Miguel Yajure was one of the breakout players for the Tampa Tarpons this season, pitching well enough to find himself on the MLB.com new Yankees’ Top 30 Prospect List this offseason. The 21-year-old Venezuelan pitcher ended the year at Trenton and should continue there next year. Here is what you should know about Miguel Yajure.
Name: Miguel Yajure Birthdate: May 1, 1998 Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: R/R Height: 6’1 Weight: 175 Hometown: Cabimas, Venezuela
The Yankees dropped a lot of money during the 2014-15 international signings, but they may have gotten the best deal with Yajure who signed for just $30,000. He made his professional debut in 2015 at age 17, throwing 57 innings for a 1.42 ERA in the Dominican Summer League.
Yajure came stateside in 2016, throwing 31.1 innings in the Gulf Coast League. He had a 2.87 ERA and 21 strikeouts to only five walks, but his progress was suddenly halted. Yajure underwent Tommy John surgery and then missed the entire 2017 season. In 2018, Yajure returned by pitching 64.2 for the RiverDogs. He had a 3.90 ERA, but most impressively he struck out 56 batters and allowed only 15 walks.
This year, Yajure put together his first full season performance. He started the year with Tampa, making 18 starts and 22 appearances for 127.2 innings. He had a 2.26 ERA and racked up 122 and issued only 28 walks. His performance in Tampa netted him Post-Season All-Star honors. Yajure made two starts for Trenton and held a 0.82 ERA with eleven Ks and only 2 strikeouts. He held batters to a .232 average in 2019.
Tommy John surgery allowed for Yajure to gain some strength during his rehab. His fastball now sits at 92-95 mph. While the stronger fastball is great, it is his plus changeup that is his best pitch. He has also added a cutter that has the potential to be a plus pitch. His curveball has some spin to it and, with more work, it should be serviceable. The main strength Yajure has is his ability to strike out batters. He has great command and pounds the bottom of the strike zone.
Yajure should start 2020 in Trenton and could see time in Scranton if he keeps on this path. He is unlikely to ever be an overpowering pitcher, but his consistency has him projected as a solid back of the rotation starter.
