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New York Yankees Editorial: Jorge Mateo, The Yankees’ Prospect That Is Better Than Luis Severino And Aaron Judge

By Al Casey |

The New York Yankees‘ farm system has dramatically improved over the course of several years. Prior, fans and ownership would rely on their ambiguous money spending ways to acquire top talent through free agency. Currently, the Yankees hold a formidable farm system in which they can raise their young talent through.

Yankees fans have all heard the names of current Yankees’ top prospects, such as pitcher Luis Severino and outfielder Aaron Judge, but according to scouts, the Yankees’ best prospect could reside in Low-A Charleston.

Shortstop Jorge Mateo has impressed a variety of scouts at the Low-A ball level, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

“Jorge Mateo is the best prospect they’ve got,” one scout said. “He has speed and his speed plays. He has instincts, no fear and a great first step. I consistently got 4.0 times to first for a righty hitter. He has plus range and a plus arm. He plays hard and has a feel for the game.”

To be called the Yankees’ best prospect at the age of 20, as of June 23, 2015 is certainly self-rewarding. Although the likes of Mateo being a ways away from the major league level, the positive outlook for the future of the Yankees should get fans excited. According to MLB.com’s top prospect rankings, Mateo comes in as the Yankees’ third best prospect, behind Severino and Judge.

“…Mateo is the best prospect they’ve got.” -Scout

“He has a chance to be a star. He reminds me of [Edgar] Renteria at the similar age. He can run. If you watch batting practice you will see he has more than speed. The ball jumps off his bat for a young kid. You can say he is [an Alfonso] Soriano comp or a baby Hanley Ramirez. He has a chance to be special.”

The statistics back up the claims as well. As of June 29, Mateo led the South Atlantic League with 52 stolen bases, showcasing his tremendous speed around the base paths. In addition to his speed, his bat certainly has some pop. Holding a batting average of .264, belting two home runs, and driving in 27 runs.

“He has a chance to be a star.” -Scout

If Mateo pans out for the Yankees, it would likely be considered a bargain. The Yankees signed the speedster to a $250,000 international contract.

Mateo also received praise from Charleston Riverdogs’ hitting coach in Greg Colbrunn.

“He’s got a very high ceiling, talent-wise.” Colbrunn continued, “He’s working on all facets of the game. He’s done a great job as a hitter with his strike zone discipline, working counts, getting deeper into counts. He’s played quality defense in the field, making the routine plays, making spectacular plays too. He’s done a great job.”

Although Mateo remains in Low-A Charleston, the future for the Yankees has not looked this bright in numerous years.

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