New York Yankees 2018 Top 50 Prospects

New York Yankees Top 50 Prospects for 2018

The Yankees went into the 2017 season with the mindset of rebuild but by season’s end the New York Yankees played and lost in a 7 game ALCS against the 2017 World Series Champion Astros. With such a rapid development of young talent from the players like Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Greg Bird there is a lot of hope and potential for the 2018 campaign. Cashman and Co. have been busy since the end of the season, first deciding to end the the Yankee relationship with 10-year manager Joe Girardi. After deciding to bring Aaron Boone on as the next Yankee skipper, Cashman made one of the biggest splashes in off-season history by dealing for NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton. Yes, the Yankee lineup now contains both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton (Murderers Row 2.0 anyone?) The deal involved Starlin Castro as well as two prospects, Jorge Guzman and Jose Devers. Guzman was acquired the previous season in the Brian McCann trade and found himself at number 12 on my mid-season prospects list. Even with the graduations from the past year and the deals the Yankees have made involving prospects, they still have one of the top prospect farms in baseball, which is very scary considering the output of the major league team in 2017.

Notable MiLB Status Graduates from 2017 Season:

Clint Frazier
Aaron Judge
Jordan Montgomery
Chad Green

Prospects 1500 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 teams 40-man roster





Tier 1
1. Gleyber Torres, SS/2B 
Opening Day Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: AAA
Due to his Tommy John surgery this past June, Torres is simply just going through rehab on his non throwing arm. Torres is expected to a make a full recovery some time early in the 2018 season and with the departure of Starlin Castro in the Stanton trade, there is currently a 2B vacancy at the MLB level. Torres very well may get his shot at second, potentially even at the start of the season, and due to his high caliber should stick in the bigs when he gets the call.

2. Estevan Florial, OF
Opening Day Age: 20
Highest Level in 2017: A+
After exploding onto the scene in his 2017 minor league campaign, Florial was chosen among 7 other Yankee prospects to participate in the Arizona Fall League. During his time in the fall league he played 19 games slashing .286/.383/.414, with 5 doubles, 2 triples, and scoring 14 times. Florial’s fielding ability makes him a true CF, something the Yankees will be in need of in the coming years. With his added hit tool he’s developed in the 2017 season he looks more dangerous each and every outing. If in his 2018 campaign he can improve his BB rate the Yankees are looking at a potential All-Star.

Tier 2:
3. Justus Sheffield, LHP
Opening Day Age: 21
Highest Level in 2017: AA
Following his very strong 2017 season mainly at Double A, Sheffield also received the opportunity to pitch in the Arizona Fall League following the 2017 season. Pitching in 5 games for 20.1 innings total he posted a 3.10 ERA, 0.836 WHIP, and 21 Ks. In several of his outings Sheffield looked as if he could fill the role of a #1 or #2 starter. When his fastball, slider, and curveball are all clicking he becomes close to unhittable. Don’t forget he’s only 21 and off the diamond is very mature. It’s no wonder that his name has come up in a lot of trade conversations this winter.

4. Chance Adams, RHP
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: AAA
Last year I predicted Adams was going to receive a call up to the MLB and that didn’t come to fruition. He excelled at all levels in his 2017 season but with the addition of Sonny Gray at the deadline and the Yankees deep postseason run, there really just wasn’t a need or even a “chance.” Across AA and AAA Adams pitched to the tune of a 2.45 ERA, 1.078 WHIP in 27 games started. Chance also racked up 135 Ks and improved on his pitch repertoire. The Yankees are gearing up to be a top team in the 2018 season with the moves they have made but pitching depth is always needed in such a long season. Adams definitely has a couple of question marks but there’s a great possibility he gets an opportunity at some point in 2018.

