Chance Adams didn’t get many starts for the New York Yankees last season, but he also didn’t perform well in 2018 overall. Does his recent struggles suggest he will be more valuable as a reliever?
Several top-tier pitching prospects across the MLB flounder when they receive their chance. New York Yankees youngster Chance Adams hasn’t failed just yet, but his potential as a starter is questionable now.
The prospect still has plenty of time to develop and become a part of New York’s rotation. However, he could be more valuable as a reliever.
Scouts previously mentioned this role change when Adams was still in college, as he dominated as a relief pitcher. He stretched out to a starting pitcher in 2015, and has shown progress.
But as Yankees – and baseball – fans understand, there is a significant talent gap between Triple-A and the majors.
Adams led the International League in Triple-A in opponents’ average in 2017 after posting an even more minuscule number in 2016. Across those two seasons, he amassed 279 strikeouts across 277 2/3 innings pitched.
Yet, his first stint in New York didn’t go as planned, as Yankees manager Aaron Boone thrusted him into a starting role against the rival Red Sox. Adams didn’t necessarily have an inspiring year in Triple-A last year either, posting a 1.41 WHIP and 4.78 ERA.
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Those numbers may be attributed to the offseason surgery Adams had last year to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow. It caused his velocity to drop considerably, while his slider had less of a hard bite as well.
Thus, the 24-year-old’s prospect status diminished considerably after his few shoddy pitching performances. But New York fans are still hopeful he can rebound and contribute when needed.
Nevertheless, there are more competitors vying for a starting spot once one of the current starters gets injured or transfers to the pen. Domingo German, Domingo Acevedo and Jonathan Loaisiga are all suitors for that position.
Of course, C.C. Sabathia currently possesses the fifth spot in Yankees rotation, and the other four pitchers will likely remain if they are consistent – not consistently bad. Therefore, Adams may be pushed into the bullpen without an opportunity to nab a starting role, at least in 2019.
It wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see the shift. Adams relies primarily on his fastball and slider to get outs. His curveball and changeup are a work in progress, but he’s been more than effective with the latter two.
Yet like his teammate Dellin Betances, he struggled mightily with his control in 2018 – more than usual. Adams already revealed his worst trait throughout his stint in the minors, allowing more than three walks per nine innings.
That number jumped to more than four walks per nine innings in 2018. And that could be a major reason as to why he could be the third or fourth option behind his fellow prospects if needed for a spot start.
Adams still has ample time to progress and nab a middle spot in the rotation. But his ceiling might not be as high as previously anticipated.
His small sample size could be misleading, and he could very well dominate in the upcoming season. But for a team that’s in a win-now situation, his role could vary depending on what the Yankees need in order to win.
And that might also affect whether he remains a starter for the New York Yankees or is pushed into the pen in the near future.