Top Prosects for the New York Yankees

Our own Chris Saunders talks about the top prospects for the local major league baseball teams. This week he talks about the top prospects for the New York Yankees, he is definitely the person to go to!!!!


Article by Chris Saunders

Baseball has always been a young man’s game, and will baseball players coming up from the minors at a younger age each year there is more of a demand on prospect. For the next couple of week’s I will be doing the top 5 prospects who in my opinion are the best for the local Major League clubs. They will include (New York Yankees), (Boston Red Sox), and (New York Mets). If there is a team that you want to hear about regarding their prospects or would like me to do a prospect list just leave a comment and I will gladly do so! First up the New York Yankees Batter up!

Top 5 Prospects

1.      RHP Luis Severino- Severino began the 2013 as an unknown prospect for the Yankees upon his U.S debut at the age of 20, but by season’s end he became a top right-handed prospect for New York having many people excited for what the future holds for Severino. Though Serverino isn’t especially big being just 6’0 and looking like a string bean; he does poses an overpowering fastball that has been clocked at 98 MPH. His fastball that usually sits aorund 94-95 mph with some sink at the lower end of his velocity coincides with a harder biting slider/changeup mix that has been graded at solid offering or better. Severino breezed through low A/High A, making it to Double AA to finish the season. If Severino can continue to improve on his overall command of his three quality pitches as well as keep maturing being in the States for a second full season the sky is the limit for this young right hander.

2.      OF Aaron Judge- When you see Judge the first thing that comes to mind of many players around baseball is Giancarlo Stanton. Yankee fans would love to have the next Stanton in their lineup when it’s all said and done. Judge;22, who is a massive 6-7 230 pound specimen had a scholarship offers to play Tight end in college. Drafted in the 1^st round 32 overall in 2013 out of high school, Judge has been compared to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, who played in eight straight All-Star Games for the Yankees, and Giancarlo Stanton. Judge has light tower power, grading on an 80 of 20-80 scale. 20 being well below average/80 being well above average. With his size and leverage he can crush almost any pitch around the plate when he connects. The problem as with many tall power hitters is the long swing that comes with it. Long arms to go along with a long swing can spell many strikeouts and reduce the ability for a higher average. Judge moves very well for a big man, with his solid speed and strong arm making him a nice fit in right field. He has yet to make his debut because he arrived in pro ball with a quad injury, yet Judge could move quickly if he makes consistent contact.

3.      LHP Jacob Lindgren-  Lindgren helped pitch Mississippi State to the College World Series as a starter in 2013, then dominated after a shift to the bullpen this spring. He went 6-1 with a 0.81 ERA and three saves as opponents hit just .124 with one extra-base hit and 100 strikeouts in 185 at-bats. The Yankees took Lindgren with their top pick (second round) in June and signed him for $1,018,700. Lindgren's stuff took a leap forward when he worked in shorter stints. His fastball zoomed from 87-91 mph last year to 91-95, and his slider became a true wipeout pitch at 82-84 mph, with late bite. When batters manage to make contact against Lindgren, they struggle to put the ball in the air. Though Lindgren has a decent third pitch in his sinking changeup, New York has no plans to try him in the rotation. He could become the first player from the 2014 Draft to reach the big leagues. Lindgren's ability to throw consistent strikes will determine how much time he needs in the Minors.

4.      LHP Ian Clarkin- Clarkin established himself as a potential first-rounder with a strong summer in 2012, capped by winning the gold-medal game for Team USA at the 18-and-under World Championships. When he followed up with a strong high school senior season, the Yankees didn't think they'd get a shot to draft him, but they were pleasantly surprised when Clarkin was available as their third of three first-rounders in 2013. Signed for $1,650,100 as the 33rd overall pick, Clarkin is a left-hander with three quality pitches at his disposal and more polish than a typical prepster. His 90-94 mph fastball is his best pitch, but his hard 12-to-6 curveball isn't far behind. Clarkin's changeup features good fade and deception. Clarkin could move quickly through the Minors, and he has the upside of a No. 2 or 3 starter.

5.      Catcher Gary Sanchez- Sanchez has above-average raw power, and he knows how to use it, hitting at least 13 home runs in each of his years in full-season ball. Sanchez has a good approach at the plate and the potential to be a solid all-around hitter. Sanchez's defense remains a question mark, though he has gotten better behind the plate. He still needs to work on his receiving and blocking balls. Sanchez's strong throwing arm remains an asset behind the plate. His bat would make him a valuable Major Leaguer, even if he had to change positions, but he has star potential as a catcher. Many have compared him to former Yankees top prospect Jesus Montero for Michael Pineda back in the offseason of 2012. Yankees are hopeful that Sanchez has a better career path than Montero has had thus far with the mariners.