It is a surprise to no one that the Yankees farm system is not what it once was. Just a couple of years ago it was ranked at the very top of most lists, but thanks to prospect graduations and trades, the system is now considered in my opinion to be in the middle of the pack. One thing is for sure; the Yankees lack the number of impact prospects that they once had. Cornerstone pieces like Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, Domingo German are now cemented in the major leagues. That leaves just Deivi Garcia and Estevan Florial from that group of crown jewels that remain in the minor league system. I am also very interested in seeing what Jasson Dominguez can do. Signed out of the Dominican Republic for $5 million, some scouts compare Dominguez to Mike Trout. That’s not a comparison I’m necessarily making at this time. All signs point to a future superstar hitter with top-of-the-scale speed and arm strength, but at just 16 years old, there is still plenty of time to develop and grow.
When you look at the system as a whole, the Yankees remain one of the deepest systems in baseball. They have their usual supply of diamond-in-the-rough pitching finds, high profile international free agents along with some slick fielding infielders. Based on the sheer amount of toolsy young players in the Yankees’ system, I expect enough of them to shine and push the Yankees back into above-average status in just a short period of time. With genuinely good fortune, the Yankees’ overall system just might shoot right back up the ranks in a season’s time.
*Some of the Prospects1500 team assisted with the player blurbs, so if I didn’t write one, the author’s name follow the player info.
Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster
Tier 1
1. Deivi Garcia, RHP (Preseason #11)
Age: 20
Highest Level: AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Signed for just 200,000 out of the Dominican in 2015, at 5’9” and 163 pounds, Garcia gets his fastball into the low-90s, usually around 91-93 but has hit 96 at times. The 20-year-old has underwhelming size and velocity, but the movement and command of the fastball make it a plus pitch. He backs it up with a plus curveball and an above-average changeup that is still developing. He has made a lot of progress in 2019 in controlling his pitches and commanding the ball. There is a lot to like about him as he has no trouble repeating his delivery and is still young. He could end up a reliever down the line if its determined he’s too small to hold up to the rigors of being a starter in the big leagues.
Tier 2
2. Estevan Florial, OF (Preseason #1)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
Florial’s swing contains plus bat speed. Plus power in the future. His swing possesses a high leg kick that will assist with his power. Even though he has been pull dominant thus far in his career, his strength actually comes into play when he goes to left-center field. Florial is a plus runner. I would give him at least a 70 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale. He will stick in center field. Has a great first step and plus reactions. Backs up every pitch and is moving on every ball in play. Possesses plus arm strength and throws the ball on a line. He has plus power, speed and arm strength which will allow him to be successful as a corner outfielder should the organization choose to move him from center. He must try and stay healthy after having fluky injuries the last few years.
3. Jasson Dominguez, OF (Preseason N/A)
Age: 16
Highest Level: N/A
Signed out of the Dominican for $5.1 million this summer, Dominguez is strong and athletic and has a mature body for his age. At the plate, Dominguez has a smooth, short and compact swing with excellent bat speed from both sides of the plate. The ball jumps off of his bat with extra pop. He has shown good bat control and can drive the ball into the gaps and hit for power to all fields. Dominguez squares up the ball and has an advanced approach with a good understanding of the strike zone. He’s also good baserunner with good speed. He’s known for getting good leads and a quick first jump. He has a true chance at being a 30/30 player annually. On defense, Dominguez has shown good footwork and soft hands, and he takes good routes. Possesses plus arm strength and throws the ball on a line. He loves the sport and has a reputation for being a “baseball rat” who is always working on a different part of his game.
Some scouts have even compared him to Mike Trout and Mickey Mantle. Wow! Time will tell and at just 16 he has plenty of that.
4. Luis Gil, RHP (Preseason #18)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
When the Yankees needed roster space after signing Neil Walker in March 2018, they designated Jake Cave for assignment and traded him to Minnesota for Gil. Boy didn’t that trade seem to work! Gil’s big arm regularly operates at 94-98 mph and can reach 101 mph with his four-seam fastball. He keeps his velocity deep into his starts and can blow his heater by hitters up in the strike zone. He can also miss bats with a excellent power curveball that has exceptional spin rates and he has begun to work on a changeup that has a long way to go. He has trouble keeping his delivery in sync and repeating his release point, which makes it difficult for him to harness his overpowering stuff at times. New York will keep feeding him innings as a starter because he needs experience, but he may wind up as a dynamic late-inning reliever or closer.