5. Miguel Andujar, 3B
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: MLB
While Andujar did in fact get playing time in the majors, he only received one start. In that one start his batting ability shown through just like it has his entire career. The team did not feel his fielding was at the point where he could provide consistent play at the MLB level. Things have changed since last year, however. Headley was traded as well as Starlin Castro. The Yankee infield is a bit of a question mark at both 2nd and 3rd. Andujar has a legitmate shot at making the MLB roster this season and receiving a large chunk of playing time at 3B. Many scouts believe he is ready to take on the defensive side of the diamond full time so this Spring Training should be very telling on what will happen for Miguel.

6.  Albert Abreu, RHP
Opening Day Age 22
Highest Level in 2017: A+
For a team that has issues over the most recent years producing quality youth at the SP position, the Yankees have looked to remedy such issues by stock piling some great potential talent. Abreu, along with Sheffield also received the opportunity to pitch in the Arizona Fall League. Abreu had a 1-3 record in the AFL and really had just one bad outing. His 2.60 ERA and 23 Ks are telling of his success. He also provided some of the most innings for a pitcher in the AFL. Aside from his success on the field, Abreu and Sheffield have shown to be developing quite the working relationship, including helping each other chart their pitches on their off days. Abreu profiles with a ceiling of a number 2 starter alongside his counterpart Sheffield. Look for a promotion to AA in 2018 and continued progress with his high heat fastball and power curve.

Tier 3:
7. Freicer Perez, RHP
Opening Day Age:22
Highest Level in 2017: A
Perez started 24 games in A ball this year totaling 123.2 IP and posted a 2.84 ERA with 117 Ks. Perez standing at 6’8″ is a force to be reckoned with even though his frame is tall and lanky. His fastball pushes 100 MPH and has downhill, sinking movement. His changeup sits in the high 80s and profiles as his second best pitch. He has work to do on his slider and curve but that’s to be expected from someone his age. Overall, Perez profiles as a number three starter or potentially a high value reliever much like Dellin Betances, you know prior to his horrid end to 2017.

8. Domingo Acevedo, RHP 
Opening Day Age: 24
Highest Level in 2017: AAA
Acevedo pitched at the High A, AA, and AAA levels this past season and also participated in the Futures Game in July. Acevedo stands a foreboding 6’7″ and can touch 103 MPH with his fastball. He is a physical beast on the mound who has a fantastic changeup offering as well as a slider he is working on developing. His time in AA this year was his strongest showing of consistency with 79 IP, a 2.38 ERA, a 9.3 K/9, and a 1.39 BB/9. He has struggled a bit with his strikeout to walk ratio since making the jump and the questions are still there if he can stick as a starter long term. He was able to throw 133 total innings this year, a career high, prior to being shut down at the end of the season to control his innings.

9. Nick Solak, 2B
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: AA
Solak has been seen by many as simply a contact hitter but this year across the two levels he played at (A+ and AA), Nick hit 12 home runs and had 26 doubles. He also provided a very solid .297/384/.452 slash. Things have gotten interesting now that Castro has been dealt to the Marlins opening up a position at 2B. Solak still sits behind Torres as the top candidate for the 2B job at the MLB level when ready so for the 2018 campaign his focus will be at the minor league level. He is a name to keep an eye on however, especially if Torres were to move to third or the infield opens up even more in the coming years if the Yankees were to move on from Didi. We Yankees fans all hope that won’t be the case.

10. Thairo Estrada, SS
Opening Day Age:22
Highest Level in 2017: AA
While Estrada did not post the power that Solak did this past year (6 HRs) he also struck out half as many times as Nick did and from a middle infield position that is critical. Estrada is across the board your prototypical contact SS. Estrada’s real value comes from the defensive side however, showing an above average arm and glove and the ability to fill in multiple positions across the infield. MLB has become very fond of the utility player and Estrada could fit this mold very well.

11.  Luis Medina, RHP
Opening Day Age: 18 

Highest Level in 2017: Rookie
Medina is only 18 years old and struggled a bit from the statistical standpoint in his 2017 season. With that said though, the kid has insane upside with a fastball that can touch 100 and potentially two knock out off speed offerings as well. There’s a ton of room for improvement but he is a name to watch and look out for over the coming years as he progresses through the Yankee system.

