Why Jonathan Galvez Could Be 2015’s Yangervis Solarte

One day, I’ll force my grand kids to sit down and listen to the story of Yangervis Solarte in 2014. I’ll tell them about how he made a big impression on day one of Spring Training and vanquished the long lasting blooper real in Eduardo Nunez. I’ll tell them how he burst on to the scene, hitting doubles in the gap left and right and being a clutch bat the Yankees’ desperately needed. Or, maybe I’ll just forget all about him because we traded him to the San Diego Padres for Chase Headley. Or, maybe I’ll forget all about the former Yangy Clipper because the 2015 model might already be on the Yankees’ roster. 

More from Yankees News

• What does Carlos Rodón’s new jersey number mean for Domingo Germán?
• Red Sox living in different financial ‘galaxy’ than Yankees Killer Rafael Devers
• Yankees slice surprising fan favorite off roster to make room for Tommy Kahnle
• Yankees announce corresponding move, make Carlos Rodón signing official
• Aaron Judge puts more pressure on Yankees after being named Captain

Jonathan Galvez played seven seasons in the Padres’ farm system after signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2008. In 646 minor league games Galvez has betted .280 with 54 home runs and 331 RBI. Although his defense is below average (As was Solarte last year) he can play second base, shortstop as well as the outfield and the Yankees view him as someone who could be a utility man in the future. Only 23-years old Galvez is a solid addition to the Yankees’ farm system, particularly in Triple-A where the talent is currently thin. But, Galvez could impress the team enough in Spring Training to earn a spot on the big league roster. He’ll enter Spring as a dark horse, like Solarte did a season ago.

Let’s say Galvez’s defense doesn’t hold up but he hits well enough in Spring to catch the Yankees’ eye. Are they really going to pass on his bat in favor for Brendan Ryan‘s glove? Be honest for a second, Ryan was brought in because of Derek Jeter‘s defensive struggles near the end of his career. Now that Jeter is gone the Yankees choice for replacement will likely be a plus defender at shortstop. That leaves Ryan sitting on the bench as a defense replacement with pretty almost zero ability with the bat. So if Galvez proves to be a offense strength with questionable defense are you really going to choose him over Ryan?

It was a similar situation between Solarte and Nunez last year. Solarte proved to be a better hitter than the former Yankee prospect and was a far better fielder as well. Ultimately, he fit the Yankees needs better than Nunez. They needed defense and Solarte showed he could provide better quality over Nunez. Now, they need offense and I’m sorry to say Ryan can’t provide that. If Galvez shows that he can hit big league pitching at a respectable level it’d be hard to pass him over in favor of Ryan.

Last season Galvez batted .280 with 10 home runs and 52 RBI in the hitter friendly Pacific Coast League. While these aren’t exactly the best numbers for a PCL hitter it’s nothing to shake a stick at. He’s a decent bat with questionable defense which is what the Yankees’ really need. Galvez is a little more well known than Solarte is but he can still follow the same path Yangervis did a year ago.

Could he be a dark horse that steals a spot on the Yankees’ roster and casts out Brendan Ryan? He’s going to have to earn it first.