New York Yankees prospects who could make their MLB debuts in 2017

Christian Kouroupakis • 01/31/2017

James Kaprielian

Like the young guys around him, James Kaprielian is another arm in New York’s system that could merit a promotion if the rotation completely falls apart.

Last year, the Yankees high hopes for its 2015 first round draft pick to the point where there was even talk about Kaprielian making his debut as soon as 2016.

Of course, an injury to the right elbow crippled those chances but if he looks as good as he did in the Arizona Fall League and remains healthy, don’t be surprised to see that call-up hype again.

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In just his first seven minor league games, the 22-year old maintained a 1.55 ERA while striking out 36 batters.

Down in the AFL, his first taste of live action following his elbow flexor strain, his fastball sat between 94-96 mph and reached as high as 97 mph.

If an injury doesn’t shorten a second consecutive season filled with promise, there is some assumption that Kaprielian can have a Chris Sale-like path to the Bronx. Sale pitched in a mere 12 games in the minors and was called up in the same year in which he was drafted.

Like Chance Adams, though, the major league rotation could accelerate Kaprielian’s already swift ascension to the Bronx.

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Christian Kouroupakis

Christian Kouroupakis covers the New York Yankees and is the Editorial Director for ESNY. Interact with him and view his daily work by “liking” his facebook page and follow him on Twitter. All statistics are courtesy of Baseball Reference.com unless otherwise noted. Don’t hesitate to shoot him an email with any questions, criticisms, or concerns.