Don’t forget to bookmark our prospect list page to catch up on all the Top 30s you might have missed.
1. Jasson Dominguez – CF
Age: 16 yr, Weight: 190 lbs, Height: 5-10
Hits/Throws: S/R
Future Value
Ceiling: 60
Realistic: 50
Current Level: Yet to Debut, ETA: 2023
Plus speed, power, and arm give Dominguez the tools to be a special player, but a lot of it is pie in the sky until he debuts.
There’s very little light we can shed on “The Martian” that you can’t already search for yourself. Dominguez’s hype is on par with Kevin Maitan’s from back in the day, but it seems that enough non-organizational scouts have gotten a look to at least corroborate much of what has been prophesied. Dominguez, who signed for $5.1 million in 2019 as the top international signee, has been scouted since he was 13, and according to him in this Baseball America feature from October, potentially even as young as 11.
A catcher in his youth, Dominguez’s athleticism let him play anywhere up the middle but the Yankees liked his route running and speed so they decided on the outfield. His raw power and athleticism shine at the plate where the Yankees clocked him at exit speed of over 105 mph+ swing after swing. A short interview video that made the rounds in February showed just how thick Dominguez really is at such a young age. There might be some projection concerns, but keep in mind that’s not the end of the world. Even someone like Wander Franco is already at near completion of his frame and so long as it’s maintained well, it’s OK.
Yoan Moncada has been used as a comp by several and some have gone further with loftier comparisons. Given his age and his lack of experience of professional ball, he’s as extreme of a risk as they come, but his raw tools are special and we think he’ll get a stateside assignment in 2020 if there’s baseball in the summer.
2. Deivi Garcia - RHP
Age: 20 yr, Weight: 163 lbs, Height: 5-9
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 60
Realistic: 50
Current Level: AAA, ETA: 2020
Size questions persist, but in the new world of baseball starter usage, Garcia has what it takes to carve out a substantial role.
I saw Garcia’s first Florida State League start in 2018– a spot start before getting assigned to Charleston– but I’d be lying if I told you I knew what he was going to be or even who he was. I was sitting on the third base side and I really only recognized a clean delivery with repeatable mechanics. “Huh, he’s not bad,” was all I summed up. “Not bad,” was quite the understatement as Garcia has developed into yet another Yankees pitching success, climbing from A-ball to Triple-A in a mere 13 months.
The diminutive righty is a master of using all four quadrants and is able to attack hitters on either side of the plate with a true four-pitch mix. His four-seamer sits 92-94 T96 and his wipeout pitch is a plus plus curveball that he uses against both RHB and LHB. He complements those with a change and slider, both fringe average now but with potential for a touch more.
Like I mentioned before, it’s a really easy delivery with little effort that affords him the ability to hold velocity in games. His release point varies every so slightly depending on pitch, so that’s something to nail down. The biggest knock right now is of course his size. At 5-foot-9 (listed 5-foot-10 in some sites), he’s even shorter than Pedro Martinez. The only RHP who’ve had successful careers at that height have been relievers. The likelihood of Garcia pitching 180 innings in one season is 10 percent or less. But in the new age of baseball where bullpens eat up more innings per season, even 130-150 innings of he can still be plenty valuable.
3. Clarke Schmidt - RHP
Age: 24 yr, Weight: 200 lbs, Height: 6-1
Hits/Throws: R/R
MLB Draft: Round 1, Overall: 16
Future Value
Ceiling: 55
Realistic: 50
Current Level: AA, ETA: 2021
Schmidt has been climbing the ladder, seeing success at every stop thanks to a strong arsenal and clean mechanics.
Just a month before the 2017 Draft, the then South Carolina righthander Clarke Schmidt underwent Tommy John Surgery. This didn’t hold the Yankees back from making him their 16th overall selection.
After pitching a 23.1 innings in 2018, the Yankees jumpstarted Schmidt to Advanced-A Tampa. The righty took the challenge and excelled, finishing the year with three starts in Double-A Trenton. During 2019 he had 10.1 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9. With experience in the SEC, Schmidt has a history of being a strike thrower while still missing plenty of bats.
Schmidt’s repertoire consists of three pitches that will all be at least above-average. His fastball that sits 93-95 T96 acts as a bowling ball when low in the zone with hard run and sink. This pitch in particular generates a lot of groundballs, which will be useful at Yankee Stadium. His curve often shows as a plus offering, with nasty, late 11-5 break in the low-80s. Another weapon Schmidt possesses is his hard changeup in the high-80s that has significant lateral movement.
With his past injuries and lack of size in consideration, many were concerned whether or not he would stick as a starter. Schmidt answered a lot of those questions this year, with his velocity and stuff remaining consistent throughout the whole year. Starting in Double-A, the Yankees will likely task Schmidt with a slightly heavier workload in 2020.
4. Estevan Florial - OF
Age: 22 yr, Weight: 185 lbs, Height: 6-1
Hits/Throws: L/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 60
Realistic: 45
Current Level: A+, ETA: 2021
Injuries and strikeout issues continue dogging Florial, who has top 10 prospect upside but a slimmer chance to reach it as time passes.
