New York Yankees Prospect Profile Number 12: Luis Torrens

As we continue along with the Yanks Go Yard Prospect Profile series, we move down the MLB pipeline to the 12th-ranked prospect for the New York Yankees, Luis Torrens.

Scouting grades (courtesy of MLB Pipeline): Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 35 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

The New York Yankees signed Venezuelan prospect Luis Torrens, then a shortstop, in 2012 with him at the bright age of 16.  The Yankees were intrigued by his talent and potential as a catcher.

In his first season catching for the Gulf Coast League Yankees, Torrens hit .241 with 42 hits, seven doubles, a home-run, 14 RBI and stole two bases.  Defensively, he threw out 45% of base stealers.  Torrens quickly took at the position.

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The Yankees were impressed by his progress and in 2014 assigned him to Single-A with the Charleston RiverDogs at just 18-years-old.  Unfortunately, a shoulder strain cost Torrens a significant part of 2014.  After a quick stint in rehab, he was moved to the Staten Island Yankees where he again impressed.

Torrens hit .270 with 50 hits, 13 doubles, three triples, two homers and 18 RBI with Staten Island.  In his 48 games with Staten Island, Torrens ran a 21-game-hit-streak and earned a spot in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game.

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After the 2014 season, Torrens had to undergo shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum that he sustained while in Staten Island.  The surgery sidelined him for the entirety of the 2015 regular season.  He instead was able to get some play as the designated hitter in the Florida Instructional League.

Torrens shows great ability.  He quickly improved his footwork behind the plate, and continues to demonstrate a strong, accurate arm with a quick release that allows him to throw out a high percentage of base stealers.  Offensively, he hits the ball well, can use the whole field, and is already showing ability and willingness to work counts.

He also made the most of his time off last season.  He worked out hard to add strength, get in better overall shape, and work on his English to improve communication with pitchers.

The kid has great work-ethic and is willing to do whatever it takes to improve and take the next step for his career and the Yankees.  Torrens expects to return in the 2016 regular season as the starting catcher for the Charleston RiverDogs.