Yankees State of the Farm System Review: Josh Breaux

The New York Yankees selected catcher Josh Breaux in the second round of the 2018 Major League Baseball amateur draft. Breaux, out of McLennan Community College, Waco, Texas,  was fairly appreciated by scouts across the region for his makeup and tools (the Houston Astros drafted him the year prior in the 36th round).

But within a year’s time, the round difference clearly paints the proof of development for Breaux, who ranks 20th overall in the Yankees’ farm system.

Breaux’s final statistics in college ended with 155 hits, 37 home runs, 151 RBI, a .403 batting average, and an incredible .503 on-base percentage (across two years and 385 junior college at-bats).

Yankees: Josh Breaux’s makeup, analysis, and advancement predictability

Breaux is one of three catchers on the Yankees’ top 30 list. This kid has strong potential to quickly depart the minors and make an appearance on the big stage. However, there is work to be done. Without quickly diving into statistics, let’s break down the makeup.

Breaux is a powerhouse in build and performance. He’s 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds with a tight, strong athletic frame, and evenly distributed power. His top tool is his bat. He possesses raw power and an aggressive approach. Breaux’s strengths at the dish are hitting fastballs middle-in, keeping his hands tight, and driving the ball up the middle. Although he seems to struggle with off-speed pitches, he stays back long enough for new life, and he’s able to keep the ball in play. Bat speed isn’t a question for him, but he needs to improve upon his recognition of off-speed stuff.

Breaux looked good as a college catching prospect, however, there was a ton of room for him to develop in the minors. His primary defensive skills are satisfactory and workable but aren’t polished due to injuries, which reduced the amount of time he spent behind the dish within a two-year period. He’ll need more refinement on that side of the ball despite a rocket arm and a good ability to call games (he was previously a pitcher in college).

In 2022, between Double-A and Triple-A, Breaux finished with a total of 81 hits, 19 home runs, 50 RBI, and a .219 batting average in 370 plate appearances. As these stats may seem above satisfactory, the red flag is his strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.65:1). He whiffed 113 times in 403 plate appearances.

As you can see, there are still kinks to iron out for the 25-year-old. The 2023 season will be a showcase for Breaux, as he looks to put up some consistent numbers while solidifying his standing as a future catcher in the Yankees organization.

If all goes well, Breaux will have his shot at 40-man protection next year as well as an opportunity to hit the bigs when rosters expand in September.

4 former Yankees players New York can still reunite with in free agency

The New York Yankees still need some roster help, and perhaps these former rostered players could be of interest to GM Brian Cashman.