After fracturing a small bone in his wrist during Spring Training, Florial returned to Advanced-A Tampa in early June. Although he did show glimpses of his potential at times, 2019 was, for the most part, a struggle for Florial in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League.
The 22-year-old has some loud tools that will jump off the page. Florial, built muscular and athletic, has big time raw power that scouts hope will eventually translate into games with a decrease in swing and miss. The outfielder had a 36 K% in 2019, which will need to be cut significantly in order for his power to be showcased. Despite being the athlete that Florial is, his swing is stiff which leads to concerns whether the hit tool will ever end up coming around.
In the field, Florial employs plus speed and a rifle arm that some grade out to be a 70 grade tool. He shows good routes to balls and figures to be a plus defender. His speed also plays on the bases as he could end up being a 20-steal threat.
Florial is still a raw, high ceiling prospect. He will look for a healthier start to 2020 so he can continue growing his loud tools into in-game production.
5. Luis Medina - RHP
Age: 20 yr, Weight: 175 lbs, Height: 6-1
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 60
Realistic: 45
Current Level: A+, ETA: 2022
A huge chasm between his ceiling and floor exist, but Medina’s raw tools spell “Ace” if it all comes together.
An athletic righty with a heater that regularly reaches 100 and a power curveball that shows double-plus. What else could you ask for? Unfortunately, to the discontent of many Yankees fans, it’s not that simple.
Medina has struggled every season that he has pitched in the minors. In 2019, the flamethrower walked 6.1 batters per nine. That was down from 11.5 BB/9 the year before, but his command and control still obviously need to be ironed out. Many believe he will need to sharpen his confidence and mental game in order to succeed at the next level. However, he is still young and will have plenty of time for refinement.
As aforementioned, the 20-year-old possesses a deadly arsenal when everything is clicking. His fastball sits in the high-90’s and has been clocked upwards of 100 mph. The curveball has hard 12-6 break and is a true double-plus pitch when on. Medina also throws a changeup with fade and shows the potential to be yet another above-average offering. He has a quick arm with a relatively low effort delivery. Although he can be a bit stiff after release, there is not much to pick at regarding his mechanics.
Medina is one of the more puzzling players in the minors. His ceiling is a frontline starter and his floor is an up and down reliever. He did have some brief improvement in control and results at the end of the season in 2019. He will look to build off that success, most likely beginning 2020 in Advanced-A Tampa.
6. Roansy Contreras - RHP
Age: 20 yr, Weight: 175 lbs, Height: 6-0
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 55
Realistic: 50
Current Level: A, ETA: 2022
A rare safe 20-year-old pitcher, Contreras has the makings of a bonafide backend major league starter.
Overshadowed by other Yankees arms, it’s easy to overlook that Contreras just completed his first year in full season ball at just 19. It was a strong one at that both statistically and by quantity as he finished with the fourth-most innings pitched in the Sally clocking in 132.1 innings.
Contreras has all the traditional makings of a Yankees prospect. Clean, repeatable delivery, a fastball that he deploys high in the zone with a strong secondary to complement it and a high ¾ arm slot. There’s still some effort in his delivery, especially with some accelerating action that affects his head movement, but he’s shown that it can stand the rigors of a full season so we’re not too worried about it.
Contreras’ four-seamer (91-94), curveball and changeup form a solid foundation to attack both handed hitters, negating any split issues despite the fact the lefties get a little bit of a longer look at him because of how early he opens up. His curveball can look plus when it’s on but there are still command issues present to iron out.
Overall, despite his young age, Contreras is shaping up to be a relatively safe SP4 workhorse with upside of an SP3.
7. Luis Gil - RHP
Age: 21 yr, Weight: 176 lbs, Height: 6-3
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 45
Current Level: A+, ETA: 2022
A deadly fastball and slider combo ensure Gil has a future in the bullpen, but a rotation spot is unlikely.
Gil borders on lanky, with a whippy low ¾ slot, minimal leg kick and a small head whack. Considering the righty sits 96-98, it’s a pretty easy delivery. He complements the heater with 83-85 slider and 85-87 change.
Currently there’s some concern about his fastball playing too flat. In a FSL start I (Eddy) caught, he elicited just three whiffs on the night in a four innings appearance. Hitters fought it off and his mediocre slider command let them just wait for the heat instead. He misses glove side with the fastball but because of its velo, it’s really hard to square up in the zone.
The velocity separation between his fastball and slider, the latter of which has flashed 55, create the foundation for a high leverage reliever who can blow away major leaguers in short spurts. Currently I’m pessimistic he can carve out a rotation role unless the fastball has some life to it.
8. Miguel Yajure - RHP
Age: 21 yr, Weight: 175 lbs, Height: 6-1
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 45
Current Level: AA, ETA: 2021
In a system flooded with arms, Yajure is very underrated and quietly keeps posting strong numbers as he marches towards to majors.
Yajure signed for a modest $30,000 in 2015. He has proven to be a bargain, putting up solid numbers every season since signing. Through 291.1 career minor league innings, the righty holds a 2.37 ERA.