12. Dillon Tate, RHP
Opening Day Age:23
Highest level in 2017: AA
After having what many consider to be a very rocky start to his professional career after being drafted in the 1st round by Texas, Tate was dealt to the Yankees in the 2016 season for Carlos Beltran. In 2017, Tate began to take the form of what people believed he could be. His fastball velocity was back up in the 94-97 range and his off speed was working as well. He threw 83.1 innings with a sub 3 ERA. He was unable to strikeout as many as some would hope however so there is still room to grow. If Tate can continue his pace from 2017 going forward his name could resurface as a front running prospect.

13. Billy McKinney, OF
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: AAA
McKinney had himself a very strong year across all levels and even got the opportunity to play in the Arizona Fall League. He finished second in RBI for the AFL with 20 overall and slashed .279/.373/.426. More surprisingly is that McKinney saw a large majority of his playing time at 1B. While he profiles to be a solid fourth OF right now, if McKinney can add 1B as a solid second option in the field, his versatility goes up quite a bit. Obviously the Yankees have Bird to man first this year but with his injury issues in the past it would be great to have a competent young backup that can fill in if need be.

14. Matt Sauer, RHP 
Opening Day Age: 18
Highest Level in 2017: Rookie
This 18-year-old was the Yankees second round pick in this past year’s June draft. Coming out of Righetti HS in California, Sauer has a long way to go before he is an MLB talent but the potential is definitely there. Sauer’s fastball sits in the 91-95 range and can top out at around 97. He has a devastating slider and a changeup that he is beginning to work on but didn’t quite need in high school. The two plus pitch offerings are a fantastic start to this kid’s professional career and the sky is the limit if he can nail down his changeup.

15. Clarke Schmidt, RHP 
Opening Day Age:22
Highest Level in 2017: N/A
This year’s first round draft pick for the Yankees, Schmidt has yet to see any professional baseball action due to requiring Tommy John during his final season with the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Acworth, GA native was crushing it with a 1.34 ERA in his first 60 IP prior to getting hurt. Schmidt offers a plus movement fastball that can reach the mid 90s as well as a plus slider. Much like a lot of young prospects his changeup is in need of some work. Sadly Schmidt has been unable to play the game due to his surgery. Be on the lookout for Clarke in the 2018 season to see how his first professional action goes.






Tier 4:
16. Domingo German, RHP
Opening Day Age:25
Highest Level in 2017: MLB
German got the opportunity to pitch 14.1 innings at the MLB level in 2017. While it was not an extended stint, it was not due to his performance. In his MiLB outings German pitched 109.1 innings and struck out 119 batters. German has profiled as starter as of now with a 93-95 MPH fastball and solid off speed options however out of the bullpen, he can touch 96+. German has dealt with injury issues in his career which could lead him to falling into a bullpen role but if he can stay healthy and pitch deep into seasons then he can definitely fit into a starting rotation as a 3 starter ceiling.

17. Wilkerman Garcia, SS
Opening Day Age: 20
Highest Level in 2017: A-
At just 19-years-old Garcia has a long way to go in his professional career but there is a lot to be excited about with the young SS. He struggled this year at Short Season-A ball mainly due to his 26 K% and measly 4.9 BB%. He has the tools to be a fantastic player, especially from the field but needs to get physically bigger as well as take a stronger approach to improving his game. Reports have said he takes things very easily which can be a detriment when needing to improve as a young player. Time will tell for Wilkerman.

18. Taylor Widener, RHP
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: A+
The former Gamecock, Widener provided a solid year at High-A in his second professional season. He started 27 games, struck out 129 batters and had a 3.39 ERA. He also only gave up 5 home runs on the year. For where the Yankees drafted him (12th round) Widener has provided great value and could end up being a very solid starter as he matures through the minors.

