This series will highlight a handful of prospects, team-by-team, heading into the 2021 season. I will offer a handful of Top Prospects, as well as a few “In The Pipeline” prospects for dynasty owners to keep an eye on in the next couple of seasons. With that, let’s jump right in!
Top Prospects
Jasson Dominguez, OF
Hit: 20/55 | Power: 25/65 | Speed: 70/70 | Arm: 55/60 | Field: 45/55
Jasson Dominguez is hands-down the most hyped international prospect baseball has seen in years with bat speed and power that are off the charts for an 18-year-old. Early expectations are for Dominguez to be a 30/30 everyday CF for the Yankees. Look for Jasson to get his first taste of professional ball in 2021 as he joins the Yankee Rookie ball team.
Clarke Schmidt, P
Fastball: 60/60 | Curveball: 70/70 | Changeup: 40/45 | Command: 45/45
Even before Clarke Schmidt had Tommy John Surgery, there were questions about his delivery and how it would affect his long-term durability. Furthermore, in 2019 Schmidt missed a month because of elbow inflammation. Look for Schmidt to open 2021 in AAA but don’t be surprised if the Yankees ultimately turn him into a reliever/closer instead of the mid-rotation arm he was once heralded to become.
Deivi Garcia, P
Fastball: 50/50 | Slider: 45/50 | Curveball: 60/60
Changeup: 55/60 | Command: 50/55
Deivi Garcia is slated to open 2021 as the #5 starter in the Yankees rotation, but realistic expectations are for him to becoming a middle reliever. There are questions about the effort he needs to execute his delivery, his increased BB/9 rate, and overall diminished efficiency. Don’t be surprised to see Garcia end up in the pen as a middle/long reliever for the Yankees.
Luis Gil, P
Fastball: 70/70 | Slider: 50/50 | Changeup: 40/45 | Command: 40/45
Currently, Luis Gil is viewed as the potential closer for the Yankees because of command issues and breaking ball consistency. For Gil to move past his current projection, he’ll need to improve on his 5.54 BB/9 and 7.62 K/9 rates he posted in 2019. Gil has continuously struggled with his BB/9 ratio posting his lowest rate in 2018 as 4.23. Look for Gil to open 2021 in AA, where the Yankees hope to see some adjustments in his command.
Austin Wells, C
Hit: 35/55 | Power: 35/55 | Speed: 45/45 | Arm: 40/40 | Field: 30/40
Austin Wells most likely won’t stick at C as he progresses through the Yankees system. He has a below-average arm, shaky receiving skills, and elbow issues that date back to his high school days. Wells has drawn comps to Kyle Schwarber early if he switches to the OF, but as a C, there is less certainty. Look for wells to find a new defensive home – most likely 1B or DH because of his elbow.
In The Pipeline
Denny Larrondo, P
Fastball: 45/60 | Curveball: 55/60 | Changeup: 35/50 | Command: 35/55
In 2019 Denny had his first taste of professional ball, and, to say the least, it could have gone better. He had 21 walks, 24 strikeouts and gave up 18 runs in 31.2 innings. That being said, scouts believe as Denny physically matures, he should see a jump in velocity. The only thing not certain is if Denny is destined for the bullpen or the rotation. Time will tell with this 18-year-old Cuban pitcher.
Kevin Alcantara, OF
Hit: 20/40 | Power: 20/60 | Speed: 60/55 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 45/55
Kevin Alcantara is said to have a high baseball IQ, plus speed, and an impeccable work ethic. Alcantara has already drawn comps to a young Dexter Fowler. This 18-year-old will start 2021 in Rookie ball. Watch as this multi-talented youngster enters his second professional season in baseball.
Everson Pereira, OF
Hit: 35/50 | Power: 30/50 | Speed: 55/55 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 45/55
Everson Pereira is a defense-first OF whose upside is to play CF. His plus speed and solid arm should allow him to play any OF position. Though Pereira has a lot of swing-and-miss in his game, most scouts attribute it to his lack of experience versus professional pitching. In his first 2 seasons of professional ball, Pereira posted a 32.8% and 35.1% K%, respectively. Look for this soon-to-be 20-year-old to open 2021 in Rookie ball, where he hopes to make adjustments at the plate.
Alexander Vargas, SS
Hit: 25/55 | Power: 20/50 | Speed: 60/60 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 45/60
Alexander Vargas will likely never hit for power; however, he has a solid chance to become a plus-plus defender at SS. This switch-hitting 19-year-old has a good feel to barrel up the ball and make consistent contact. If he can continue to improve his hit-tool, he’ll find a quick path to the MLB as a defense-first, contact-hitting SS of the future for the Yankees.
Dayro Perez, 2B/SS
Hit: 20/45 | Power: 20/45 | Speed: 60/60 | Arm: 60/60 | Field: 45/55
Dayro Perez is a defensive first prospect. His footwork, arm, and speed are advanced for his age. His fluid motion makes playing either 2B, or SS look simple and effortless. His offense, however, is behind. Dayro will need time to develop at the plate, both with pitch recognition and discipline. Scouts believe this 19-year-old, 6’2″, 180-pound athlete fills out accordingly and gain power as he matures. Perez will open 2021 in Rookie ball, where he hopes to improve on his 2019 slash line .225/.268/.319, however, he did steal 21 bases in 47 games.
Antonio Gomez, C
Hit: 25/50 | Power: 20/50 | Speed: 40/30 | Arm: 65/70 | Field: 40/55
Antonio Gomez has a plus arm and makes accurate and quick throws. This 19-year-old will need time to develop on both sides of the plate, but he’s said to have the leadership qualities a team looks for behind the dish. He’s also bi-lingual, which allows him to easily communicate with Spanish and English pitchers. Look for Gomez to continue 2021 in Rookie ball because making the jump to Low-A.
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