Yajure’s stuff won’t widen any eyes but is solid across the board. His fastball sits in the low 90s, reaching 95. He mixes in a high 80s cutter and a curveball in the high 70s that keeps hitters off balance. Yajure’s go-to pitch is his changeup which shows fade and figures to be an above-average pitch.
Control is a strength of the righthander, walking just under two batters per nine in 2019. He is a prime example of a pitcher making the best of what he has. Although the stuff may be underwhelming, Yajure limits damage and doesn’t give up a whole lot of hard contact, limiting batters to a .227 BAA.
Yajure would’ve started 2020 in Double-A Trenton and with a chance to contribute at the major league level soon.
9. Yoendrys Gomez - RHP
Age: 20 yr, Weight: 175 lbs, Height: 6-3
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 45
Current Level: A, ETA: 2023
Another traditional Yankees righty, Gomez unlocked new velocity which has changed his profile and changed his outlook for the better.
Like Deivi Garcia and Roansy Contreras, Gomez is a “four-seam high the zone, curveball in the dirt” type of pitcher. Newfound speed has allowed him to morph into a pitcher not afraid to challenge hitters, as he now sits 94-95, up a couple of ticks from years prior. He flashes an average curve with a fringe changeup.
He’s 6-foot-3 but his long limbs make him seem taller than that. He can use some refinement on his delivery, specifically his release point. It’s a long arm action that he needs to hone and he sometimes slightly varies from a high ¾ to regular ¾, which affects his command on his pitches, usually to the glove side.
As someone who doesn’t turn 21 until October, Gomez is trending in all the right directions. He’s young for his level, has a new fun toy to hone in his fastball and simply needs the reps to nail down his mechanics. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like 2020 will be the time to log in a substantial amount of innings, but he’s another Yankees arm that could pop for real if it comes together.
10. Anthony Volpe – SS
Age: 18 yr, Weight: 180 lbs, Height: 5-11
Hits/Throws: R/R
School: Delbarton School
MLB Draft: Round 1, Overall: 30
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 45
Current Level: R, ETA: 2023
A safe prep bat that should stick at short, Volpe has good makeup and instincts and could climb the ladder quick.
The Yankees selected Volpe as their 30th overall selection in the first round last year. The New Jersey native attended Delbarton High School where he was teammates with another highly-touted prospect, Jack Leiter. He was also part of the loaded 18U USA team that thrashed every team in their path. In a lineup with players like Bobby Witt Jr., Riley Greene, and C.J. Abrams, it was Volpe who hit in the three hole.
Despite the struggles in his pro debut, Volpe is as safe as it gets in terms of high school bats. At the plate, Volpe employs an upright stance with high hands. He uses his quick wrists to fire through a swing that is short and compact, with very little wasted movement. Power will likely never be a huge part of Volpe’s game. He is more of a line drive hitter that sprays the ball to all fields.
In the field, Volpe is solid and possesses all the tools needed to stick at shortstop. He also shows above-average speed and his high aptitude for the game could garner him more steals than expected. The shortstop is also known for his great makeup and for being an outstanding teammate and leader.
Although no tools in Volpe’s game may necessarily jump off the page at you, he is rock solid across the board with very few flaws to his game, leaving him a good chance at being a solid everyday big leaguer.
11. Alexander Vargas – SS
Age: 18 yr, Weight: 148 lbs, Height: 5-11
Hits/Throws: S/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 55
Realistic: 45
Current Level: R, ETA: 2024
A high contact bat who shows advanced pitch recognition could unlock more power as he matures.
Signed for $2.5 million in 2018, Vargas made his stateside debut in 2019 in the GCL. Here’s what Eddy wrote when he saw him:“Of all my GCL looks, I was most impressed with Vargas. Switch hitter, lean build, his body doesn’t portend to a lot of projection. Small, maybe 5-10 (listed 5-11). Hands at the letters with a very quiet load, stands upright. Fantastic eye given his age. Lays off outside pitches, simply doesn’t chase away and always works the counts. 11.63 triple down the line that he slapped toward 3B line, looked like 55 speed.
You can beat him with well-placed corner heat, but then again, even major leaguers get caught with that. Didn’t get a chance to see any power so I can’t speak much to power projection but I’m tempering my expectations for now. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him learn to start barreling pitches given how selective he is at the plate.”
12. Kevin Alcantara – OF
Age: 17 yr, Weight: 188 lbs, Height: 6-6
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 60
Realistic: 45
Current Level: R, ETA: 2024
A high variance international prospect who has big power but normal swing and miss tendencies for his age and five percent chance at stardom.
Eddy’s GCL notes: “Signed out of DR for around $1 million in 2018, spent less than a month in DSL in 2019 and moved stateside in June.
Long, lean, high waist. 6-foot-6, the projection in the body is easy to see. Big leg kick and has plenty of plate coverage because of his size. Currently geared to hit balls to the pull side leaving him susceptible to offspeed. Struck out on a slider outside once. Takes a while to accelerate out of the box but good speed under way.