19. Nolan Martinez, RHP
Opening Day Age: 19
Highest Level in 2017: Rookie
Nolan Martinez was selected in the third round of the 2016 draft and decided rather than keep his commitment to play baseball in college, signed a deal with the Yankees. Last year was frustrating for Martinez since he had been dealing with shoulder soreness and it sidelined him for the majority of 2017. He pitched 13.2 innings and struck out 14. There’s lots to see with what Martinez can bring but time is on his side with him being only 19-years-old.

20. Tyler Wade, SS/2B
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: MLB
To me it seems as if Tyler Wade is destined to be the Yankees new super utility player to fill gaps when needed and give some guys days off here and there. A better version of Rob Refsnyder if you will. Now that Castro has been traded to the Marlins and second base is open, Wade will most likely see plenty of opportunities to play the position between Spring Training and the early part of the 2018 season. Most likely when Torres is ready to play 2B more consistently, Wade will return to his utility style of play.

21. Jake Cave, OF
Opening Day Age: 25
Highest Level in 2017: AAA
Jake Cave‘s 2017 performance will go overshadowed by the many other story lines that Yankee outfielders produced in 2017. Across AA and AAA, Cave slashed .305/.351/.521 while smacking 20 dingers (a personal best). 15 of those home runs came against AAA pitching but with the stark power surplus Cave also saw a decline in his plate discipline, posting career worsts in both walk and strikeout ratios. Cave is on the younger side for producing in AAA but the Yankee OF is as crowded as can be, especially with the addition of Stanton. Where Cave ends due to this will be interesting, but at the moment there’s just no room for him.

22. Dermis Garcia, 1B/3B
Opening Day Age: 20
Highest Level in 2017: A
Garcia has a problem that many major league players do these days, he can hit the ball a LOOONG way, but when he doesn’t its usually a K. This year between rookie ball and Low-A Charleston, Dermis hit 17 home runs but struck out in the range of 30% of his at bats. Dermis is still only 19-years-old however so there is plenty of time to learn some plate discipline because if he can, the power is flat out undeniable.

23. Trevor Stephan, RHP
Opening Day Age:22
Highest Level in 2017: A-
Stephan was drafted by the Yankees in the third round in this past summer’s rookie draft and then proceeded to start 10 games in his first professional stint. Across his 34.1 IP, Stephan provided a 1.31 ERA and 44 Ks. Trevor has great fastball control and can touch speeds of 97 with more consistency around 93-95. His biggest question mark like many young players in their careers is what can he bring to the table on top of the fastball.

24. Kyle Holder, INF
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: A+ 
The potential future gold glover received the opportunity to play in the Arizona Fall League alongside several of his Yankee teammates this year. It was there that the defense first infielder had an offensive awakening. In his 50 PAs Holder slashed .333/.367/.511 and put together a four hit game where he almost hit for the cycle. Holder was making hard contact and if he can continue to improve on his bat, could very well carry himself to an MLB roster. It just might not be a Yankees roster with all of the players ahead of him right now.

25. Jonathan Loaisiga, RHP
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: A- 
If this list was based off raw talent alone, Loaisiga would be up much further on the list. Coming into this professional career he has faced some difficult injury situations, most notably Tommy John surgery. However, Johnny came back strong this year and provided a 1.38 ERA in his 11 starts with a K rate of 27.5% and a walk rate of 2.5%. That walk rate is downright crazy. There’s room for lots of improvement but he does the little things right and has the pitch makeup to continue his strikeout rate. The Yankees also obviously believe in him as he was added to the 40-man roster in order to be protected from the Rule 5 draft.

26. Tyler Austin, 1B
Opening Day Age: 26
Highest Level in 2017: MLB
Austin saw some extended time in the bigs in 2017 due to all of the issues the Yankees were having at 1B between Bird’s injuries and the other platoons they played around with. Going into the 2018 season Austin remains to be seen as a utility/backup 1B and can provide some solid ABs here and there. His minor league eligibility will most likely be lost at some point in the early half of the 2018 season.

