Yankees have acquired fourteen prospects across numerous trades to the point where many have already become household’s names before stepping on a major league diamond.
Thanks to increased awareness to player development and the major league draft there is extensive video taken on all players.
Not to mention the scouting that major league ball clubs have not just in the United States but as a global game as a whole.
That being said, we know the big names the Yankees have acquired in such trades like Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield in the Andrew Miller deal from the Indians, Dillon Tate, whom was acquired for from the Texas Rangers for Carlos Beltran.
We cannot forget to mention though, the “other” prospects that were acquired that people tend to forget. Here are two prospects who weren’t the big names discussed, but can be key contributors or valuable trade chips.
- Nick Green ( Acquired in the Carlos Beltran Trade)- Drafted in seventh round in 2014 out of Indian Hills Community College in Iowa. Though a skinny 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, Green brings a quick arm that allows him to get his fastball up to 95 mph. The Yankees originally drafted him in the 35th round in 2013 out of a Colorado high school, liking the promise he showed with a clean arm action and room to grow into his body. An average curveball is Green’s main secondary pitch. He is a longer-term project who will need to gain strength in order to reach his potential. (Comparison- Carl Edwards Jr)
- Zack Littell (Traded for James Pazos)- Littell’s heater is his best offering, registering in the low 90s and topping out at 94 with late life. He fearlessly attacks hitters with the pitch, commanding it to both sides of the plate while working down in the zone so as to generate ground-ball outs. His curveball is his primary secondary offering and makes him particularly tough on same-side hitters, but he’ll need to refine his changeup in order to neutralize lefties at higher levels. Jim Callis of MLB.com attributes his improvement this year to “an uptick in his stuff and overall pitchability.” Prior to this season, he had struck out just 18.9% of the batters he’s faced as a professional. If he can sustain this ability to miss bats as he progresses to the upper-minors, he has a legitimate shot at becoming a quality middle or back-of-the-rotation option in the big leagues as soon as 2018. (Comparison- Luis Cessa)
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