In centerfield he glides thanks to his long legs, has solid instincts, should be able to cut it there thanks to above-average speed. Has an average arm but he spiked one throw in, still working on accuracy. Didn’t see him barrel a ball in my look but I imagine it’s got to look good. Like many GCL talents, very raw. Needs to work on plate discipline, excited to see how his body morphs.”
13. Canaan Smith – OF
Age: 20 yr, Weight: 215 lbs, Height: 6-0
Hits/Throws: L/R
MLB Draft: Round 4, Overall: 122
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 45
Current Level: A, ETA: 2022
His frame creates risk to his future on the field, but Smith wields a potent bat loaded with power if he tweaks his attack angle.
Smith burst onto the scene last year after posting an .871 OPS as a 20-year-old in his full-season debut for Charleston. The lefty bat is portly, much more than you’d expect for someone who stole 16 bags last year, and has little to no room for good weight as his frame is bordering on “soft body” labels. We’re willing to bet double-digit steals aren’t really in his future.
But at the plate the damage he does is loud and 100 percent real. He’s the type of player whose bat seems weightless in his hand thanks to strong hands and wrists that he uses to violently attack pitches, especially those low in the zone. Though he’ll take big cuts to the pull side, Smith actually is adept at spraying the ball. He uses his advanced pitch selection to zero in and let it rip. He has plus raw power but likely maxes out at 50 game unless he tweaks his swing, as it’s more line drive oriented. There were some slight platoon issues with lefties (.654 OPS), something to monitor as well.
Given his frame, you can surmise that left field is his best case scenario and he’s mediocre there. A shift to first base or even DH is not out of the question if he doesn’t maintain his body. But it’s a bat first profile as is, and we think it’ll play.
14. Ezequiel Duran – 2B
Age: 20 yr, Weight: 185 lbs, Height: 5-11
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 45
Current Level: A-, ETA: 2023
Former helium pick that rebounded from a rough 2018 with one of the strongest summers of any non-college player in Short Season.
Here’s the funny thing about J2 signings with helium. As quickly as prospect hounds hop on the hype train, they just as quickly jump off. Duran popped up over the summer of 2017 with a lot of glowing scouting reports touting the hit tool and raw power. Unfortunately, 2018 did not go as planned as Duran slashed .201/.251/.311 with three home runs in 55 games with Pulaski. The memories of his glowing reports and strong 15-game showing in the GCL were distant memories as everyone entered 2019.Held back in extended spring, Duran was unleashed upon the New York-Penn League in early June. The stout second baseman proceeded to produce a 143 wRC+ across 66 games, and the second highest isolated slugging number at .240. His profile is heavily dependent upon the bat, as he lacks much in the way of defensive value and is a below average runner now.
Ralph and JP took in Duran on multiple occasions in game and in batting practice and plus power was consistent throughout. He struggles against off-speed and spin and at this point is purely fastball hunting and looking to elevate. Duran is blessed with the kind of bat speed that should allow him to make hard contact against even the best velocity. If the hit tool improves there’s an above average bat-first everyday second baseman upside.
15. Michael King – RHP
Age: 24 yr, Weight: 210 lbs, Height: 6-3
Hits/Throws: R/R
MLB Draft: Round 12, Overall: 353
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 40
Current Level: MLB, ETA: 2020
Injuries limited his 2019 campaign, but King is knocking on the door of the majors with the hopes that his average arsenal can rely on his command to maximize his results.
King saw limited action in 2019 — 48 innings between MiLB and MLB — thanks to a setback early in the season while rehabbing from a stress reaction in his throwing elbow. It was a disappointing follow up to a breakout 2018 campaign where he climbed to Triple-A from High-A and finished with a 1.71 ERA in over 160 innings.
King sets up on the first base side of the rubber, has a closed wind up, and swings his lead leg around so that it lands on the third base side, which results in some crossbody motion. He gets fantastic movement on his fastball, a pitch that averages 90-93 in starts and has good arm side run to catch lefties with a backdoor along with good sink to generate plenty of groundballs. But it’s his only above average pitch. He does a good job of maximizing his changeup, a pitch he improved a lot in 2019, by selling it well with arm speed and his slider lacks bite.
He doesn’t have the pure stuff to be a north-south pitcher like the Yankees traditionally like, but he’ll get a shot to prove himself for an extended time in the big leagues when baseball returns.
16. Albert Abreu – RHP
Age: 24 yr, Weight: 175 lbs, Height: 6-2
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 45
Current Level: MLB, ETA: 2020
Live arm righty has dealt with health and command issues, but could make an impact if he sticks as a starter.
Abreu has been a notable “live arm” in the Yankees system for some time now. However, in the last few seasons, he’s dealt with a myriad of arm-related injuries and inconsistent performance, once his professional career reached the upper levels. He’s now in his final option year on the Yankees 40-man roster.
Abreu came to the Yankees in the trade that sent Brian McCann to the Astros. The fastball is the marquee pitch. It generally sits mid-90s, but can touch 97, with a healthy amount of armside movement and some sink. Command of the fastball is poor, and gets worse with runners on base. He throws two shapes of breakers, with a very nice looking 12-to-6 curveball in the upper 70s probably being the best offering. The changeup feel is inconsistent, but it flashes above average as well. The movement on the changeup also pairs well with the sinking action on the fastball.