27. Donny Sands, C
Opening Day Age: 21
Highest Level in 2017: A+
Sands started out as a hot corner player coming out of the minor league draft but has since transitioned to a role behind the back stop as a catcher. One thing that has worked out well for Sands is his defensive ability behind the plate. This year at A ball where he spent most of his time he did hit for average and a decent OBP (.269/323) but nothing really jumps off the page for him offensively. With Gary Sanchez looking to be the Yankees franchise catcher, Sands has to hope to become a solid backup.

28. Zack Zehner, OF
Opening Day Age: 25
Highest Level in 2017: AA
Zehner had himself a breakout season at Double A Trenton this year. He improved on his previous year’s home run count from 3 to 11, as well as driving in 68 RBI. He also was a late add to the Eastern League All Star Classic this year where he came off the bench, drove in 2 RBI with a single during a tie game. He then recorded another hit in his second AB while taking home the MVP honors of the game. With the crowded Yankee OF, Zehner shares the current fate of several of his minor league teammates of the position – trade bait or backup.

29. Giovanny Gallegos, RHP
Opening Day Age: 26
Highest Level in 2017: MLB
Gallegos is another pitcher the Yankees gave the call up nod to throughout the 2017 season. Pitching at AAA this year Giovanny had his continued success. Gallegos has a fastball that can hit the mid 90s and a good mix of off speed pitches that he can work in to get people out. His time in the bigs didn’t see the same success as Triple A but when does it always translate right away? This starter-turned-reliever definitely has the potential to be a middle/long term reliever at the big league level.

30. Cody Carroll, RHP
Opening Day Age: 25
Highest Level in 2017: AA
Carroll was picked in the 22nd round of the 2015 MLB draft but has shown some very well put together stuff in his 3 years in the minors. Last year at Double A, Carroll pitched 47.1 innings recording 5 saves and a 2.66 ERA with a 11.2 K/9. His fastball isn’t a blow-you-away type pitch but he does have a very solid changeup to work with as well. Carroll will always be destined for a bullpen role but we will see if he can continue to get big outs in the higher minor league ranks.

Tier 5:
31. Phillip Diehl, LHP
Opening Day Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: A
Drafted in the 27th of the 2016 draft, Diehl has shown great value for where he was selected. In his two professional seasons he has seen most of his playing time from the bullpen but has excelled with a cumulative sub 3 ERA. Last year he pitched 85.1 innings while striking out 101 batters. His K/9 was a very nice 10.7 while his BB/9 sat down at 2.7. If Diehl can continue to make guys whiff and keep men off the base paths he becomes an interesting prospect as he moves up the minor league ladder.

32. Leonardo Molina, OF
Opening Day Age: 20
Highest Level in 2017: A
Molina was signed as a 16-year-old international free agent back in 2013 and was highly coveted as a true center-field prospect. Molina has a fantastic arm and on top of it all has some insane speed. Sadly, his bat has not come around yet and is what will most likely hold him back from a Yankee OF that has some many young talented players who can hit and play the field.

33. Everson Pereira, OF
Opening Day Age: 17
Highest Level in 2017: NA
The Yankees top International signing this year is the 16-year-old Pereira. The Venezuelan is said to be a true center fielder with plus defense and is a plus runner. He has a solid line drive style swing and as he grows has the ability to add some power to his repertoire.

34. Jonathan Holder, RHP
Opening Day Age: 24
Highest Level in 2017: MLB
Holder spent a good part of the 2017 season with the MLB team but is just shy of the rookie innings limit from the bullpen. In the bigs he has provided to be a very solid asset coming in middle relief situations. Showing a 3.89 ERA and 40 strikeouts through 39.1 innings pitched, Holder is making his case for himself in the bullpen. After the deadline deals the Yankees made to acquire bullpen depth however, Holder saw himself sent back down to the minors and may see something similar going into 2018.

