James Vliestra assembles and analyses all of the top Yankees prospect names to know! Today we feature ranks #50-46!
Jerson Alejandro (RHP):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 17.2 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'6" & 255 Pounds
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2023
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2027
2022 Review:
The Yankees just signed "King Kong" as an international free agent in January. He's been getting rave reviews from outside sources which is encouraging. He's 6'6" and 255 as a 17 year old!
2023 Preview:
His first pitch in the DSL will also be his first as a professional. It'll take some time to see what the hype is all about.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
Several publications are going out and giving him near Top-20 marks. We're going to be a little more careful now before he throws any professional pitches, but Alejandro will be a player to watch grow.
Sean Boyle (RHP):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 26.4 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'1" & 205 Pounds
Acquired: Drafted in the 25th Round of the 2018 MLB First Year Player Draft
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023
2022 Review:
In 2021, Boyle pitched for all four full season affiliates as a reliever. Last year he moved from Somerset to Scranton; this time as a starter. He almost doubled his previous career high in innings pitched going from 86 to 155.1. His WHIP was 1.107 which actually raised his career mark to 1.046. His 2 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 was good for a 4.71 K/BB rate, slightly lower than his career mark of 4.94.
2023 Preview:
Boyle went from a 25th round pick to a non roster invitee in Yankees camp in 4 years. He's nearly a major league ready starter that likely won't get much of a shot with the Yankees. I can see him as part of a mid season trade and going on to have a decent Major League career. (Especially if Wesnescki and Waldichuk are examples to be followed.)
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
Boyle is a fringe Top-50 prospect, with Fangraphs being incredibly high on his potential with a Top-16 ranking. That's extremely generous to the point it makes you think about what is in his future.
Juan Carela (RHP):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 21.2 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'3" & 185 Pounds
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2018 for $335K
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023
2022 Review:
Carela advanced from Tampa to Hudson Valley in 2022. Combined he struck out 131 in 107 innings. That's 11 K/9.
2023 Preview:
He will return to The Renegades where they will try to increase his innings while reducing his career walk rate of 5.2/9.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
Carela is listed as a top 30 on several lists, but tends to come closer to the Top-50 on others.
Anthony Siegler (C):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 23.7 Years Old
Height/Weight: 6'0" & 200 Pounds
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st Round of the 2018 MLB First Year Player Draft for $2.8M
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023
2022 Review:
Seigler had his best season since being drafted as a high schooler. Between Tampa and Hudson Valley he had a .775 OPS. However that was his second year at High-A as he had previously stagnated and has been passed by other catchers in the organization.
2023 Preview:
We have got a glimpse of him at big league camp this spring, as he was there as a non roster invitee. There's lots of pitchers that need catching and only so many to do the catching. He should be up in Somerset this year, however even if he does, the former first round pick needs to start producing before he is labeled a bust.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
On all the extended lists he's rated in the mid 40s. Not what you want from a first round draft pick.
Alexander Vargas (SS):
Age (As of 4/1/23): 21.4 Years Old
Height/Weight: 5'11" & 150 Pounds
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2018 for $2.5M
Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023
2022 Review:
Vargas had what only can be described as a disappointing 2022 in Tampa. His OPS was a measly .583. His speed is exciting as he did steal 27 bases, but he was also caught 13 times. To make matters worse, Vargas also struck out 123 times in 389 at bats.
2023 Preview:
They definitely need to work on his confidence. Maybe some time at extended spring training before a return to Tampa. He needs to get back to being the player that earned a hefty signing bonus.
2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:
Analysis of Rankings:
Alexander Vargas was comfortably in the "next tier" of Yankees middle-infield prospects, but after a disappointing 2022 season he's seen a considerable fall. His pedigree does still hold weight to keep him around the major networks, however.