You can see why the Yankees have been hesitant to push him into a bullpen role, but that’s where his future might lie. He made several relief appearances down the stretch for Trenton last season. He could be used in a similar role to Luis Cessa and Jonathan Loaisigia this season, as the Yankees pitching staff continues to feel the injury pinch.
17. Everson Pereira – OF
Age: 18 yr, Weight: 191 lbs, Height: 6-0
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 40
Current Level: A-, ETA: 2023
A promising 2018 campaign is still lingering after an injury cut the 2019 season short for Pereira, who has shown preternatural ability at the plate.
Pereira was one of the crown jewels of the 2017 international class, signing with the Yankees for $1.5 million. The Yankees, as were many others, were very high on Pereira, launching him straight into the Appy League as a 17-year-old in 2018. Despite being almost three and a half years younger than competition, he looked like he belonged. Unfortunately, after only 18 games in Staten Island in 2019, Pereira collided with the centerfield wall, tweaking his ankle and missing the rest of the year.
What excites scouts about Pereira is his five-tool potential if all works out. He shows effortless, above-average power in batting practice accompanied by plus bat speed, and plenty more room for physical projection. He also has good instincts and the speed to stick in center.
I wouldn’t fret too much over Pereira’s brief struggles over only 18 games this past year. He is still very young (turning 19 in April) and maintains a high ceiling. The outfielder will be poised for a breakout with a healthy year in 2020.
18. Antonio Cabello – OF
Age: 19 yr, Weight: 160 lbs, Height: 5-10
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 40
Current Level: R, ETA: 2023
Helium prospect had a rough 2019, but a power/speed centerfield profile is still here.
A 2018 season spent crushing the competition in Rookie level GCL sent Cabello rocketing up watchlists heading into 2019. The Yankees pushed him to the Appy League for 2019, where he struggled in a 56-game stint, posting a .211/.280/.330 line with a 30 K%. So, what happened?
Cabello’s GCL explosion was fueled by a .398 BABIP and 14.7% HR/FB rate. The BABIP was definitely unsustainable, the HR/FB rate was likely him playing over his head as he doesn’t really possess plus raw pop. In the Appy last year, his luck swung back to average (.304 BABIP) and his contact rate eroded with exposure to better pitching.
The good news is that Cabello was 2.5 years younger than his average competition last year. He just turned 19 in November. He has plenty of time to figure things out moving forward. He presents as potential above average power/speed combo, that can play at least an average centerfield if everything comes together. Remember that once a prospect displays a skill, he owns it (even if it never shows up again). Cabello has flashed the ability to hit the ball with authority in the past. If he can make some strides in the contact department against better quality pitching this season, this ride is back on the rails.
19. Alexander Vizcaino – RHP
Age: 22 yr, Weight: 160 lbs, Height: 6-2
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 50
Realistic: 40
Current Level: A+, ETA: 2022
A late blooming righthander out of San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic with an elite one-two punch.
Vizcaino burst onto the scene in 2019 off the back of an elite combination of pitches. He has a fastball that sits mid-90s, and a plus changeup at 87-91 mph that moves like a split-finger fastball. The combination led to Vizcaino getting swings in bunches as he pounded the strike zone early in starts. Across 87.2 innings he struck out 101 batters, walking just 27, and allowed just six balls to leave the yard. He saw a promotion to High-A Tampa in late July and made five starts with the Tarpons.
Armed with easy velocity, Vizcaino is a lot of arms and legs on his 6-foot-2 frame, appearing larger than that due to his gaunt build. He’s high waisted, and loose with a hitch in his leg kick before plant.
Through the first 50 or so pitches, he tends to hold up and repeat his motion, but after that point across multiple looks he tends to wear down. Likely due to the lack of strength in his lower half. His fastball begins to bleed into the heart of the plate, and he has trouble elevating the pitch the deeper he gets into his starts. His changeup flattens out and becomes easier to track.
Adding strength to Vizcaino’s lanky frame is essential for his future as a starter. He certainly has the stuff to start, with a fastball that sits 94-96 elevated, mixing in his devastating changeup. He features a slider as well, but the pitch is more of the get me over variety.
20. Oswald Peraza – SS
Age: 19 yr, Weight: 176 lbs, Height: 6-0
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 40
Current Level: A, ETA: 2022
Underrated middle infield sleeper who could perform as a league average player even if he never develops more power.