35. Hoy Jun Park, SS
Opening Day Age: 22
Highest Level in 2017: A+
Park started the year and spent the most of his time at A ball Charleston and excelled there. He needed to work on his defensive footwork and his patience with the strike zone at the plate. He put up a very solid performance and was granted a promotion to A+, although once there he began to struggle at the plate once again. A full season at High-A for him will be good for his offensive development however the Yankees do have a lengthy list of middle infield prospects that are showing great promise from both sides of the diamond already.

36. Kyle Higashioka, C
Opening Day Age:27 

Highest Level in 2017: MLB
Due to the prolonged absence of Gary Sanchez at the beginning of the season, Kyle saw a chance at the MLB roster. Sadly, he watched this chance fly right by him without taking advantage of it. In his time up in the bigs he struck out 30% of the time and never recorded a hit. A role as a backup catcher is the high hopes for him, but after his first showing things do not look as good as one would hope.

37. Ryan McBroom,1B 
Opening Day Age:25
Highest Level in 2017: AA
McBroom was acquired when the Yankees dealt Refsnyder to the Blue Jays this year. He shows that he has some power from the first base position hitting 16 home runs last year but is not hitting for average yet. He could potentially see some time as a backup to Bird if some guys that are ahead of him struggle/get hurt.

38. Ronald Herrera, RHP 
Opening Day Age: 22
Highest Level in 2017: MLB
While Herrera did see a short stint in the bigs this past year he spent most of the time in Double A where he dominated with a 1.13 ERA. Herrera does posses a four pitch arsenal (fastball, curveball, changeup, slider) and he does not walk too many batters. Following his demotion from the MLB, Herrera saw time in AAA but continued to struggle and saw a increase in walk rate with a decrease in strikeout rate.

39. Nick Rumbelow, RHP (*Editor note: Rumbelow was traded to Seattle on November 18, 2017)
Opening Day Age: 26
Highest Level in 2017: AAA
Rumbelow missed the entire 2016 season with TJ surgery but came back in 2017 with some pretty solid stuff in his time spent at Double and Triple A. He recorded 45 Ks in about 40 innings pitched and showed that he might be able to provide some good organizational depth from the bullpen.

40. Chris Gittens, 1B 
Opening Day Age: 24
Highest Level in 2017: A+
Gittens missed about a third of the 2017 season due to an undisclosed injury. In his time he did play however he proved he still can hit for power and a solid slash line. He hasn’t made much movement in the minors and hasn’t seen any time passed High-A ball, so it looks as if Gittens might just be an organizational depth first baseman.

41. Isiah Gilliam, OF
Opening Day Age:21
Highest Level in 2017: A
The 21-year-old OF prospect hit 15 home runs and drove in 85 RBI at A Ball last year. Gilliam definitely shows power from the plate but is just an average fielder so his chances at staying power in a Yankees OF aren’t too high. A fourth OF type bat might be more in his future.

42. Brady Lail, RHP
Opening Day Age:24
Highest Level in 2017: AAA
Lail has yet to have prolonged success at the Triple A level but has shown enough to the point where the Yankees have kept him around and promoted him through the ranks. He profiles best as a 4/5 starter with four pitches. He will first need to work out how to handle hitters at Triple A before he will get a chance at the bigs though.

43. Cale Coshow, RHP
Opening Day Age:25
Highest Level in 2017: AAA
Coshow is a large guy standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 270 pounds. He spent a large part of this year at Double A as a bullpen arm where he saw success striking out 72 in 54.1 innings pitched. His large frame and ability to throw hard profiles him well for the bullpen but more experience will be needed at Triple A first.

44. Oswaldo Cabrera, 2B/SS
Opening Day Age: 19
Highest Level in 2017: A
The 18-year-old is a natural SS but due to Wilkerman Garcia he has moved over to second base. Cabrera does not have any plus tools but is very fluid from the field and shows solid pitch recognition at the plate. Lots of room to grow for this young infielder.

45. Alexander Vargas, RHP
Opening Day Age:20
Highest Level in 2017: A
Vargas is a young 20-year-old with a lot of promise. He has a fastball that sits in the low 90s and a changeup that projects to be a potential plus pitch. He is one to follow as he progresses through the minor league ranks.

