Why Ramon Flores Could Play A Bigger Role Than You Think In 2015 For The Yankees

One of the things that hurt the Yankees this past season was the lack of depth in the outfield and first base. The Yankees used all sorts of players at each position from Antoan Richardson in the outfield to Carlos Beltran playing first for a couple of innings after more injuries. One player who could help with depth for both spots is Ramon Flores. 

More from Yankees News

• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

Flores has played both positions in the minors and may have been an option last season if he hadn’t been injured and only played in 68 games this past season. Flores in the minors hit .254/.343/.472 with nine homers and 26 RBI.

Flores is currently playing in the Venezuelan winter league and hitting .281.

Flores is only 22 and turns 23 in March though he’s been in the Yankee system since he was 17 years old. He’s only hit in double digits for homers once, however, he’s had over 20 doubles every year since 2011 until last year, but in those 68 games he had 17 doubles so he does have some pop.

Is Flores the answer? Probably not. In MLB.com’s mid-season rankings he was the team’s 14th ranked prospect.

If Flores has a good spring, and continues to hit in Winter Leagues, there is no reason he couldn’t be an option for the Yankees at either position as long as he stays healthy in AAA. Keep an eye on Flores when Spring Training begins.