Our former colleague Jason Pennini provides the live scouting report from a look at Peraza over the summer:
“Underrated middle infielder, with a chance to play every day. Very smooth defensively, manned shortstop both games in the series and looked good there: well-coordinated with excellent body control and infield actions, solid around the bag. Overall, fluid, easy movements. Plus range and good instincts. Had him 4.26 on a max effort run from the right -> plus run. Came away from the two games really liking his bat. He has a chance to be a 50 hit/40 power guy. He showed fringe average raw power in BP and homered in a game on an 88 mph Kelvin Sanchez fastball, in essence supplying the power himself. The swing mechanics should be conducive to limiting swing and miss as he climbs through the minors: Peraza draws his hands back to slot position -> on time, good hip rotation through point of contact. There isn’t much wasted effort in his swing. The bat to ball skills look solid, and he has around 50/55 bat speed. I think he is somewhat of a sleeper right now. 50 OFP with 40 FV feel like appropriate grades from this short look.”
After this look, Peraza was promoted to Full-Season Charleston of the South Atlantic League. Peraza was 2.5 years younger than the competition, but still posted similar production with an impressive plate discipline profile for a teenager (7.7% BB, 13.5% K). His OPS+ in A-Full was 106. However, his ISO+ of 51 was substantially below league average. Even if the power never approaches average, he still has a productive profile with his plate approach, defense, and speed.
21. Nick Nelson – RHP
Age: 23 yr, Weight: 195 lbs, Height: 6-1
Hits/Throws: R/R
School: Gulf Coast State
MLB Draft: Round 4, Overall: 128
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 40
Current Level: AAA, ETA: 2020
Live armed righty with three pitches that can generate swings and misses.
Nelson split time between Double-A and Triple-A last season for the Yankees. He’s a good example of utilizing defense independent pitching statistics to evaluate his underlying skill. In 13 games at Double-A, he posted a 2.35 ERA, but FIP was a little more skeptical (3.26), due in part, to his above-average strand rate (85%) and HR/FB rate (5.8%) luck. In four games at Triple-A, his luck swung in the other direction (.321 BABIP, 66% strand rate), saddling him with a 4.71 ERA. However, FIP came in at a more optimistic 3.58. When you put everything together, Nelson had a real nice statistical season last year.
Nelson feels similar to Albert Abreu in a lot of ways. He’s a power righty with a fastball that sits mid-90s. Like Abreu, the fastball command frequently waivers. Like Abreu, his breaker is a 12-to-6 shape that comes in in the upper-70s. However, the big difference maker for Nelson could be the split changeup that he’s developed. All three pitches can generate swings and misses. The question is whether the command comes along for the ride.
22. T.J. Sikkema – LHP
Age: 21 yr, Weight: 221 lbs, Height: 6-0
Hits/Throws: L/L
School: Missouri
MLB Draft: Round CBAs, Overall: 38
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 40
Current Level: A-, ETA: 2022
2019 draft choice has some left-handed funk that might play its way to the back end of the rotation.
Sikkema was the 38th overall selection in the 2019 draft out of the University of Missouri. Coming into the draft, we pegged Sikkema as a left-handed strike thrower with minimal remaining projection. He’s got a four-pitch mix, but generally lacks an out pitch which will be needed at the next level of competition. There’s some confirmation in his statistics from the Cape Cod League in 2018, where he made five starts, posting an excellent 1.72 ERA, but also a low 6.6 K/9 rate.
He’s a stout, broad shouldered hurler with a fair amount of left-handed funk. From watching tape, his arm slot varies considerably, from a higher ¾ to nearly sidearm. The fastball is a low-90s offering that he can work to both sides of the plate when he’s able to command it. The fact that he can work it inside on the hands of right-handed hitters is promising. None of the breaking or offspeed offerings are above average.
He’s got some serious effort in his delivery, leading to him falling off the mound all over the place (even backwards once!), after releasing the ball. His BB% will be something to watch as he advances up the ranks.
23. Anthony Seigler – C
Age: 20 yr, Weight: 200 lbs, Height: 6-0
Hits/Throws: S/S
MLB Draft: Round 1, Overall: 23
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 40
Current Level: A, ETA: 2023
Defensive first catcher that must show more with the bat going forward.
The infamous switch-hitter, switch-pitcher from the 2018 draft, Seigler was the first prep catcher taken off the board to the Yankees at 23rd overall. His best tool is his strong and accurate arm that easily is the best in the Yankees system. His power is his weakest tool, as the switch hitter has been hitting softer contact in terms of exit velocity. Surprisingly, his left-handed swing is much more natural and better than his right-handed swing. Plus, he’s displayed more power from the left side than the right side.
Seigler is extremely athletic and while his speed is below average, his athleticism makes up for it on the base paths. Seigler has a closed stance that helps him track the ball all the way until contact. He has a small leg kick for developing some power and does spray the ball around the yard. Plus, when he develops more strength, he could turn his contact tool into something special. In the end his defense alone should get him to the majors and make him an above average regular behind the plate for years to come.
24. Trevor Stephan – RHP
Age: 24 yr, Weight: 225 lbs, Height: 6-5
Hits/Throws: R/R
MLB Draft: Round 3, Overall: 92
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 40
Current Level: AA, ETA: 2022
Fast-moving college arm stalled in 2019 and saw demotion to High-A.