5. Anthony Seigler, C (Preseason #8)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A Charleston
New York made the switch hitting Seigler the first prep backstop selected, signing him for $2,815,900 as the 23rd overall pick in the 2018 draft. He’s extremely athletic for being a catcher and could develop into a Gold Glover behind the plate. He has good receiving and framing potential, and his plus arm plays even better because he has such a quick transfer. A proficient hitter from both sides of the plate, Seigler controls the strike zone and drills line drives to all fields. More of a doubles type of hitter but could develop into a 15-20 homer type catcher as he grows. He has a contact-oriented approach with solid bat speed, and while he’s not loaded with raw power, he has the hitting ability to get the most out of what he has. He’s close to an average runner and has good instincts on the bases and in all phases of the game.
6. Roansy Contreras, RHP (Preseason #7)
Age: 19
Highest Level: A Charleston
Contreras possess a talent rarely seen in 19-year-old pitching prospects: Control. After quickly moving from the DSL to Charleston in less than two seasons, Contreras has continued to pitch well in his full-season debut. Contreras is allowing 2.49 BB/9, while maintaining a 1.10 WHIP. Contreras has added some velocity to his fastball while he’s developing his secondary offerings. The velocity difference between his fastball and changeup approaches 15 mph, while his curveball has developed into a strong out pitch. The fact Contreras has maintained a low walk rate while developing two off-speed pitches bodes well for his future. The numbers indicate he profiles best as a back-end starter. He doesn’t strike out a ton of batters, and his GO/AO average isn’t favorable, but his .222 AVG against shows he gets guys out. His fantasy value may be limited as a result, but Contreras should be a valuable pitching asset for the Yankees in the future. -Jim Zele
7. Clarke Schmidt, RHP (Preseason #5)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA Trenton
The Yankees drafted Schmidt 16th overall in 2017, and he has been very solid thus far. His fastball sits between 92-94 MPH and tops off at 96. He has a fantastic four-pitch mix, by far one of the best in NYY’s system. He had a spotty start to the season with Tampa, and then was sidelined on 5/6 with an injury. He returned to action a week later, but then went back on the IL on 5/29 with an undisclosed injury. After missing nearly all of June, he returned to the mound on 6/27 to rehab with the GCL, and then rejoined the Tarpons on 7/10. Since then, he has really found his groove. On 8/5, in his penultimate outing with Tampa, he pitched 7 innings, allowing 3 hits, and striking out 9. He earned a promotion to Double-A Trenton about two weeks ago, and has made three appearances so far, including a solid 7-inning, 3 hit, no earned runs outing on 8/27 in New Hampshire. -Bailey Srebnik
8. Albert Abreu, RHP (Preseason #19)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA Trenton
Abreu has spent a few weeks on the IR in late July and early August dealing with a muscle issue in his right shoulder. He’ll have to cut down on the free passes to continue climbing up the minor league to AAA and hopefully into the big leagues. At just 23, he has time to fix his tendency to walk a lot. All of Abreu’s pitches grade out as plus when he commands them with a 94-98 mph fastball that tops out at 101 with sink and run. His power breaking ball absolutely wipes out right handers, combining curveball depth with slider velocity in the mid-80s. His fading changeup can shut down lefties though it wasn’t as effective in 2018 and 2019 as it was in past seasons.
9. Everson Pereira, OF (Preseason #6)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A- Staten Island
Pereira can hit the fastball well but is still adjusting to off-speed pitches. A lot of his strikeouts have come on off-speed pitches. The ball jumps off his bat thanks to his impressive bat speed, and he possesses a line-drive swing with gap-to-gap power. His bat path, bat control, balance, and pitch recognition skills all have earned high praise among scouts. Pereira is a centerfielder by trade and looks to have the speed, instincts and arm to stay at the position as he ages. In July he tweaked his ankle running into the padding at the bottom of the video board. The force of the collision broke the padding off the wall and the injury is forcing him to miss the rest of the year.
