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

New York Yankees prospects who could make their MLB debuts in 2017 1
Oct 18, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Scottsdale Scorpions pitcher James Kaprielian of the New York Yankees against the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game at Sloan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Higashioka

After slashing .276/.337/.511 with 21 homers between Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2016, catching prospect Kyle Higashioka needed protection from the Rule-5 Draft and was added to the 40-man roster.


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That means that the 26-year old may start his rookie campaign in the Bronx following this year’s spring training, but the fact that Austin Romine is out of options may prevent that from happening.

Nevertheless, Higashioka has made strides with his bat and has always packed an above average glove making him the theoretical “third string catcher.”

If anything were to happen to Romine or Gary Sanchez, expect New York’s seventh-round pick from the 2008 June Amateur Draft to step in as the backup catcher for a brief major league assignment.

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Christian Kouroupakis
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.