Yankees 2014 international signing class starts coming into view

Coming up Short

Finally, in the could go either way category, is the enigmatic Hoy Jun Park. Park was described by one publication as “the most advanced prospect” the Yankees signed in 2014. His slightly higher skills, commensurate with his slightly higher age when he signed (18), landed Hoy Jun at Low-A Charleston by 2016, climbing higher than any fellow prospect at the time.

The results have been mixed, with perhaps a silver lining. Park only hit .225 last year, although his OBP and SLG were more promising: .336/.339. The Yankees retained him at Charleston this year, and the now-21-year old has improved, slashing .274/.367/.378. Good, but still not overwhelming.

Park’s errors, however, would normally put him squarely in the bust category. He had 25 last year in only 105 games, projecting to almost 40 for the year, and has eighteen this year in only 76 games started. That again projects to roughly 40 per big league season. That’s way too many at any level.

On Second Thought

But there is a ray of hope. Park was signed as a SS but has been splitting time at second base. His stats reveal his issue. Namely, he does not have enough arm to play shortstop.

At short, Hoy Jun has committed 35 errors in 118 games started in the last two years. He would easily blow past the 40 error mark at that position. But at second he has only eight errors in 63 games. That projects to about twenty errors for a season.

While that is still too many, he gives the Yankees hope he can cut down to an acceptable level once he becomes a full-time second baseman. From now on, the only time Park should be at the shortstop position is when he is running past it on his way to third.

There are a few, though, who are showing more than just potential. They will add to the Yankees organization with varying impacts. Here’s one bit of great news: the best looking prospect is a pitcher.