The New York Yankees were great at pulling up the right guys from the minor leagues last season with the highest potential of performing at the big stage. Every unfortunate injury would only lead them to discover solid talent in their program. There are two guys that have been up and down on the roster several times that I believe will make a good impact on the team next year.
Tyler Wade
Often overlooked because his offensive numbers are subpar, Tyler Wade has immense value. Speed is something that gets forgotten about in today’s modern baseball, as the “big fly” steals all the hype. But when it comes down to games that matter and especially in playoff games, guys like Wade who are coming off the bench to simply steal a base or score from second are incredibly valuable.
Another thing to note about Wade is he’s way above average in the field. He’s regarded as possibly the best defensive infielder in the Yankee organization.
Even though his Major League offensive numbers aren’t strong he had a great season in triple-A last year, batting .296 with 19 doubles in 79 games. Wade will never be a award-winning type hitter, but I think if he were to get consistent at-bats in the Major Leagues he could put up around .250 with ten homers a year. For a shortstop, that’s not too shabby.
Mike Ford
Princeton man, Mike Ford, is exactly the kind of guy that New York Yankees love. Prime example, his walk-off homer against Oakland this past season. He was sitting on the bench for eight innings when he’s called upon to pinch-hit in a tight game. Instead of mentally collapsing because he was on the bench for so long, he has a great at-bat and ends up popping one to win the game.
Ford batted .259 last year in 143 at-bats but he’s shown that he knows what he’s doing at the plate. Ford is always getting in deep counts and working the pitcher. Regardless of the outcome, he’s always up there doing something beneficial for his team. That meaning, working the pitcher, drawing a walk, etc.
Tyler Wade and Mike Ford are two guys that haven’t got much consistent experience in the Major League but I think they’ll serve an important role for the 2020 season. They’re the kind of guys that whatever situation they are put in, they’ll find a way to help the team.