The Yankees and GM Brian Cashman had a very interesting offseason acquiring Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Victor Gonzalez and Jorbit Vivas. To acquire all of this talent, it cost the Yankees some former top 50 prospects – Drew Thorpe, Trey Sweeney, Richard Fitts and Randy Vasquez. The Yankees also lost Matt Sauer and Carson Coleman in the Rule 5 Draft. Don’t worry Yankees fans, the cupboard is far from bare. With some new talent including Vivas and Jace Avina, young up-and-coming prospects from the last few drafts such as Chase Hampton, George Lombard Jr., Roc Riggio and Kyle Carr, plus young international prospects Brando Mayea and John Cruz, the New York’s system is on the rise once again. There are a lot of gems in the lower minor leagues that could break out and shoot up prospect rankings.
It’s likely the Yankees will call upon the farm system depth this season. Players like Will Warren, Austin Wells, Everson Pereira and others can help the Yankees reach the ultimate goal of World Series championship number 28. (@PaulWoodin1)
Eight Prospects1500 writers contributed to this column and rankings including Paul Woodin (@PaulWoodin1), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Clint Fasse (@ProspectLarceny), and Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.
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 to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact
J15 international signee Francisco Vilorio, OF would slot around the bottom of Tier 4 if he had been included in these rankings. Look for him to make the midseason update list.
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2023
Tier 1
1. Jasson Domínguez, OF, 20, MLB
There hasn’t been this much buzz about a singular Yankees prospect in recent memory, but Domínguez has captured the attention of Yankees fans everywhere. After 114 games in Double-A, he broke through to Triple-A Scranton, and within the next week and a half, he was making his major league debut. “The Martian” had a hot start, posting a .980 OPS over his first eight games, including his first career homer off Justin Verlander. After a near perfect debut, it was announced Domínguez tore his UCL and would miss a considerable amount of time in 2024. The Bronx Bombers will await his return slated for late 2024, and the switch hitting slugger will yet again get the chance to put his talents on display. For some as powerful and athletic as he, there’s little doubt about his chance to become a star in the majors. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 2
2. Chase Hampton, RHP, 22, Double-A
Hampton was selected in the sixth round in 2022 and signed for an over-slot $497,500. He posted a 3.63 ERA with 145 Ks over 106 innings with Hudson Valley and Somerset in 2023, dominating his opponents at times. Hampton’s fastball works in the low to mid 90s and plays as a plus pitch with high spin rates. He also owns a upper-70s curveball and low-80s slider, both of which have shown potential to be plus offerings, and a fading changeup in the mid-80s. He will likely start the season with AA Somerset, with promotions likely this season. With his elite stuff and composure on the hill, I expect Hampton to make his Bronx debut this upcoming season and make it home for a long time. (@PaulWoodin1)
3. Spencer Jones, OF, 22, Double-A
Jones is a towering outfielder at 6’7” 225 lb., but there is no questioning his movement and speed. He is one of the better defenders in the organization, and potentially the top runner as he had a Yankees minor league high 43 stolen bases. Jones did strike out a significant amount, also most in the organization, however that’s to be expected for someone of his stature. On the contrary, he led the affiliates in doubles (29) and blasted 16 homers. With an improving contact rate, Jones looks like someone that will easily be in Triple-A this season, where he’ll face the best pitching he’s seen. The 2022 1st round draftee has quickly climbed through New York’s system and is trending in the right direction heading into his third professional year. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 3
4. Everson Pereira, OF, 22, MLB
How cool is it to see a player in the minors right before their big league call-up? That happened this past summer when I saw Pereira in Scranton-Wilkes Barre against the WooSox, not too long before his promotion to the Yankees. The 22-year-old from Venezuela put together an excellent season between Double-A and Triple-A, slashing .300/.373/.548/.921 with 18 HR and 64 RBI, plus 11 SB. He struggled in the majors following his debut on August 22, but got important playing time exclusively in left field, and will likely be back in Scranton-Wilkes Barre to start 2024, and one of the first in line for a promotion when needed. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