Stephan has had a bit of a rollercoaster career. After posting strong results in High-A, he jumped to Double-A, and he looked like it was all clicking. Then he collapsed at the end of year. In 2019, his struggles continued so much that he found himself back in Tampa. He did hit his stride late in the season producing strong results (31.1 IP, 38 K, 5 BB, 5 ER) across his final six appearances, including two late turns in the Double-A rotation.
The former Arkansas Razorback works fastball, breaking ball, changeup, delivering the ball from a low arm slot, cross-body delivery. It’s athletic despite his unusual mechanics as the righthander gets excellent extension playing up his deception, particularly versus right handed batters. The combination of the low arm slot, crossbody arm action, and elite extension make it very difficult to track the ball out of his hand as a righty. This combination seems to have the inverse effect on left-handed hitters as they’ve enjoyed success against him throughout his professional career.
Stephan’s fastball sits low to mid-90s typically in the 92-94 mph range bumping 97 mph on occasion. The fastball features slightly above average spin, and breaks hard to his glove side. This is another factor for his success against right handed hitters as his fastball breaks away from the barrel as it approaches the zone. His slider pairs perfectly with his fastball, featuring big horizontal movement, and spin rates in the 2500+ range. It’s late tail allows him to get right-handers chasing but it doesn’t have the same impact against lefties.
Over the course of the season, Stephan worked to reduce that effect by working more to his gloveside with his fastball and pairing it with his changeup. Speaking of Stephan’s changeup, I believe it had a lot to do with his struggles early this season, as it looks like the organization asked him to use it as his exclusive secondary versus left handed hitters. It’s a below average pitch at the moment, as one in five shows shape resembling a major league average off-speed offering. His ability to improve his feel for this pitch will be essential for Stephan to crack the 26-man roster long term. Whether it be as starter or reliever (though I believe it’s as a reliever), with the three batter rule, relievers with uneven splits will struggle to stick.
25. Josh Breaux – C
Age: 22 yr, Weight: 220 lbs, Height: 6-1
Hits/Throws: R/R
MLB Draft: Round 2, Overall: 61
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 40
Current Level: A, ETA: 2023
A catcher with loud tools that shine behind the plate, he has intriguing pop but needs to tone down his aggressiveness in the box.
As an offensive-minded catcher, the Yankees selected Breaux in the second round of 2018 out of McClennan Community College. In 2018, after posting video game numbers in college, with two straight years batting over .400 and a combined 37 home runs, Breaux went homerless in just over 100 at-bats during his pro debut. He made decent contact, but the power was missing. Breaux proved that this was more of an anomaly than anything, by cranking 13 home runs over just 199 at-bats in 2019. As with many other young power hitters, strikeouts are a concern with Breaux. Striking out at a 27 percent clip this past season, Breaux is often over-aggressive in the box, pulling his front shoulder early and causing difficulty reaching pitches on the outer half.
Thanks to his tremendous bat speed, the catcher has plus raw power which is exciting for a backstop. However, there is much for Breaux to learn and brush up on in terms of receiving, in order to play catcher at the next level. If he puts it all together behind the plate, he also has an absolute cannon for an arm. While pitching in college, his fastball hit triple digits.
Breaux is still very far away from the big leagues and has a lot of risk attached to the loud tools he brings to the table. Look for him to start back at Charleston to continue to polish his game.
26. Raimfer Salinas – OF
Age: 19 yr, Weight: 175 lbs, Height: 6-0
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 40
Current Level: R, ETA: 2024
Salinas looked solid in his first healthy season but the sum of his parts still tracks as a solid but unspectacular player.
Here’s what I (Eddy) saw when I caught him in August in GCL games:
“Medium build, looked a touch shorter than his 5-11 listed height. Sets up with hands at head with slight waggle, gets into a crouch. I was impressed with his quick hands, his load and trigger is efficient with little wasted effort. Contact skills let him execute a hit and run. Still learning to lay off high heat and offspeed low. 55 speed, stole a base. 4.39 on an infield hit points to less speed than expected, potential to be a below average runner early in professional career. Big hacks on pitches down and in, seems like that’s where he likes his pitches. Turns on inside quick. Doubles power right now.”
Last year was his first full healthy season after some injuries left him with only 11 games in 2018. There have been reports of his plus speed but he didn’t exhibit that, as I referenced my 4.39 with another scout there who clocked 4.38 during a bang bang play. I was unclear if there was a lower half injury he was battling through.
He looked above average in the outfield, moving easily and never made any challenging plays. I never got to see his arm on full display either. There’s still plenty of time on the profile, but a lot hinges on learning to not be so overt with his preferences at the plate.
27. Maikol Escotto – 2B
Age: 17 yr, Weight: 180 lbs, Height: 5-11Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 40
Current Level: R, ETA: 2024
Escotto dominated the DSL but questions remain about his batted ball profile and how he looks when exposed to stateside baseball.
Maikol Escotto was a bit of an afterthought in a loaded Yankees 2018-19 international signing class, signing for $350,000, but has quickly risen into the spotlight. Escotto was one of the youngest players in the class and his tools and body jumped after signing. He quickly got scouts’ attention with advanced pull-side power, plate approach and baserunning. Leading to a standout performance as the three spot hitter in the DSL all-star game that brought his attention national.
