Not all prospects for the New York Yankees will end up in pinstripes, leaving a good amount of young talent that will likely be used as trade bait.
The youth movement for the New York Yankees is officially in full swing this spring. We’ve been witnessing prospect after prospect step-up to the plate and prove that they deserve a shot in the major leagues.
Of those prospects dwelling in the minor leagues, there are some that will never make it to pinstripes. However, they might just make a difference for some other team.
The chances of some of these guys being traded are highly likely. In fact, the Yankees are already discussing the possibility of thrusting former prospect Rob Refsnyder into trade talks.
However, there will be plenty more to come in trade talks. Not because they’re not performing up to their expectations, but because they might not have room on the roster.
Without further adieu, here are six prospects who the Yankees will likely become trade bait sooner or later.
1. Kyle Higashioka
He’s been slugging at the plate this spring which just makes the case for his potential trade much better.
The 26-year-old backstop has been in the Yankees’ system since 2008 but is finally getting his shot after being slowed down by injury and he is excelling.
Higashioka is currently slashing .556/.636./1.333 this spring with two home runs, showing some incredible talent at the plate. The only problem is that the Yankees already have a reliable back-up in Austin Romine.
Romine has no other options besides serving as a backup to Gary Sanchez, while Higgy might be ready to be an everyday catcher. There are several teams who would be chomping at the bit for a chance at a young catcher with power.
Sure, it’d be great to keep Higgy but with the talent he’s shown so far, Higashioka would benefit far more from playing every day. With his promise, the Yankees would be likely to get something great in return too.
That’s right, Red Thunder might not be a Yankee. He’s been stellar so far this spring, but the Yankees have an overabundance of promising outfield prospects.
While Frazier has the flash, Dustin Fowler seems to be developing into the all-around player that the Yankees are searching for. Any team that hears Frazier’s name in the mix will likely give up a lot to gain him.
While it would be ideal to keep such a brash, outspoken outfielder on their roster, there are other players who are performing at a higher level. The Yankees should want to keep the best, especially if they have options in the outfield.
Who knows? Frazier may very likely stick around and get a shot at some time in pinstripes. However, don’t be surprised if his name surfaces in trade talks.
Even so, Red Thunder would be attractive trade bait for any team looking for an outfielder willing to do anything to get to the majors.
3. Chance Adams
Adams is vying for an opportunity to make his way through the system, but it’s certainly possible that he’ll find a home elsewhere. The reliever is likely going to be gravitating towards a starter role and has shown great promise.
While Adams still has time to develop his skills, the Yankees might throw his name out there to see if they can potentially get a pitcher in return who could make an impact in 2017.
The right-hander’s fastball is what has stuck out to scouts as his dominant pitch. It usually sits around 94 and 96 m.p.h. but has even topped out at 98 at times.
He has looked good so far, but he still has some work to do to make it to the majors. The Yankees might throw his name out there if they are desperate to win right away.
If this is what they decide to do, they’ll likely get a great response for him.
4. Tyler Wade
Tyler Wade has the potential to control the future of the middle infield for the Yankees, but something smells like the Yankees might use him as trade bait.
With Didi Gregorius currently manning short, Gleyber Torres tearing it up everywhere he goes and Miguel Andujar showing off at third, the infield seems entirely full. This leaves Wade as the odd man out.
Not only is Wade an excellent shortstop, but he has shown that he is incredibly versatile, a skill that will bode well in the major leagues.
So shouldn’t the Yankees keep him? Maybe. However, they’ve got a lot of talent to work with and Wade in trade talks would be an appealing option.
Sometimes you have to give up something great to get something great. If the Yankees end up doing that with Wade, they’ll be losing a talented player but likely gaining a great haul for him.
5. J.P. Feyereisen
Feyereisen has only been in the Yankees farm system for a short length of time, but it is likely he’ll be used in trade talks due to their overabundance of promising pitching prospects.
While Feyereisen may not be a household name or in the Yankees top 30 prospects, he still is a hard-throwing 24-year-old that looks to make an impact on the mound.
In the past season, he has worked on improving his velocity and expanding his pitch repertoire to help him on his journey to the majors.
Because he is not one of their most popular names, it makes him great option to put on the trade block. He is still an emerging name who is looking to make a splash.
Well, he’s well on his way.
Feyereisen will make a difference for someone. With the overabundance of pitchers in the Yankees’ system, he would likely be a valuable trade piece.
6. Mason Williams
While Williams has given the Yankees some excitement when it comes to the outfield, he seems to be a player who is ready to give it his all and search for a spot on the roster.
There’s just one problem. Right now, the outfield in the Bronx is full. While Williams got a few chances to show off, his opportunities dwindled away with various injuries.
While he has suffered a few injuries, his talent is still incredible and any team would be lucky to have him. He still showed promise in his short major league stints and that is enough to have teams fawning over him.
Put him on the trade block and the Yankees are guaranteed to get a good return. They have a full outfield, so why not test the waters a little bit?
These prospects might end up staying in the Bronx, but the potential for trading these prospects is pretty good. If the Yankees are willing to take a chance, these are the guys they should be working with.