5. Austin Wells, C, 24, MLB
After somewhat struggling in his big league debut in 2023, look for Wells to start at catcher or split time with Jose Trevino coming out of Spring Training. While Wells only hit .229 in 70 big league at bats last season, he is the complete package at the plate, hitting for average and power, while drawing a healthy amount of walks. A left-handed hitter, he recognizes pitches and controls the strike zone producing hard contact to all fields. He creates plus raw power with his combination of strength and bat speed, and he taps into it by regularly driving the ball in the air. Wells also has deceptive speed for a catcher. He’s worked diligently this offseason to improve his receiving and throwing skills, and the Yankees hope it will be enough to keep him at the catcher position. (@PaulWoodin1)
6. Roderick Arias, SS, 19, Rookie (FCL)
Arias is one of the more interesting prospects in the Yankees system. He was signed for a $4 million bonus out of the Dominican Republic, didn’t show a ton in his first year in the DSL, but bounced back in 2023 where he moved stateside to the Complex League. Note, he was shut down due to injury in July. Of all the middle infield prospects, he just might be their best though. He’s a true five tool prospect, one fans should be excited about for his bat as well as his defense. In his 27 games last year, Arias’ on base numbers were way up, with just about a 1:1 K:B; this included six home runs, 17 steals, and a .928 OPS. A healthy 2024 would likely mean Arias finds himself in Single-A, and begins his progression through the higher levels of the Yankees minor leagues. (@aj_greene1015)
7. Jorbit Vivas, 2B, 22, Triple-A
Vivas, who was acquired from the Dodgers along with Victor Gonzalez for Trey Sweeney, is exactly what the Yankees have been looking for as of late – impressive bat-to-ball skills while drawing plenty of walks. Vivas has the ability to continuously barrel balls from the left side of the plate with fast hands that produce a short, quick swing. He makes contact with all types of pitching in any part of the strike zone, and generates some good pop that could translate into 10-15 homers per season. Add to that his decent speed and good patience drawing walks. He’s a sure-handed second baseman with decent range, and has seen some action at third base but his arm isn’t suited for the hot corner. Vivas could be the Yankees’ future second baseman. (@PaulWoodin1)
8. George Lombard Jr., SS, 18, Single-A
Lombard is every bit the polished player you would expect given his dad is a former big leaguer who is about to enter his ninth season as a big league coach. Junior saw time all around the infield during the showcase circuit, showing the ability to play quality defense at all spots. His body could very well mature in a way that moves him off short, but the defensive skills won’t go away, making him a potential plus defender if he does move to third. At the plate the bat does get long, but it comes with a ton of bat speed and the ball really jumps off the bat. There will be plenty of swing and miss, but there is also a good approach at the plate that will see him draw his share of walks, something he proved by walking an average of once per game in his brief taste of pro ball a season ago. (@ShaunKernahan)
9. Will Warren, RHP, 24, Triple-A
Would it be accurate to tab Warren as a dark horse candidate to break camp with the Yankees out of Spring Training? Probably so, but we shouldn’t be surprised to see the 24-year-old get to the Bronx at some point this season. Coming off a solid 2023 across Double-A/Triple-A where he won 10 games, posted a nice 3.35 ERA, and struck out 149 in 129 IP, the former 8th rounder out of Southeastern Louisiana University is set to battle Clayton Beeter (Tier 4), Yoendrys Gómez (Tier 4) and potentially Luis Gil (Tier 5) for that first man up, ready to help the MLB squad. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
Tier 4
10. Ben Rice, C/1B, 24, Double-A
11. Brock Selvidge, LHP, 21, High-A
12. Agustin Ramirez, C, 22, Double-A
13. Clayton Beeter, RHP, 25, Triple-A
14. Brando Mayea, OF, 18, Rookie (DSL)
15. Henry Lalane, LHP, 19, Rookie (FCL)
16. Jared Serna, 2B/SS, 21, High-A
17. Keiner Delgado, 2B/SS, 20, Rookie (FCL)
18. Yoendrys Gómez, RHP, 24, MLB
19. Justin Lange, RHP, 22, High-A
20. Jack Neely, RHP, 23, Double-A
21. Tyler Hardman, 3B, 25, Double-A
22. Enmanuel Tejeda, 3B/2B, 19, Rookie (FCL)
23. Roc Riggio, 2B, 21, Single-A
