New York Yankees: Top five prospects in 2018

As promised in my introduction article to the current state of the Yankees farm system, here is the first five of my top 10 prospect rankings, with a disclaimer about a metric I used to evaluate some players.

**Note: Although not viewed as one of the five “tools” to evaluate prospects, I believe a player’s intangibles can be just as determinative to their future success as any one tool. For example, the Yankees Aaron Judge was always viewed as a mature, hard-working individual who was consistently able to make adjustments to overcome any slumps on his path to Yankees superstardom. The ability to make adjustments and think over the game separates him from other hulking sluggers who never experienced the level of success Judge had in his rookie season.

On the other hand, Michael Pineda was a former stud prospect with ace-potential who never panned out, mostly due to his inability to put away batters and finish off innings. Whether this was from lack of focus or lack of confidence, Pineda often was ahead in the count and often got the first two outs only to later lose his command and allow the opposing team to rally. Although it is hard to judge one’s character from a distance, some prospects, in particular, have certain habits or behaviors that have helped them stand out to evaluators. If there have been positive reports about a prospect’s character, I take note of this in my rankings and on a greater scale believe scouts should consider a player’s intangibles as a sixth tool to evaluate. Without further ado:

1. Gleyber Torres – 2B/SS/3B. Hit: 70 l Power: 55 l Run: 50 l Arm: 60 l Field: 60 l Overall: (20-80 scale): 65. 

The easiest choice of this list, Gleyber is one of the top prospects in the game who has been considered an untouchable by Brian Cashman since he acquired the now 21-year old Torres at the 2016 trade deadline. While he was likely to get called up last season until he got hurt, he is destined to take over second base in the near future, albeit after the Yankees gain another year of control based on service time rules.

Torres projects to be a .300+ hitter who has the potential to compete for batting titles while his power ceiling has continued to increase as he has matured into his frame, with some scouts believing he can provide 20+ homers annually. Given his exceptionally quick hands and innate ability to barrel up the baseball, Torres profiles as an exceptional top-of-the-order hitter while providing solid defense albeit without exceptional speed.

**Intangibles** Since signing for $1.7 million as an international amateur, Torres has been known for having an advanced approach at the plate while possessing the ability to recognize pitches early, something young players often struggle with when first exposed to professional pitching. His walk and strikeout rates have consistently improved as he’s shot up the minor league system while he has a knack for driving pitches on the outside part of the plate to right field. All in all, Gleyber’s advanced feel for the game portrays the aura of a future star.