Predicting the New York Yankees’ Next “Core Four”

James Kaprielian

While he missed the majority of the 2016 regular season with an elbow injury, James Kaprielian remains the team’s best pitching prospect and a good bet to be at the front of the Yankees rotation as soon as the 2018 campaign.

The 22-year-old looked completely dominant in his first three starts with High-A Tampa this year, striking out 22 and walking just three in 18 innings of work before hitting the disabled list. When he returned in the Arizona Fall League, Kap showed occasional rust, but his stuff was undiminished from earlier in the season, and he put up 26 Ks with eight free passes in his 27 frames.

New York is certain to take it slow with Kaprielian next year after such a long layoff. He’ll likely only throw 100-120 IP, beginning the year back in High-A, but perhaps making it all the International League if all goes according to plan.

Like Andy Pettitte, many scouts don’t see Kaprielian as a true ace, but more of a solid number two. On the other hand, if the recent velocity jump into the upper-90’s is for real, I think the young starter could surprise a lot of people.

Health is the obvious concern going forward after such a serious arm injury. Kaprielian never underwent surgery to address the issue, so you have to imagine he’s at increased risk of TJ at some point. Still, I’m a huge believer in his talent and see him as the minor league starter with the best shot of being one of the next “Core Four.”