Yankees 2017 Top 20 Prospects List with Scouting Reports

16. Dillon Tate

While the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft has an impressive pedigree, many scouts are not convinced he has what it takes to stick as a starter long-term because of his inconsistent mechanics, spotty control, fluctuating velocity, and slight frame.

After coming to New York as the centerpiece of the Carlos Beltran deal last spring, Tate worked exclusively as a reliever with Low-A Charleston and in the Arizona Fall League. He made some strides with getting his velocity back into the mid-90’s, but he remains a work in progress going into next year. General manager Brian Cashman did confirm he will get another chance as a starter during the 2017 campaign.

15. Jordan Montgomery

With his plus command and four-pitch arsenal, the 23-year-old Montgomery looks ready to slot into the Yankees rotation as soon as next spring. Monty was simply dominant in 25 starts split between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre in 2016, pitching to a combined 2.13 ERA in 139.1 IP while striking out 23% of the batters he faced (8.7 K/9) and walking 7.7% (2.9 BB/9).

Although he’s not yet on the 40-man roster, it’s not hard to see Montgomery forcing his way into the team’s plans with a strong performance in spring training.

14. Estevan Florial

Like his Pulaski teammate Wilkerman Garcia, Florial’s offensive numbers took a step backwards against much older competition in the Appalachian League, but there is still a ton to like with the young outfielder.

If I had to bet which player in the lower levels of the system was most likely to emerge as a true superstar, it would be Florial. He has an incredible combination of power and speed that could make him a 30-30 type of player down the road. He’s also a fantastic outfielder who has a 70 or 80 grade arm in right field. There’s plenty of work to do with his plate discipline and there are some questions about his ability to make consistent contact, but the payoff could be enormous in a few years.

13. Dustin Fowler

The former 18th round selection in the 2013 draft has steadily improved his stock within the organization and looks ready to take over center field for Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre after hitting .281/.311/.458 with 12 home runs and 25 steals in a full season in the Eastern League last year.

Many 2017 lists have Fowler in the top 10, but I’m not as big a believer in him as many analysts because of his stubborn refusal to ever draw a walk. The power/speed combo is nice, but without truly elite tools or defense, I just don’t think he’ll get on base enough to be even an average everyday player. He could be useful off the bench as soon as 2018, however.