10. Anthony Volpe, SS (Preseason N/A)
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie Pulaski
The Yankees gave Volpe an opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream when they selected the local prep product in the 1st round at No. 30 overall in this year’s MLB Draft. He is an excellent defensive prospect at shortstop with quick reflexes and an advanced feel for the position. Volpe has struggled at the plate so far in his first exposure to professional ball, but he possesses the natural instincts and impressive bat speed to improve quickly with additional at-bats. -Jake Wiener
Tier 3
11. Yoendrys Gomez, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: A Charleston
Gomez was signed as an international free agent three years ago in July 2016. Since then he spent 2017 and 2018 in the Dominican Summer League and Gulf Coast rookie leagues. This season saw Gomez reach the Appy League and he’s currently pitching for the full season A-ball affiliate RiverDogs. The 52.1 IP so far in 2019 are the most he’s tallied in his career, while posting a 3.10 ERA and 1.20 WHIP between the two levels. His 50:17 K:BB is solid and we’ll likely see him continue in A-ball next year with the potential to move up to High-A Tampa. Gomez doesn’t possess lights out stuff, but the potential is there to be a future MLB SP4 or SP5. -Scott Greene
12. Luis Medina, RHP (Preseason #9)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
Right hand pitcher Medina was signed by the Yankees as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic for 0,000 in 2015. Medina’s fastball was in the mid 90s. Since joining the organization, he has been able to get it up to triple digits at times but still sits regularly in the mid 90s. He has two secondary pitches, a curveball and changeup. Both are above-average right now but have the potential to become plus pitches in the future. He is still young and extremely raw. He does have lack of ability to locate his pitches at times leading to a astounding 8.2 BB/9 rate for his career. This lack of control peaked at 11.5 BB/9 during the 2018 season with the Rookie advanced Pulaski Yankees.
13. Antonio Cabello, OF (Preseason #12)
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie Pulaski
Cabello has struggled so far this season against Appy League pitchers, having his best month in August with just a .231/.315/.372 slash line. However, Cabello has impressed in his brief time with the Yankees organization, as he led the Gulf Coast League in slugging percentage last season. I fully expect the former backstop’s power-speed profile to shine through more consistently as he adjusts to a more advanced level of competition. -Jake Wiener
14. Josh Stowers, OF (Preseason #14)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A Charleston
Stowers’ speed was still his defining trait this season swiping 32 bags for the RiverDogs. The power is a work in progress, hitting only 30 XBHs on the season. He has spent more time this season in RF, although he did play a third of his games in CF, which is concerning considering defense will likely be his best shot at being a regular. -Andrew Rhodes
15. Trevor Stephan, RHP (Preseason #13)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA Trenton
Stephan repeated both High-A and AA this year, and while his K-rate remained high, his WHIP elevated from a 1.13 in 2018 to 1.44, which could be contributed to his elevated walk rate. His last 10 starts have been encouraging he has a 3.38 ERA in 42 innings with 48 strikeouts and only 8 walks. -Stoffer Cochran
16. T.J. Sikkema, LHP (Preseason N/A)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A- Staten Island
What a start for 38th overall pick (out of Missouri) in the 2019 MLB Draft! In 4 starts he has 13 strikeouts, ZERO walks, a sub 1 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP. The sample size is only 10 innings but the future is bright for this 6’ lefty. -Stoffer Cochran
17. Garrett Whitlock, RHP (Preseason #17)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA Trenton
The Yankees picked Whitlock in the 18th round in 2017. He went late in the draft due to back issues and questionable signability. Whitlock got off to a really hot start to begin his career as he had a 31-inning scoreless streak early on. His fastball is 91-94 MPH and can reach 96. His 6”5” frame coupled with his throwing motion make his pitches especially deceptive. He got off to a stellar start this season in 14 games for Trenton. Unfortunately, his season was prematurely concluded after he sustained an elbow injury while warming up for a start back in early July. He elected to receive Tommy John surgery and will be out indefinitely. It is a disappointing end to what was shaping up to be another successful season for Whitlock. -Bailey Srebnik
18. Kevin Alcantara, OF (Preseason, listed as one of top 5 International signings from 2018)
Age: 17
Highest Level: Rookie (Gulf Coast League)
This 6’6” center fielder from the Dominican Republic has had a few ups and downs in his first taste of Rookie ball, but he is still under 18 until July 2020. In 161 at bats this season he’s hitting .255 with a .305 OBP and a .369 SLG. The good news is he strikes out less than 25% of the time and as he grows we should see an increase in his extra base hits. Keep an eye out for him in deeper fantasy leagues. -Stoffer Cochran
19. Nick Nelson, RHP (Preseason #37)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Nelson is an intriguing starter in the Yankees system. His fastball is 94-98 MPH and he has good stamina to maintain the velocity throughout a game. He also has a curveball, splitter, and slider that he is developing. After leading all Yankees pitching prospects in K/9 in 2018, he has picked up right where he left off, and then some. He has a strikeout rate of 11.5 K/9 over three levels this season. After making 2 starts for Trenton in April, he was placed on the IL and missed about a month and a half due to a shoulder injury. He returned to action on 6/1 for a rehab start with Tampa, and then came back to Trenton. After his return to the rotation, Nelson pitched well and earned a promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on 8/13. He has made three appearances so far for them, with his best outing being his most recent on 8/26. -Bailey Srebnik
20. Osiel Rodriguez, RHP ((Preseason, listed as top International signing from 2018)
Age: 17
Highest Level: DSL
A 17-year-old from Cuba, Rodriguez is getting his first taste of pro ball in the Dominican Summer League (Rookie). In 6 games (5 starts) he has a 4.61 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. Once he can get his high 90s fastball under control, the results are sure to follow. -Stoffer Cochran
Tier 4
21. Frank German, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
22. Mike King, RHP (Preseason #3)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
23. Josh Smith, SS (Preseason N/A)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A- Staten Island
2nd round selection (67th overall) by New York in the 2019 MLB Draft.
