Under the Radar Yankees Prospects: Juan De Paula

Yanks Go Yard is combing through the New York Yankees minor league system in search of hidden gems in this ongoing series. Today, we look at pitcher Juan De Paula.

One of two high-upside arms (along with 19-year-old righty Jio Orozco) acquired from the Seattle Mariners at the end of August in exchange for Triple-A outfielder Ben Gamel, Juan De Paula already looks like one of the most promising starting pitchers in the lower-levels of the New York Yankees minor league system.

De Paula made his state-side debut this year with the Mariners’ Arizona League affiliate, pitching to a 3.07 ERA in 41 IP (seven starts and four relief appearances). He struck out an impressive 30.6% of opposing batters while walking just 6.4%.

This performance came on the heels of a similarly successful stint in the Dominican Summer League, where a then-17-year-old De Paula completely overpowered opposing batters, pitching to a 2.32 ERA and 0.991 WHIP in 14 starts (77.2 IP).

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While he has yet to make a regular season appearance for his new organization, the Yankees coaching staff did get a chance to work with De Paula during his time in the Fall Instructional League, and there was a lot to like from what they saw.

Although he just turned 19 in late-September and is still filling out his 6’3 165 lb. frame, De Paula already has an impressive heater that sits 92-95 and has the potential to increase even more as the righthander adds muscle.

In addition to his fastball, De Paula has already developed one quality secondary offering, a curve. He’s also working on adding a changeup to his repertoire, although that pitch is in its infancy and has a ways to go to be a viable weapon.

A consistent strike-thrower who limits free passes, De Paula is very polished for his age. He was 2.6 years younger than his average opponents in the Arizona League this year, and looks ready to try his hand against more advanced competition in 2017, probably for the Pulaski Yankees of the Appalachian League.

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It was painful to see 2016 International League MVP Ben Gamel traded so suddenly this year, but the payoff may be worth it in the long run, as De Paula and Orozco both look like potential MLB starting options in a few years. Gamel’s breakout was fun the last two years, but he probably wasn’t going to be more than a replaceable bench guy.