It’s no secret that the New York Yankees have a relatively deep farm system with some of the best prospects in baseball, but could those guys elevate to the majors during the 2022 season?
Five Yankees prospects could make an impact this upcoming season:
1.) Anthony Volpe: Volpe took over the number one prospect spot last season from outfielder Jasson Dominguez. Volpe has developed quickly, and many believe that he might be able to be elevated to the shortstop position sometime in the coming season. Others believe he needs more time to develop. Nevertheless, he is making the Yankees’ decision in obtaining a new shortstop more complicated. Volpe has demonstrated the tools to make him a star Yankee. With the Renegades, he had a .294 batting average with 27 home runs and excellent defense. However, many see him spending at least another year at the AAA level.
2.) Oswald Peraza: Even with Volpe on the horizon, Peraza could very well be the Yankees’ shortstop of the future. The 21-year-old stands At 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds. Last season he was an excellent defender, he is a contact hitter that has learned to elevate the ball. With Tyler Wade gone, he could be a super-utility player for the Yankees, but more likely, he will be a stand-in for whoever the Yankees pick to be their 2022 shortstop.
3.) Luis Gil: Gil made his major league debut last season, starting six games for the Yankees with a respectable 3.07 ERA. Gil, 23, has a blazing fastball that led him to 18 2/3 scoreless innings, the longest streak in MLB history to begin a career. Gil has an effective slider and is still developing a change-up. Should the Yankee falter, don’t be surprised to see Gil as the back of the rotation starter this season?
4.) Oswaldo Cabrera: Baseball America rates the 22-year-old Cabrera as the New York Yankees number eight prospect. Cabrera will start the 2022 season at Triple-A Scranton. Cabrera’s big upside is that he can play all infield positions except for first base, which he could probably handle if he had to. Cabrera is a power hitter, hitting 29 homers last season in only 118 games, hitting .272 on the season. He will surely be a call-up in 2022 should there be infield injuries.
5.) Clarke Schmidt: Schmidt was on his way to the starting rotation when he was injured. After suffering a strained elbow during spring training, the 25-year-old Schmidt missed much of the season. His curveball can be devastating and his fastball, which touched 96 last year, gets a ton of grounders. Last year he pitched in only two games with no record, but he did close a game for the Yankees. Schmidt can start for the Yankees but also can be a valuable arm out of the bullpen in the 2022 season.
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