24. Alexander Vizcaino, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA Tampa
25. Josh Breaux, C (Preseason #15)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A Charleston
26. Oswald Peraza, SS (Preseason NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: A Charleston
27. Alexander Vargas, SS (Preseason NR)
Age: 17
Highest Level: Rookie (Gulf Coast League)
28. Matt Sauer, RHP (Preseason #16)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A Charleston
29. Ezequiel Duran, 2B (Preseason #29)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A- Staten Island
30. Ryder Green, OF (Preseason #39)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie Pulaski
31. Anthony Garcia, OF (Preseason #26)
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie Pulaski
32. Miguel Yajure, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: AA Trenton
33. Canaan Smith, OF (Preseason #28)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A Charleston
34. Jake Sanford, OF (Preseason N/A)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A- Staten Island
Sanford was drafted by the Yankees in the 3rd round of the 2019 Draft, 105th overall.
35. Dermis Garcia, 1B (Preseason #30)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
36. Glenn Otto, RHP (Preseason #43)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
Tier 5
37. Nick Green, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA Trenton
38. Harold Cortijo, RHP (Preseason #31)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A Charleston
39. Nolan Martinez, RHP (Preseason #24)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A Charleston
40. Freicer Perez, RHP (Preseason #27)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
41. Jake Agnos, LHP (Preseason N/A)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A- Staten Island
2019 4th round pick (135 overall).
42. Tanner Myatt, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A Charleston
43. Diego Castillo, 2B/SS (Preseason #41)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
44. Wilkerman Garcia, SS (Preseason #36)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
45. Antonio Gomez, C (Preseason, listed as one of top 5 International signings from 2018)
Age: 17
Highest Level: DSL
46. Jio Orozco, RHP (Preseason #38)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
47. Isiah Gilliam, OF (Preseason #48)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA Trenton
48. Kyle Holder, SS (Preseason, “Fringe-Stripes”)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA Trenton
49. Chris Gittens, 1B (Preseason NR)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA Trenton
50. Mauro Bonifacio, OF (Preseason, listed as one of top 5 International signings from 2018)
Age: 17
Highest Level: DSL
51. Denny Larrondo, RHP (Preseason, listed as one of top 5 International signings from 2018)
Age: 17
Highest Level: Rookie (Gulf Coast League)
Others of note:
Raimfer Salinas, OF (Preseason #33)
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie (Gulf Coast League)
Hoy Jun Park, SS (Preseason #32)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA Trenton
Gosuke Katoh, SS
Age: 25
Highest Level: AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Pedro Barrios, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie (Gulf Coast League)
Pablo Olivares, OF
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
Ben Ruta, OF
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA Trenton
Ronny Rojas, 3B
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie (Gulf Coast League)
Brandon Wagner, 1B
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA Trenton
JP Sears, LHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+ Tampa
Stanley Rosario, OF
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie (Gulf Coast League)
Adonis Rosa, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
Paul Woodin is a huge sports fan who leads the New York Yankees minor league farm system coverage for the Prospects1500 team. Growing up playing and watching baseball while collecting baseball cards, Paul developed a love for the game. Born and raised in Connecticut between Yankees and Red Sox territory, Paul become a Yankees fan because of Don Mattingly and Derek Jeter. An avid sports card, memorabilia and autograph collector, he participates in redraft, dynasty and prospect-only fantasy baseball formats during each season. Feel free to reach out on Twitter
@PaulWoodin1.
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Paul Woodinhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/yankees004/
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Paul Woodinhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/yankees004/
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Paul Woodinhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/yankees004/
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Paul Woodinhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/yankees004/
i believe schmidt is 23 NOT 19
Corrected. Thank you.