Prospects that Could Make an Impact in 2020
- Iona
- Mar 4, 2020
- 2 min read
Brendan Smith
Keith Law of The Athletic ranks the New York Yankees' farm system as the sixth-best in baseball. While the majority of the system is a few years away from making significant impacts, there are still a few top prospects knocking on the door of the big leagues.
Mike King, RHP
King made his MLB debut last season and is currently auditioning for a rotation spot with the recent injuries to Luis Severino and James Paxton. The right-hander relies on movement and control rather than pure stuff, King's control grades out as a true plus. The 24-year-old offers back of the rotation upside with the floor of a solid middle reliever. At worst, King will pitch out of the bullpen with occasional spot starts, and at best will fill a spot in the rotation with Severino lost for the season.
Clarke Schmidt, RHP
Schmidt looked every bit like a top ten pick in his final season at South Carolina in 2017. However, Tommy John Surgery in April allowed Schmidt to slip to the Yankees at 16. After missing the entire summer after being drafted, Schmidt returned for 23.1 innings in 2018, but jumped all the way to Double-A in 2019. Schmidt possesses a true plus fastball, with above-average breaking pitches. Despite some injury concerns and questions about the violence in his delivery, Schmidt projects to be a solid number three starter at his peak. Look for Schmidt to debut late this summer, after some more seasoning at Double-A.
Deivi Garcia, RHP
Just 20-years-old, Garcia is one of the most exciting prospects in the system. Armed with a plus-plus curveball and a plus fastball, Garcia has already seen action in 23 games at Double-A and Triple-A. Scouts have questioned his ability to stick in a rotation due to his lack of size and durability concerns. As a starter, Garcia projects as a potential front-line option. Should he move to the bullpen, Garcia offers high-leverage upside. His debut will likely come in September, and likely out of the bullpen.
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