James Vliestra assembles and analyses all of the top Yankees prospect names to know! Today we feature ranks #45-41!
Tyrone Yulie (RHP):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 21.6 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'4" & 180 Pounds
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2018
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023
2022 Review:
Yulie started 22 games for Tampa last year while throwing 87 innings. His walk rate was higher than he would like at 5.7/9.
2023 Preview:
If he can limit his walks and approach 110 innings for Hudson Valley, there's a good chance he gets taken in the Rule 5 draft in December.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
Yulie is yet another hidden gem in the Yankees system and he has some potential, yet not an incredibly high ceiling.
Montana Semmel (RHP):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 21.2 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'4" & 225 Pounds
Acquired: Drafted in the 36th Round of the 2019 MLB First Year Player Draft for $125K
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023
2022 Review:
Semmel threw 9 innings after being drafted out of high school in 2019, and then didn't another inning for 2 1/2 years because of the pandemic and injuries. Last year he threw 21.2 innings in the FCL still only as a 20 year old. His ERA was 2.08, WHIP was 0.692, 9.6 K/9, 4.2 H/9, 2.1 BB/9, and 4.6 K/BB.
2023 Preview:
I'm sure they are going to be extremely cautious with Semmel and start his season in extended spring training. Eventually he should wind up in Tampa, looking to hurl 60-70 innings. If all goes well he will be on many more lists next year.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
Lack of consistent playing time has been the biggest negative against Semmel so far in his career. He's lucky to have been drafted out of high school as he is still young and has time on his side.
Indigo Diaz (RHP):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 24.4 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'5" & 250 Pounds
Acquired: Received in trade with Atlanta Braves for Lucas Luetge
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023
2022 Review:
The Yankees acquired Diaz from the Braves as part of the Lucas Luetge trade. In 2021, he had a WHIP of 0.822, K9 of 16.6, and K/BB of 5.2 in 45 innings. Last year in AA, he pitched 49.2 innings and struck out 11.4/9.
2023 Preview:
It looks like the Yankees got a power arm from the Braves. His walk rate is higher than you'd want, but at times he has kept it in control. He should make it to Scranton this year and could be an arm ready willing and anxiously awaiting the call to move up to the bigs.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
Diaz is new to the system (arriving this past December) and it will take time for Yankees talent evaluators to get wise to him. His relative closeness to the majors and power helps him make an appearance on our radar.
Josh Breaux (C):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 25.4 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'1" & 220 Pounds
Acquired: Drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2018 MLB First Year Player Draft for $1.5M
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023
2022 Review:
He split last year between Somerset and Scranton. Combined he hit 19 homers, but only had a .705 OPS. A solid enough defensive catcher, he's also an all or nothing hitter.
2023 Preview:
Breaux was invited to spring training as a non roster invitee and he will get an extended look as Higashioka is headed to the WBC and both Wells and Rortvedt are injured. He will have plenty of time with the big league pitching staff. He will be headed to Scranton to start the 2023 season, and assuming all their catchers all return healthy, Breaux is the Yankees 4th string catcher and his best path to the majors will be in a different city.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
Breaux is a solid catching prospect who finds himself with a high floor but low ceiling. He's a nice depth piece in a system that has other more notable names, but could be an MLB'er soon enough (though not likely in NYC).
Jhony Brito (RHP):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 25.1 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'2" & 160 Pounds
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2015
Rule 5 Eligible: Currently on the Yankees 40-Man Roster
2022 Review:
Between Somerset and Scranton, Brito combined for 112.2 innings. He's not a strikeout machine but he limited batters to 2.8 BB/9 and had a WHIP around 1.15.
2023 Preview:
He was added to their 40-man roster over the winter. He'll likely stay stretched out as a starter in Scranton but he's capable of contributing in the Bronx as early as opening day out of the bullpen.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
For the most part, Brito is a top 30 prospect. It helps he's also already snagged a 40-Man roster spot so he has a chance to contribute immediately without need for any bigger roster shenanigans.
