The New York Yankees relied on several youth products in 2018. Players like Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisiga featured frequently, earning a 5.57 ERA in 21 games and 5.11 ERA in 9 games respectively. The two will likely be used less in 2019, as they undoubtedly forced the Yankees’ hand in at least six losses.
There comes a time that every team has to lean on their youth talent to get them through games, especially down the stretch of the season when injuries begin to pile up.
The Yankees have another youth product emerging:
The year, 23-year-old Michael King showcased his abilities, jumping from Class-A Tampa to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. His numbers were impressive, as he finished the season with Scranton – 1.15 ERA in 39 innings (4-0 record). His talents seem to be legit, and he could be called up as soon as this year to feature as a starting option.
King was one of the 21 non-roster invites that the Yankees will be bringing in to spring training. But, the most impressive aspect of King is his ability to improve when challenges are presented.
A lot of players cannot handle the level of competition right away when climbing the farm-system, but King has taken it in stride and performed valiantly without wavering in confidence.
Minor league pitching coordinator Danny Borrell stated, according to the New York Post:
“Every time he moved up, he seemed to get better,†Borrell said in regard to King. “He wasn’t fazed by the better competition and he knows how to pitch.â€
The young pitcher will enter spring training with a chip on his shoulder, and he knows that this will be his opportunity to prove his worth.
“It’s definitely in the back of my mind,†King said of potentially be called up to the majors in 2019. “I’m going to go into spring training and try to prove myself. I know the Yankees are probably gonna buy some big-time guy. That’s how they are, no matter what. I don’t care who they have, I’m gonna try to beat them out and prove I deserve a spot here.â€