New York Yankees News: Yankees Sign Three More Undrafted Free Agents

Following the draft, every team takes a look at undrafted free agents that they think can bolster their farm system. Last month, the New York Yankees added right-handed starting pitcher Cody Hamlin, right-handed reliever Andrew Schwaab, catcher Matt Walsh, and center fielder-turned-relief pitcher Geoff DeGroot. The early results have mostly been solid, especially DeGroot, who has already made his way to Double-A, having made two appearances for the Trenton Thunder.

The Yankees continued to add to their minor league depth this past week, signing left-handed starting pitcher Cameron Pongs, catcher Manny Argomaniz, and outfielder Joey Falcone, a 29-year-old former Marine who we did a feature on earlier this week.

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Pongs spent time at four schools during his collegiate career, and in his final year, posted solid numbers rotating between the rotation and the bullpen. In his final season, Pongs had an ERA of 3.79, and struck out 32 batters, while only walking 17 across 41 1/3 IP. Pongs also had some pop in his bat, as he posted a very respectable slash-line of .361/.447/.611, while adding four home runs in just 72 at-bats.

While Argomaniz is listed as a catcher, he spent time at shortstop, second base, and third base in college. Outside of the versatility that Argomaniz brings, he did not hit for much in 2015, as he posted a slash-line of just .251/.337/.391, which could be the driving force in the Yankees decision to convert him to a catcher.

Falcone is a much more interesting case than the other two, as, at 29, he is far past the stage of a prospect. Falcone, who struggled in 2014 and considered quitting baseball, worked with former Yankees prospect Eric Duncan and put up impressive numbers in 2015, posting a slash-line of .323/.399/.615, while adding 11 home runs. Duncan, who is now on the coaching staff of the Staten Island Yankees, likely played a role in the addition of the former Marine, who has to be considered a long-shot to make the Majors, but, nonetheless, is a feel good story.

Outside of the three undrafted free agents, the Yankees also added right-handed pitcher Michael Schaub, a former 38th-round draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2010. Schaub struggled for the Brewers, having never made it past rookie ball, while posting an ERA of 5.04 in 119 2/3 IP across three innings before ultimately being released following the 2012 season. Schaub took the 2013 season off entirely, before joining the Frontier League and reviving his career in 2014. While his ERA was still a lofty 4.63, he did add 11.2 K/9, compared to 3.9 BB/9, across 46 2/3 IP. In 2015, he seemed to put it all together, posting an ERA of 0.50 across 18 IP while serving as the closer for the Rockford Aviators. At only 23, time is on Schaub’s side, as he looks to work his way to the majors.

While the road to the majors is difficult for any player, it is increasingly difficult for an undrafted free agent. That isn’t to say that there is no chance, as several players, most notably Larry Walker, carved out nice careers after being skipped in the draft. It is great to see the Yankees taking a chance on some young talent, while adding depth to a farm system that has gotten much stronger in recent years.

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New York Yankees News: Yankees Sign Three More Undrafted Free Agents

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