The New York Yankees have several high-end prospects who could make an impact for them in 2024. But which ones have the best chance to help them win? The team has just four prospects ranked in MLB’s Top 100 Prospects list, but the Yanks’ farm system runs deep. Here are the Yankees’ top 5 prospects that have the highest probability of playing in the Bronx later on this year.
Top Yankees Prospects to Watch This Season
5. Will Warren
The Yankees’ 8th-round draft pick Will Warren has rapidly risen up through the minors since he was drafted in 2021. The 24-year-old righty from Southeastern Louisiana University made Double-A just two months into his career as a pro. He was promoted again to Triple-A in 2023 after 6 Double-A starts, posting a 7-4 record with a 3.61 ERA in 21 appearances. Warren has struggled in 2024 with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, particularly with the long ball. In addition to a 4.86 ERA, he’s given up eight homers (2.16 HR/9), tied for 4th-most in the minor leagues.
There are also a lot of things to like about Warren. He has an efficient high-velocity slider that accompanies a four-seamer, two-seamer, changeup, and a darting sinker that induces a lot of grounders. The big thing preventing him from being major league-ready is his iffy command, which is often inconsistent. But if he keeps improving at the rate he has, he’ll be a lock for September call-ups.
4. Everson Pereira
After signing with the Yankees from Venezuela in 2017, Everson Pereira has spent the past six years developing in the minors. However, the 23-year-old outfielder struggled mightily after being called up to the majors last summer. Despite being labeled as a power threat, he failed to record a single homer in 93 major league at-bats, though he has hit 10 in 35 Triple-A games this season. Beyond his bat, Pereira has above-average speed and great instincts in the outfield, making him a viable option at all three positions. If Pereira can maintain his power numbers and cut down on strikeouts, he could establish himself as a solid outfield option off the bench this season, as well as a solid outfielder in the future.
?Everson Pereira Blasts HR (10)#RepBx #Yankees pic.twitter.com/8MvA3Hw7rV
— YankeesFarm (@YankeesFarm) May 14, 2024
3. Clayton Beeter
Though not a highly-touted prospect, Clayton Beeter has shown promise as a reliable starter. After recording a rare three-pitch inning in his MLB debut (and only appearance thus far in the majors) against the Astros on March 29, the 25-year-old has pitched very well in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, putting up a 3-1 record with a 2.89 ERA. He also has a strong K/BB ratio of 41/16 in 28 innings, mostly thanks to a wicked slider that has a tendency to generate tons of swings and misses.
Beeter has struggled with his other pitches though, and he needs to improve at working deeper into games. Accordingly, he may be better off switching to a relief role rather than remaining a starter. And although he does have great numbers, his command and control could definitely improve. If Beeter zones in on his good pitches and focuses on refining his location, he has a good shot to see some success as a reliever for the Yanks.
2. Chase Hampton
The 22-year-old out of Texas Tech showed a lot of upside in his pro debut last season. Chase Hampton flat-out bullied hitters at times at High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset. Between those two levels, he struck out 145 batters in 106 2/3 innings. He has multiple dominant pitches: a fastball that touches 97 mph with a very high spin rate, complemented by a hard slider and a darting cutter. He also wields a curveball and a changeup, which are not as effective as his primary pitches.
The 2022 sixth-round draft pick is yet another example of the Yankees’ knack for finding legitimate pitching talent in the later rounds. Hampton has a lot of potential but has yet to make his season debut due to injury. Depending on when he returns, in addition to how well he pitches, there is a serious chance that Hampton sees time on the major league roster this season.
1. Jasson Domínguez
This is the guy Yankees and baseball fans have been waiting on for years. Jasson Domínguez is arguably the most hyped international prospect of all time, and he showed why in 2023. After hitting .419 in nine games in Triple-A, he hit a home run off Justin Verlander in his MLB debut. Though he may not be the five-tool player he was once touted as, his natural athleticism and raw power is more than impressive. There is generally zero doubt about his future as a star in the majors.
In the first at-bat of his rehab assignment, Jasson Domínguez gets a single off Domingo Germán pic.twitter.com/t5zXLFjPyw
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 14, 2024
Unfortunately for the Yankees, Domínguez tore his UCL after eight games in The Show, limiting his playing time in 2024. However, he did begin rehab with Single-A Tampa on Tuesday, so barring an injury or regression, Domínguez will almost certainly return to the roster at some point this season. The No. 32 prospect in baseball still has to work on plate discipline, as well as his reactions/reads in the outfield if he wishes to remain in center. But otherwise, Domínguez has the talent to thrive in the Bronx for a long time. And he’s only 21. The Yankees have every reason to be excited about the return of the Martian later this season.
Honorable Mention: Spencer Jones
When talking about the Yankees’ top prospects, how could you not talk about Spencer Jones? The towering outfielder is probably New York’s most exciting prospect behind Domínguez, and it’s easy to see why. Unfazed by his large frame, Jones plays decent defense, but his main weapon is his sensational bat skills. Many have hailed him as a left-handed Aaron Judge, and it’s easy to see why. Though Jones has a sky-high ceiling, it’s doubtful that he’ll see much time, if any, with the Yankees in 2024.
Photo Credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