Rice vastly improved last year over an average 2022 showing a good feel for hitting and added power. Selvidge is a mixed bag meaning nothing really stands out but could be a serviceable starter in the majors. Ramirez is more power-over-hit but can take a walk and could be a backup catcher, if not more, in the majors. Beeter has filthy stuff strikeout out batters at a high clip but has to work on his command to remain a starter but could be a great reliever as a fallback option. Mayea has the potential to be a special player with his amazing speed and potential for solid power and ability to get on base. Lalane could be a solid starter in the majors. Delgado has a great eye at the plate with potential for more power as he matures. Gomez looked pretty good last season even in his 2 innings in the majors. If he can stay healthy, he could get some spot starts this year. Lange has a solid fastball and improved his command this past season. Hardman has great power but needs to work more on his overall approach at the plate. Tejeda has put up some good numbers as an 18 year-old in rookie league ball. Riggio struggled last year but it was his first taste of ball after a great college career where he showed a good eye and some power. (@tonybps1)
Tier 5
24. Luis Gil, RHP, 25, Injured (MLB in 2022)
25. Kyle Carr, LHP, 21, College
26. John Cruz, OF, 18, Rookie (FCL)
27. Anthony Hall, OF, 22, High-A
28. Zach Messinger, RHP, 24, Double-A
29. Aaron Palensky, OF, 25, Triple-A
30. Brendan Beck, RHP, 25, High-A
31. Caleb Durbin, 2B/3B, 23, Double-A
32. Luis Serna, RHP, 19, Rookie (FCL)
33. Edgar Barclay, LHP, 25, Triple-A
34. Jace Avina, OF, 20, Single-A
35. Jesus Rodriguez, 3B/C/1B/OF, 21, High-A
36. Antonio Gomez, C, 22, High-A
37. Elijah Dunham, OF, 25, Triple-A
38. Carlos Lagrange, RHP, 20, Rookie (FCL)
39. Chalniel Arias, RHP, 20, Rookie (FCL)
40. Christopher Familia, OF, 23, High-A
41. Trystan Vrieling, RHP, 23, College
42. Danny Watson, RHP, 23, Double-A
43. T.J. Rumfield, 1B, 23, Double-A
44. Gabriel Lara, OF, 18, Rookie (DSL)
45. Alexander Vargas, SS, 22, High-A
46. Jerson Alejandro, RHP, 17, Rookie (DSL)
47. Jordarlin Mendoza, RHP, 20, Rookie (FCL)
48. Omar Martinez, C/1B, 22, Single-A
49. Hans Montero, 3B/SS, 20, Rookie (FCL)
50. Omar Gonzalez, RHP, 18, Rookie (DSL)
Gil is coming off Tommy John surgery but hasn’t progressed as originally expected. Carr hasn’t pitched yet for the organization after being picked in the 3rd round last year, but is coming off a successful college career. Messinger has a solid fastball but needs to work on the secondary offerings to be a solid starter. Palensky has good power and the potential to be a bench outfielder in the majors. Durbin could be a utility type in the majors and is coming off a very solid campaign in the Arizona Fall League. Avina has a good blend of speed and power and needs to work on his overall hitting. Rodriguez has a great hitting tool with potential for more speed and power. Dunham has some pop at the plate but has to improve his contact skills. Vrieling was injured after being picked in the 3rd round of last season’s draft, but appeared in 5 games in the AFL. Watson could appear in some games out of the bullpen in the majors this season. Rumfield is a good contact hitting outfielder with some pop. Vargas is a great defensive player who’s hitting is still a work in progress. Martinez is another young catcher in the system with a solid approach at the plate. (@tonybps1)
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Adam Greene is a Sport Management and Marketing double major at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. His main focus is sport marketing, where he's already had internships with the local Westfield Starfires and Springfield Thunderbirds. He now writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life. When Covid hit, he started paying a lot more attention to the Red Sox minor league teams, and now, follows them almost as much as the big league squad. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.
President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing in real life. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
Shaun Kernahan is the MLB Draft correspondent for Prospects1500. When not at a game, chances are the TV and/or tablet has a game on and he has a notepad out taking notes. When not scouting draft prospects, he is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Mile High Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate wood bat league in Colorado. Shaun can be found on Twitter at @ShaunKernahan.
Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.
Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam for more baseball content.
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." -Yogi Berra
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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