I am by no means an expert, just a man with an opinion and a love for Yankees baseball. That qualifies me to put in my two cents on future Yankee stars with my Top 5 Prospect List right? Well, you're here and I'm writing it so you might as well read it.
1. Jesus Montero, C. He finally got his taste of the Majors this year and did not disappoint. He hit .328 with 4 homers and drove in 12 runs over 18 games. He sported a slash line of .328/.406/.590/.996. To have an OPS of .996 in your first big league taste is sick, like off the charts sick. He showed great opposite field power, using right field like his own personal landing zone. The potential has always been there offensively. It was his defense that many people questioned. The Yankees let him get a feel for action behind the plate, having him catch in 3 games. They will allow him to catch more this year while giving him the majority of his at-bats at DH. He is going to be a spectacular player and the Yankees will be glad they never traded him, even for Cliff Lee.
2. Manny Banuelos, P. This small lefty has kept his spot in the Top 3 because he is still very young, he won't be 21 until March, still has a lot of talent, and should get his first taste of the Majors this season. He didn't have a phenomenal season last year at AAA but you can't expect a kid, and he was the youngest player in AAA after getting called up, taking the distinction away from Jesus Montero, to dominate at every level. His walk rate rose a little, allowing 19 free passes in 34.1 innings at Scranton. However, his strikeout rate remained the same. Pitching is about learning and Banuelos showed he is a learner. He still projects to be a top of the rotation starter and should see some time in the Majors this season.
3. Dellin Betances, P. Betances got his feet wet in the Majors this season and showed he needed more seasoning. He walked 6 in 2.2 innings and sported a 6.75 ERA. The good news? Opponents hit only .125 off of him in those 2.2 innings. Betances has loads of talent. He suffers from loss of control at times but that can be corrected. He didn't do especially well in Scranton, making 4 starts and walking 15 in 21 innings. If he can cut the walks down he projects to a top of the rotation starter. There is a reason his name comes up along with Montero and Banuelos in every trade discussion. The Yankees are right in holding onto him.
4. Mason Williams, OF. He really seemed to put it together last season at Staten Island. His slash line was very nice for a 19 year-old, ..349/.395/.468/.863. The power isn't there and I'm not sure he will become a power hitter in the future but this kid has tools to work with. He has speed, is very good defensively, can steal bases, and make contact with the ball. He can be a dynamic player for years to come if last season is any indication. He won't hit for enough power to be a corner outfielder but when he is ready to take over centerfield for the Yankees Curtis Granderson should be sliding over to left or right.
5. Gary Sanchez, C. He was one of the top prospects in all of baseball going into last season. Then, he decided he was too cool for school and started acting out. The Yankees sent him down a level and humbled him very quickly. Then, he started to produce again. He is very young, still only 19, and immaturity can sometimes be part of dealing with young players. When he slumped early he acted out and found out that isn't the way to deal with things. If he can realize he needs to work his ass off to get to the Majors and continue to work he could be Montero-like, or better. However, he needs to prove it.
Honorable Mentions: Dante Bichette, Jr., 3B. Austin Romine, C. Slade Heathcott, OF. Ravel Santana, P. J.R. Murphy, C/1B. Adam Warren, P. David Phelps, P.
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