Call to the pen
Fansided

Arizona Fall League: Scottsdale Scorpions Prospect Report

By Peyton Wesner

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 2: A general view of fans watching a spring training game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Scottsdale Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 2: A general view of fans watching a spring training game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Scottsdale Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images) /
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CLEARWATER, FL- MARCH 03: A general view at the spring training home of the New York Yankees during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 3, 2016 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL- MARCH 03: A general view at the spring training home of the New York Yankees during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 3, 2016 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Arizona Fall League to MLB Opening Day: Billy McKinney (NYY)

Stats: .311 AVG, 5 R, HR, 19 RBI, 6 BB

In less than two years, Billy McKinney went from heralded Oakland Athletics’ prospect to an organizational player with the Chicago Cubs. Luckily for him, Chicago needed bullpen help during the 2016 season, resulting in him being shipped to the Bronx.

Talk about a career-saving trade.

Blocked by Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora, the Cubs had no place to advance the then outfielder through the organization. The Yankees have.

McKinney rectified his career with career-highs in home runs (16), triples (7) and total bases (213) this season. Additionally, he reignited his offense with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Baree and punished International League pitchers with a .309 batting average and 10 home runs in 55 games.

As the Texan’s bat continues to bop pitches — he leads the AFL in RBIs with 19, New York is eagerly watching, not McKinney’s production at the plate, but his adjustment to first base. In seven Arizona starts, he has been effective and has only one error, which came on a throw.

While McKinney’s 2018 beginning destination will likely be determined by his ability on defense, one cannot help but remember the long pondering that went into Aaron Judge making the Opening Day roster.

Are McKinney and Judge the same? Of course not. However, with Greg Bird’s injury history, having an established McKinney at first base will be beneficial for the Yankees next season, whether in March, July or September.

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