredrikze is significant for the Yankees as it reflects their ongoing strategy to strengthen their roster through international talent. Fredrikze's addition is expected to enhance the Yankees' pitching depth, given his impressive strikeout record and potential for further development. The decision to sign Fredrikze also highlights the Yankees' commitment to investing in young international players, which could yield long-term benefits for the team. This move is part of a broader trend in Major League Baseball, where teams are increasingly looking overseas to find and develop talent. The impact on the Yankees' international bonus pool underscores the financial considerations teams must navigate when acquiring international players.
What's Next?
With the 2025 international signing period concluding soon, the Yankees will shift their focus to the 2026 signing period, starting January 15. The team will have $5.4 million in bonus pool money for the upcoming period, allowing them to continue pursuing international talent. Scouts believe Fredrikze can improve his velocity and secondary pitches, which currently range between 88-91 mph. As Fredrikze enters the Yankees' system, he will aim to develop his skills further, potentially becoming a key player for the team in the future. The Yankees' strategy and Fredrikze's progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
