MLB: Three prospects that can impact playoff hunt
By David Hill
The MLB Trade Deadline has come and gone. While teams are still hoping to find ways to improve, they essentially have the roster that they will live and die with. Those postseason aspirations will depend on how well those players perform and the health of the roster.
That does not mean that there will not be upgrades. As the playoff chase continues, there may be a prospect or two finding their way to the majors. Those players could end up making a major difference for those teams, helping to solidify the roster and providing that needed spark.
Three prospects that can impact the MLB playoff chase
Which players can make that type of a difference? Let’s take a look at three prospects that can impact the hunt for the postseason.
Luis Gil
Luis Gil has been pressed into service as the New York Yankees battle COVID and an ineffective rotation. Through two outings, he has been everything they have needed.
Despite a small sample size, Gil has impressed. He has allowed just six hits and three walks over 11 shutout innings, striking out 14 batters. As trade deadline acquisition Andrew Heaney has been hammered, and the Yankees have desperately needed someone to step up, Gil has been a revelation.
It is not necessarily a surprise that Gil has found this level of success. Armed with an upper 90s fastball and an average slider and changeup, Gil is the type of pitcher that has the potential to develop into a top of the rotation arm if he learns to command his stuff.
Thus far, he has been able to do exactly that. As the Yankees attempt to fight their way into one of the berths for the playoffs, they will need Gil to continue to pitch well at the MLB level. While it is foolhardy to expect that he will perform at that level every time out, he has the potential to make a major impact on the Yankees’ chances.