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New York Yankees Top 10 Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Mar 18, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of the field and the New York Yankees logo before the game between the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Orioles defeat the Yankees 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of the field and the New York Yankees logo before the game between the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Orioles defeat the Yankees 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jorgge Mateo (93) hits a home run during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jorgge Mateo (93) hits a home run during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jorge Mateo, SS/2B

Birthdate: 6/23/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: high A
Stats in 2016: .254/.306/.379, 8 HR, 36 SB

While not an elite talent coming into signing season, Mateo was still talented enough that the Yankees spent $225K on him because of his ridiculous speed.

The speed has certainly not disappointed, as Mateo is a legit 80-run tool player on the 20 to 80 scouting scale, one of perhaps a dozen in the entire minor leagues.

It’s the rest of his offensive game that has come and gone in fits and spurts, with his power flashing, his contact skills flashing, and the biggest issue continuing to be his pitch recognition.

Mateo is a legit 80-run tool player on the 20 to 80 scouting scale

Mateo moved to second base with the arrival of Torres into the system, and that is probably a better location for him, in spite of his plus arm as he struggled with his accuracy from short. He could also profile well in center field with his speed and arm if the Yankees decide to make that transition.

Mateo has average power that should allow him to tap into double-digit home runs a time or two in his major league career, but he’ll most likely get his extra base hits in the form of doubles and triples. However, getting on base will need to be a priority for Mateo, as he has struggled with pitch recognition thus far.

Mateo will likely join Torres in AA in 2017, and if he maintains his current levels, he’d be an elite 9-hole hitter in the AL. However, if he could get his strike zone recognition to tick up a level, he could be a very impactful piece at the top of the lineup.

Next: #4

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