A Lot of Tylers This Year
Yankees fans know by now that both Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar are going to get time in the majors this year. Both men swing high impact bats too valuable to leave in Scranton. And Torres is penciled in as the second baseman of the near future.
But Yankees fans will certainly see more than just these two faces. However, some of the ones they might have seen have departed the organization, such as P Nestor Cortes (Orioles) and OF Jake Cave (Twins-AAA).
That still leaves some familiar faces. The Yankees are already intimating that Tyler Austin will come back, with Bird out until June.
But pushing him this year will be Billy McKinney. McKinney came over two years ago in the same deal that brought Torres and seems to have finally finished developing, as suggested by Danny Knobler of Bleacher Report:
"It turns out maybe Billy McKinney is better than marginal, that maybe he’s just one of those players who needed a while to develop, one of those guys who will eventually get a chance and justify that first-round pick and those big trades. “Big league ready,” said two scouts who have seen him. “It’s just quality at-bat after quality at-bat,” new Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, according to Randy Miller of NJ.com. “He’s really impressed me all the way around.”"
The Yankees have played him at first and corner outfield, creating multiple opportunities. And at some point this season they are going to want to see if his bat really plays or not.
Of Great Utility
That’s going to be true for UI Thairo Estrada once he recovers. A tremendous four-tool player, his lack of power is commensurate with many other infielders. However, he can play defense as good as Wade, and probably hit a lot better.
For example, each man was 21 when he played his one full season at Double-A Trenton. Wade did so in 2016, hitting .259/.352/.349 to go with five home runs and 16 doubles.
Estrada just finished his age 21 season with the Thunder, and he finished with a .301/.353/.392 slash, along with eight home runs and 18 doubles. One big difference, though, is that Estrada collected his power numbers in approximately 50 fewer AB.
Once he is up and running, and gets some seasoning in Scranton, he will become a legitimate backup called up at least by September. He might be seen sooner depending on injury and effectiveness, but he will make an appearance this year.
Position players are easier to see coming; it’s the pitchers who are difficult.