Three New York Yankees Prospects Set to Break Out in 2017

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Jun 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; A general view of the hat and glove of New York Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro (14) during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Wilkerman Garcia

The first player from the famous 2014 international signing class to really make a name for himself stateside, Garcia was a popular breakout pick prior to the 2016 season before scuffling pretty badly after an aggressive assignment to the Appalachian League.

The 18-year-old hit a miserable .198/.255/.284 with just one home run in 254 plate appearances, although it’s worth remembering that he was 2.5 years younger than his average competition.

Despite the ugly results, the team at MLB Pipeline saw signs of Garcia’s growing maturity in 2016, noting that the teenage shortstop, “was showing some ability to control the strike zone and use the entire field from both sides of the plate.”

Garcia already has three potential plus tools with his impressive bat speed, 60-grade wheels, and cannon arm. Because he’s so young, many scouts think he has plenty of room to add power onto his wiry frame as well.

The Yankees may have gotten a little ahead of themselves promoting him to Pulaski so young, but he remains a potential five-tool superstar who could emerge as a very Gleyber Torres at this time next year if he plays up to his potential in 2017. With a guy this talented, it’s usually just a matter of time before the breakout comes, and I would bet 2017 is his year.

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