The New York Yankees are in the midst of a fairly bad skid, something that has been caused partly by continuing to play aging players everyday. It at times can worry fans about the possible future of the roster, but that’s when fans should turn their eyes to the farm. Going through each level, here are some prospects that have had a great start to their 2024 season. One hitter and pitcher per level.
Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders (AAA) – Jasson Dominguez OF (#1) & Will Warren RHP (#7)
While Dominguez has battled injuries since the end of last year, he’s looked like his usual self in his time back. In 37 plate appearances Dominguez hit for a .389 average and totalled a 1.044 OPS. The Yankees number one overall prospect, once healthy, will be a huge addition to a lineup in the Bronx that is desperate for a youthful boost.
Besides his inflated ERA, Will Warren has looked solid on the mound so far in AAA. The Yankees seventh ranked prospect looks to push to the bigs, but will more than likely not see time this season with a packed rotation. Whether or not he’ll be brought up for a bullpen role is unsure, but he’s striking out significantly more batters than he is walking them. If he can start to limit hits more, he can put himself in a great position to help the big league club.
Somerset Patriots (AA) – Agustin Ramirez C (#20) & Zach Messinger RHP (#21)
The 20th overall prospect in the Yankees system has had a great start and continues to trend towards the majors. The catching position is an absolute need right now with the poor start from Austin Wells and lackluster arm strength from Jose Trevino. Ramirez is helping ease the minds of some Yankees fans as he’s hitting for a .289 batting average, a .942 OPS, recording 16 home runs, and 49 RBI’s. While off to a slow start in AAA, Ramirez looks poised to possibly be a future backstop in the Bronx.
Messinger is currently the 21st best prospect in the Yankees farm system and has been good on the mound throughout the start of this season in Somerset. Through 74 innings pitched, Messinger has put up a 3.89 ERA but a K/9 rate of 10.1. With more development it’ll be interesting to see where the Yankees put him, but his numbers have been solid so far this season.
Hudson Valley Renegades (A+) – Jesus Rodriguez C & Cam Schlittler RHP
Yet to crack the Yankees top 30 prospects list, Jesus Rodriguez has put up great numbers in 2024. The catcher has hit for a .332 batting average, walking just about as many times as he strikes out, and totalling a .919 OPS. With the previously stated catcher dilemma, seeing success from a young 22 year old backstop is huge. Rodriguez is currently in AA, but was just placed on the 7-day injured list.
23-year old Cam Schlittler has seen great success at the High-A level and made the jump all the way to AAA. After a not so successful start in Scranton, Schlittler finds himself back in Hudson Valley where he looks to continue to put up solid numbers. The right hander in 54.1 innings pitched so far in Hudson Valley recorded a 2.32 ERA with 71 strikeouts compared to his 28 walks. If Schlittler can continue to post these numbers, expect his name to rise through the farm.
Tampa Tarpons (A) – Dylan Jasso 3B/1B & Oseil Rodriguez RHP
The 21-year old is standing out on both the offensive and defensive ends in 2024. Jasso is currently hitting for a .249 batting average, with eight home runs, 42 RBIs, and a .775 OPS. While Jasso’s offensive numbers haven’t been standout necessarily, and the strikeouts could definitely be lower, what’s most intriguing is his defense. Jasso has played almost 50 games at the 1B corner, with a .989 fielding percentage. He’s only committed four errors, and none of those were committed from third base, his other spot. The 3B and 1B spots are needed right now and while he can’t fill it, it’s a nice thought for down the road.
Rodriguez has been another solid relief arm out of the bullpen for the Yankees farm system. In 33.0 innings pitched, Rodriguez has recorded a 2.18 ERA with a K/9 rate of 10.4. If Rodriguez can start to lower his amount of walks, the 22-year old should fly up the Yankee system.
Rookie Complex – Abrahan Ramirez SS & Yoljeldriz Diaz RHP
The 19-year old shortstop has looked like he’s been hitting with a tennis racquet with how good his stats have been this season. In 31 games and over 100 at bats in the complex, Ramirez has hit for a .404 batting average, obtained a .520 on base percentage, and an OPS of 1.106. For a young player like Ramirez to look this comfortable at the plate is great, and it gives the Yankees even more infield depth given he continues to rise.
Diaz has seen more success at the complex than in A-ball with Tampa. This season in the complex, Diaz has gotten three wins out of ten appearances from the bullpen, totalling out a 1.00 ERA. Diaz has struck out 22 batters compared to his seven walks, and has a K/9 rate of 11.0. The 22-year old is putting up great numbers in rookie ball, and could possibly be a great bullpen piece in the Bronx.
Dominican Summer League – Luis Escudero 2B & Edinzo Marquez RHP
Escudero has only played 11 games in the DSL so far but he’s put up great numbers this season. He’s hit for a .379 average and has been walking much more often than he strikes out. With more time it’ll be interesting to follow Escudero who totalled a .807 OPS last season as well. He looks improved and the ceiling can continue to rise for the 18-year old second baseman.
Marquez has improved his stats from 2022 and has had great numbers after four starts. In 13.2 innings pitched Marquez recorded a 1.98 ERA allowing only three earned runs and striking out 16, while only walking six batters. Marquez has battled injuries so far in his career but the 19-year old looks much improved.