The recently released 2019 MLB Pipeline top-100 prospect list features two exciting New York Yankees youngsters.
The 2019 season hasn’t even started, and the New York Yankees are already leading the Boston Red Sox. The Bombers have two representatives on the MLB Pipeline top-100 prospect list, while Boston has just one.
Outfielder Estevan Florial took the No. 57 spot, and right-handed pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga came in at No. 66. Infielder Michael Chavis is the only Red Sox prospect on the list, at No. 79.
Every team has at least one player on the list, and the San Diego Padres lead the way with 10—including the No. 2 prospect, Fernando Tatis Jr.
New York had zero prospects on Baseball America’s top-100 list, so MLB’s official rankings should be a pleasant surprise for Bombers fans.
Florial, who just turned 21 in November, has slashed .281/.365/.449 in four minor-league seasons. He attended spring training in 2018, showing off his speed with three triples and two stolen bases in just 37 plate appearances.
[membership level="0"] [/membership]MLB Pipeline estimates that Florial will make it to the Bronx in 2021.
Loaisiga should be a familiar name to most Yankees fans, as he debuted with the team in 2018. The 22-year-old appeared in nine games (four starts), going 2-0 with a 5.11 ERA.
Those numbers aren’t exactly groundbreaking; however, he did flash his potential by striking out 33 batters in 24.2 innings. If Loaisiga has a stellar spring training, he could be a long shot to earn a spot in the Yankees’ bullpen.
Also, the Yankees have an injury prone James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka’s frayed elbow, and CC Sabathia’s troublesome knee in their rotation. My money is on Loaisiga starting the season at triple-A to stay sharp for a potential spot start.
Tune in to spring training to get a little preview of what the Bombers’ top prospects can do.
