Arizona Fall League Yankees Preview

Tyler Austin.Mandatory Credit: (Robert M. Pimpsner/Pinstriped Prospects)

Alex Smith

Smith was part of the Tampa Yankees closer committee in 2014. The 25-year old righty, who was signed as a undrafted free agent by the Yankees in 2012, has a spectacular season in his role. Smith went 5-5 with a 2.74 ERA and seven saves.

Tyler Austin

Austin was once one of the prized prospects of the Yankees system. The Yankees 13th round 2010 draft pick has done little to justify that in the five years since. This could very well be Austin’s last chance before the Yankees let him walk. Austin has been in a position transition as he has been converting from outfielder to infielder to outfielder over the past few seasons. 2014 was a roller coaster for Austin. He started slow out of the gates. In fact, but the end of June he was batting .254 with three home run and 24 RBI, hardly good numbers for a system’s top ten prospect. He caught fire in July and August, however, finished out the final two months batting .303 with six home runs and 25 RBI. Austin will look to keep it going this fall.