Escotto slashed an impressive .315/.429/.552 in the DSL, hitting 23 XBH in just 45 games. He stood out on the basepaths for his advanced jumps and baserunning, stealing 13 bags in 16 attempts and scoring 47 runs in just 45 games. Escotto consistently worked deep counts with advanced feel for laying off spin, walking 14.7 percent of his at bats. His batted ball profile supported his inflated BABIP. While Escotto saw some time at short, he will more likely end up a 2B/3B long-term.
While nobody would deny that Escotto’s performance was electric in 2019 or that he has the kind of tools to rise up prospect ranks quickly; there are some reasons to not jump the gun. It’s fair to question whether some of Escotto’s performance was due to simply being too advanced for the level (despite being one of the youngest players there). While his plate approach was advanced, there is some natural swing and miss to his game. Will he be able to tone down how pull heavy he is? How much more room for growth is there on his frame and will further growth slow him down? What is his long-term position. All of these questions will need to be answered before we get a true feel for his value, but he will be one of the more exciting players to watch in 2020. For now, the arrow is pointing way up.
28. Osiel Rodriguez – RHP
Age: 18 yr, Weight: 210 lbs, Height: 6-2Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: J2
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 35
Current Level: R, ETA: 2025
Reduced velocity and a shut down in 2019 leaves us with very little information on Rodriguez, who has flashed promising talent at different stages of his young career.
The Yankees signed Rodriguez for $600,000 out of the Dominican Republic as a 16 year old. He was that class’ top pitcher, touching 96 with a curve in the high 70s. Video from over two years ago from Baseball America’s Ben Badler showed a pitcher with a violent motion to the plate learning to repeat his mechanics but still popping 95.Now 18 and listed a 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Osiel has not come that far. He appeared in the DSL this past season, pitching just 9.2 innings punching out nine batters and allowing six earned runs. Eric Longengen of Fangraphs reported that despite sitting 86-90 with his fastball and getting shut down last season, he’s back to throwing hard.
There’s very little information on Rodriguez, and even scarcer video. In a regular baseball year he likely would have debuted in the GCL, but all bets are off as to what route the Yankees take now. The seeds of an intriguing prospect exist, but the unknowns are too plentiful to make any bold proclamations.
29. Josh Smith – SS
Age: 22 yr, Weight: 172 lbs, Height: 5-10
Hits/Throws: L/RSchool: LSU
MLB Draft: Round 2, Overall: 67
Future Value
Ceiling: 45
Realistic: 35
Current Level: A-, ETA: 2023
A shortstop with a good combination of contact and power with some sneaky good speed.
Drafted 67th overall in 2019, Smith showed his talents with a slash line of .346/.433/.533 for the LSU Tigers in his final year. Now, in his first season of pro ball, he enjoyed immediate success posting a .324/.450/.477 slashline in 55 games.
His best tool is his raw power that combined with his swing, creates tons of loft making him a legitimate power threat going forward. There are times he looks uncomfortable against pitches inside, but with his quick bat and advanced bat to ball skills, that’ll change rather quickly. Defensively, he has an above average arm, and soft hands from the shortstop position. Rounding out his tools is his plus speed and good athleticism.
Smith has a quiet stance, with very little moving parts and a toe-tap for a load. He uses his lower-half really well especially when creating torque for the extra power he needs. Smith with his contact tool, great speed and arm all go together, and a good comparison would be Rafael Furcal. Just with a lot more power. Either way, he could advance through the minors rather quickly and with his tools, has the ceiling of a second division every day player.
30. Ryder Green – OF
Age: 19 yr, Weight: 200 lbs, Height: 6-0
Hits/Throws: R/R
MLB Draft: Round 3, Overall: 97
Future Value
Ceiling: 40
Realistic: 35
Current Level: R, ETA: 2023
Tooled up, physical specimen with big power but bigger hit tool questions.
Green was the must see prep bat from the state of Tennessee before the Yankees took him in the third round in the 2018 draft. A strong set of tools and a tight commitment to Vanderbilt drove up the price a bit, but for just under $1 million Green chose the navy pinstripes over the ones the Commodores sometimes wear.Just as tooled up as he is physical, Green is exactly the type of high school prospect you invest money on. Standing at six-foot, and 200 pounds, Green has broad shoulders but also a wiry and athletic frame, and he’s the rare athlete that can pair above-average or better speed with double-plus raw thump.
Green’s initial taste of pro ball didn’t go well, barely hitting over .200, with a troubling 36 K%. He made some adjustments in his second pro season, shortening his swing which then cut his K rate down ten percent while still using his natural strength and leverage to hit for power. He’s always displayed strong pitch recognition skills with well above-average walk rates, but the swing and miss concerns come from the length in his swing. There are some concerns about catching up to the fastball, especially up and in, and the development of the hit tool is the key here. Green has the ability to pop 30 homers with potentially strong OBP skills, but we need him to keep improving his contact rate. He can be the prototypical right fielder with a cannon for an arm and enough speed to swipe 10-15 bags. There’s some upside here, but will he hit enough?