46. Jordan Scott, OF
Opening Day Age:20
Highest Level in 2017: A+
Scott fared well in the GCL in 2017 with 7 HR, 18 RBI in only 128 plate appearances. He also saw limited time in Charleston and Tampa and looks to take a big step forward in 2018. Shout out to @GBSARays on Twitter for making sure I included Scott on my list.

47. Raynel Espinal, RHP
Opening Day Age:26
Highest Level in 2017: AA
Espinal is 26 but still put up very nice numbers across three levels in 2017. In 74.1 IP he was 4-2 with a 1.09 ERA, with only 1.8 BB/9 and 11.3 K/9. Likely to open 2018 with Double A Trenton.

48. Josh Rogers, LHP
Opening Day Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: AA
Rogers dominated at High-A this year and received a promotion to Trenton. Things didn’t go exactly the same however when he arrived. His ERA practically doubled and he was no longer striking guys out the same way. This is common with a promotion and in 2018 he should see consistent starts at the Double A level.

49. Rashad Crawford, OF
Opening Day Age: 24
Highest Level in 2017: AA
Crawford has incredible athletic ability and the potential to be a solid outfielder. 2017 wasn’t his year though hitting only .210 at Double A. He will need to work on his offensive game if he wants to use those athletic tools at the MLB level at any point.

50. Nelson Gomez, 1B/3B
Opening Day Age: 20
Highest Level in 2017: A-
Gomez won’t hit for average but he will blast a lot of home runs. Sadly, Nelson strikes out a ton, posting a 35.6 K% this past season! But he is an intriguing power prospect that deserves some attention as he matures throughout his professional career.

Ryan Ortiz is a Robotic Process Automation Consultant living in the metro Atlanta area with his wife and two dogs. He lives and breathes baseball on a daily basis and loves nothing more than the New York Yankees. Outside of baseball his passions are beer, food, and video games. Ryan will be covering the New York Yankees for Prospects1500. Follow him on Twitter @ortizme93.




6 Comments

    • Hi John, sorry for the delay in response, been out of pocket for a bit. I was posed this question on twitter as well actually. I’m watching De Paula as of now. Some have him much higher than I do, however, I am keeping and eye on the 4 point dip he had in his K rate jumping to A- as well as his delivery approach. De Paula is tall and lanky and relies heavily on maximum arm effort to hit the speeds he does. That violent approach is tough to maintain and leads to injuries as we’ve seen over the years. It’s especially difficult for a SP to maintain and that’s why I could ultimately see him profiling best out of the pen. His curve and slider need A LOT of work in my opinion, leaving him right now with really just his fastball and change-up. Obviously he is young and lots of room to grow and develop pitches but those are just my thoughts on him.

    • That’s an oversight. Thanks for pointing it out. Nobody else caught it. Yes Rumbelow was traded to Seattle on November 18th and he’s actually on the recently released Mariners Top 50. Ford is not on this list but was included in the tags from early on and that’s been removed. Will get Ryan to address Schwaab as well.

    • In a system with tons of pitching potential, especially guys who can shift into top bullpen spots, he falls out of the top 50 for me. Nothing against his potential and what he did in 2017. If his success continues like it did at AA in 2018 he’s definitely someone I’d see jumping up my list come mid season.

  1. Ryan- good prospect reports- thanks
    two things:
    (1) any reason why Ezequiel Duran 2B NYY didn’t make this list? kid looks special

    (2) I am commish of the WBKL (World Baseball Keeper League)- it is free, we use CBS sports fantasy baseball site, each team can have up to 200 prospects- and we are inviting YOU to join us as a GM of a competitive team (take over for a lame GM who wants out). This is our 8th year. We have a couple other commissioners as GM’s and one sports (baseball) writer in this league (Chris Mitchell)
    Let me know- text 205 873 4318 or email at wbkl2011@yahoo.com JIM TOBIAS

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  8. Twins Spring Training notes and mailbag | Prospects1500

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