Yanks Go Yard’s Midseason 2016 Top 30 Yankees Prospects

The New York Yankees farm system is flush with elite talent following the 2016 trade deadline. Here is how they rank according to the Yanks Go Yard staff.

Just a quick note about how this list was compiled. Seven members of the Yanks Go Yard staff submitted their Top 30 lists of Yankees prospects. A first place vote was worth 30 points, a second place vote 29, and so on down the line. Interestingly, three different players received first place votes, which speaks to the number of legit blue-chippers the Yankees have.

Thanks to Mike Calendrillo and Osvaldo Nunez for contributing write-ups on the prospects.

1. Clint Frazier (205 points, three first place votes) Yankees GM Brian Cashman has described his bat speed as “legendary” on multiple occasions. A true five tool talent who could take over the thrird spot in the lineup as soon as 2017.

2. Aaron Judge (199 points, three first place votes) At 24, the time is now for this behemoth of a man to unleash his Giancarlo Stanton-esque game across Major League Baseball. Judge has truly refined his swing at Triple-A Scranton, allowing him to drive the ball to all fields with insane power.

3. Gleyber Torres (194 points) Same skill-set to that of Manny Machado, but not quite as big. Still only 19-years-old. Sky’s the limit for the former No.1 prospect in the Cubs’ system.

4. Gary Sanchez (195 points, one first place vote) Sanchez could always hit, but with big improvements to calling a game, as well as increased arm strength and accuracy, the heir-apparent to Brian McCann is ready to roll.

5. Jorge Mateo (184 points) Concerns about attitude, including a recent suspension have dropped the former No. 1 prospect in the eyes of many scouts. Mateo is still learning how to be an effective lead-off hitter with absolutely terrifying speed.

6. Blake Rutherford (178 points) The 19-year-old outfielder was an absolute steal for the Yankees at 19th overall in the draft this year. Don’t be surprised if he takes over the number one spot on this list by this time next year.

7. Domingo Acevedo (166 points) Standing 6’7″, Acevedo’s fastball reguarly touches triple digits, while his changeup in the 70s makes batters look foolish. If his breaking ball continues to progress, could be the best pitcher on the Yankees staff by mid-2017.

8. Justus Sheffield (162 points) At 5’10” there are some concerns that Sheffield may eventually be bound for the bullpen. Yet with a fastball that reguarly sits between 92-94, and his most dominate pitch, the curveball, which is his out pitch, it could allow Sheffield the time to develop his changeup while finding a spot in the middle of a big league rotation in about two years time.

9. James Kaprielian (155 points) Had it not been for an injury plagued first professional season, not only would the former UCLA product be a Top 5 prospect in the system, but he may have very well already reached the majors. His four pitch arsenal is simply that good.

10. Miguel Andujar (143 points) With the lack of corner infield depth within the orgazination, Andujar’s combination of speed, strength, and an ever-growing knowledge of the game, could push Chase Headley out the door sooner rather than later.

11. Dillon Tate (137 points) The Yankees bought very low on the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft in the Carlos Beltran deal. Fingers crossed that the team’s coaching staff can identify and correct the reason for Tate’s worrying velocity drop this year.

12. Chance Adams (114 points) It’s fair to say the transition to the rotation has been a success this year, with a 2.42 ERA and 9.61 K/9 in 23 dominant starts for Tampa and Trenton.

13. Dustin Fowler (114 points) This four-tool player can do a little bit of everything, including 11 OF assists in 2015. If he improves his batters eye, Flowler could force his way into the Yankees’ future plans.

14. Billy McKinney (108 points) The Yankees were smart to target McKinney as the third piece in the Aroldis Chapman trade. Considered a Top 100 talent as recently as last year, McKinney has struggled at the plate since last season’s knee injury, but the 21-year-old outfielder has a beautiful line drive swing and a polished approach. If he can return to form, he should move quickly through the system.

15. Wilkerman Garcia (96 points) The 18-year-old has looked lost at the plate this season following an aggressive promotion to Pulaski, but he remains one of the best pure athletes in the system.

16. Ian Clarkin (94 points) Although he’s finishing the year on the DL once again, Clarkin set a new career-high with 98 professional innings. With a 3.31 ERA and 6.61 K/9, he still looks like a potential mid-rotation option if he can stay on the mound.

17. Tyler Wade (86 points) Wade is a contact hitter that focuses on getting on base and uses his speed to make things happen. No real power to speak of, but as far as his glove is concerned, he has the ability to play both middle infield positions.

18. Luis Torrens (72 points) Injuries have hampered his development, but he remains a solid defensive catcher with some pop. Has struggled since his promotion to Charleston this year.

19. Jordan Montgomery (64 points) A crafty lefty with a four-pitch arsenal. Monty’s fastball peaks out at 94 mph, yet darts and sinks like a Mashairo Tanaka splitter. After a strong performance in Triple-A, could vie for a job in the big league rotation as soon as September.

20. Ben Gamel (53 points) After two strong seasons in Triple-A, Gamel looks ready to contribute in the Bronx as soon as there’s an opening for him. Probably not enough tools to be more than a versatile fourth outfielder type, but has surprised the Yankees before.

21. Tyler Austin (48 points)A year after being DFA’d with his prospect status all but evaporated, Austin has cracked the big league roster and should compete with Greg Bird for the starting first base job next spring.

22. Chad Green (43 points) Green has had mixed results in the Bronx this year (4.94 ERA in 27.1 IP), but with his mid-90’s heater and developing secondary pitches, the 25-year-old could battle for a rotation spot in the spring.

23. Dietrich Enns (43 points) Has put up insane numbers in the upper minors the past two years since returning from TJ surgery. Scouts aren’t impressed with his arsenal, but at some point the Yankees will have to see if his stat line is for real.

24. Drew Finley (41 points) Finley has solid command over all his pitches, most natably his best weapon, a 12-6 curveball that he’ll throw with confidence in any count.

25. Hoy Jun Park (39 points) Speed and defense. If that’s all you needed to reach the majors, Park would be an All-Star. But it’s not, so unless he adds some much needed strength to his 6’1″ frame, Park may never hit double digit home runs, even in the minor leagues.

26. Jacob Lindgren (38 points) “The Strikeout Factory” will be out until 2018 following TJ surgery, but showed the ability to be an elite late-inning option prior to his injury plagued 2016 campaign.

27. Mason Williams (34 points) A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away, Mason Williams was suppossed to become the next Bernie Williams. The problem is that Mason can’t stay on the field long enough to ever show his true potential. One injury after the other has zapped him of a fair amount of speed. Scouts say he needs to have a better head for the game.

28. Jake Cave (27 points) Has cooled off after a hot start with the Railriders. Not has the potential to be a useful player, but may be the low-man on the totem pole behind the Yankees more talented outfield options. A trade may be in his future.

29. Kyle Holder (24 points) Has the type of glove to be compared to current San Francisco Giants SS Brandon Crawford. Questions about bat speed and plate awareness need to improve if he’s ever to win a Gold Glove.

30. Kyle Higashioka (21 points) Has made the Yankees sit up and take notice with a monster 2016 campaign. If Higashioka proves his breakout is no fluke, he could give the team their fourth MLB-caliber backstop.

Also receiving votes: Bryan Mitchell (20 points), Nick Solak (19 points), Ben Heller (14 points), Luis Cessa (13 points), Dermis Garcia (12 points), Leonardo Molina (12 points), Trey Amburgrey (10 points), Donny Sands (7 points), Kevin Cornelius (5 points), Nolan Martinez (2 points), Abiatal Avelino (1 point).