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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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Oct 18, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Scottsdale Scorpions pitcher Jammes Kaprielian of the New York Yankees against the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game at Sloan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Scottsdale Scorpions pitcher Jammes Kaprielian of the New York Yankees against the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game at Sloan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. James Kaprielian, RHP

Birthdate: 3/2/94 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: high A
Stats in 2016: 18 IP, 1.50 ERA, 0.61 WHIP, 4.62 BB%, 33.85 K%

Right now, this spot is based on Kaprielian staying healthy, which is a concern that spiked in 2016.

Kaprielian was a key reliever on the UCLA 2013 College World Series champion, and then he took over as the Friday night starter for the next two seasons. He was highly regarded due to his feel for pitching coming into the draft.

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Kaprielian throws three plus pitches along with an above-average slider to give him an elite four-pitch mix. However, he got a ton of notice this summer when he made a few starts in the Florida State League and was able to hold velocity to 94-96 and touching 99 deep into ball games.

Even before the velocity spike, Kaprielian was regarded with a plus fastball due to the elite sink he got on the pitch, so adding that velocity immediately would bump Kaprielian to a potential front-line starter.

After some innings in the Arizona Fall League, it’s possible that the Yankees give Kaprielian the opportunity to move up to AA in 2017.

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