The New York Yankees fired longtime international scouting director Donny Rowland earlier this offseason, with three major-league sources pointing to the franchise's poor track record of developing big-money international signings into impact players as a major factor in the dismissal.

Rowland, 62, spent 15 years in the role and 23 years overall with the Yankees organization. The team is still in the process of selecting his successor, sources said.

The Yankees have seen most of their six- and seven-figure international signings fail to develop into productive major leaguers over the past decade. Luis Severino and Miguel Andujar represent the primary exceptions to this trend.

Outfielder Jasson Dominguez received a club-record $5.1 million signing bonus in 2019. The 22-year-old posted a .257 batting average with 10 home runs and a .719 OPS in 123 games during his 2025 rookie season, though he transitioned from primary left fielder to part-time player late in the year.

The Yankees released shortstop Alexander Vargas in August after signing him for $2.5 million in 2019. Vargas, 23, hit just .227 with a .633 OPS in 42 Double-A games before his release.

Other recent big-money signings have similarly underperformed expectations. Outfielder Brando Mayea ($4.35 million, 2023) spent his third season in rookie ball at age 20. Shortstop Roderick Arias ($4 million, 2022) posted a .640 OPS over 103 Low-A games at age 20.

The Yankees gave seven-figure bonuses to seven players in 2014. Only two reached the majors: Dermis Garcia and Hoy Park, who combined to play just 107 games at the highest level.

Hans Montero signed for $1.7 million as a shortstop in 2021. The 21-year-old played 34 of his 89 Low-A games at first base this season and none at shortstop.