Yankees prospects: Previewing the 2018 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

What to Expect

Triple-A is typically where teams store their major league-ready players until they are needed in the big leagues. A lot of times that means these guys aren’t really prospects but instead are veterans on minor league deals looking for a chance. The Yankees have a few of those this year, but for the most part the organization is set to rely on internal talent. Scranton’s Opening Day roster has significant depth when it comes to position players, but the pitching is pretty light at this point.

Position Players to Watch

Miguel Andujar (3B) has already been called up to the big leagues and should see some time before he’s sent back down. The trade for Brandon Drury certainly didn’t help him, but he still has a chance at more playing time, if the need arises.

Thairo Estrada (SS/2B) was shot in the hip in the offseason and hasn’t been able to play yet. As a middle infielder, he’s not exactly needed in this organization, but more depth isn’t a bad thing. He’s likely to get some attention this summer if he can get his bat going.

Clint Frazier (OF) is still on his way back from a concussion, but if he can get healthy again, he will be a valuable piece of depth for this team. It’s likely that most other teams would have an roster spot for him at this point, but he will have to wait a little longer to really have the space he needs to get going. He’s still no guarantee, but there is a lot of hope.

Kyle Higashioka (C) is one injury away from the big leagues. He’s certainly not going to unseat someone like Gary Sanchez, but Higashioka could prove to be a better hitter than Austin Romine. Unfortunately, Romine is under team control or the next two years, so Higashioka will have to be patient.

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Billy McKinney (OF) has surprised everyone with the resurrection of his career over the last year or so. He was on the verge of becoming forgotten, and now he’s already made the majors. McKinney may never become the star he was once thought to be, but he should prove to be a reliable backup outfielder, and that’s still useful.

Gleyber Torres (SS/2B) is the star player from the Yankees organization, but a slow spring put a damper on things. Torres just needs to get back into game action and he should be exciting fans once again. Given the team’s uncertain infield, and his ability to play multiple positions, there’s a good chance for Torres to reach the majors later this year.

Pitchers to Watch

Chance Adams (RHP) is the de facto star pitcher of the RailRiders rotation. He has done well to this point, but his lack over overpowering stuff could eventually sink him at the big league level. He was disappointing this spring, but hopefully that’s not a sign of things to come. This will be a key year for him because he will need to be added to the 40 after the season.

Domingo German (RHP) has come a long way to become relevant in the year 2018. He looked legitimately good in spring training, and he likely would have made the roster if there was more space for him. He’s likely a reliever in the long run, but he should continue to get work as a starter. German could ultimately be an interesting swingman, should the need arise.

J.P. Feyereisen (RHP) has seen some mixed results since coming over to the Yankees from Cleveland. At the end of the day, he needs to figure out how to limit his walks and get back to striking out hitters. He seemed to impress Aaron Boone in spring training, so this could be when he finally gets a spot on the 40. He can’t be any worse than someone like Giovanny Gallegos.