New York Yankees: Youth invasion could pay dividends soon

With their playoff hopes quickly dwindling, the New York Yankees made an impressive pivot, and called up Austin Wells and Jasson Dominguez ahead of their weekend series against the Houston Astros. Much like when the Baby Bombers ascended in 2016, the team seemed rejuvenated, sweeping the hated Astros in three games. Both Wells and Dominguez made immediate impacts, contributing to all three victories. Dominguez especially made his mark, bashing two home runs in the three game series.

Is future now for New York Yankees?

Along with Anthony Volpe, who has been up all season, and Oswaldo Peraza, who has struggled a bit in his limited action, Wells and Dominguez represent a strong chunk of future Yankees’ lineups. Volpe has produced a 2.3 fWAR, with 20 home runs, 22 stolen bases, and borderline elite-level defense. Peraza still looks like a potential major league contributor at times, although more so at second or third base, thanks to the presence of Volpe.

Wells has matured a bit behind the plate, something that did not seem like a lock when he was drafted in the first round out of Arizona in 2020. While his future value is likely driven by the production of his bat rather than glove, even being a passable major league catcher is a player development victory.

For what seems like forever now, Dominguez has been a famous prospect, signing for $5.1 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2019, and debuted in the Complex League in 2021. Just two short years later, Dominguez arrived in Houston, announcing his presence with a homer in his first at-bat.

On the pitching side, Randy Vasquez and Jhony Brito have spent significant time with the big league club, with more success coming for Vasquez than Brito. Vasquez seems to have a bit of a higher ceiling, with a true plus-plus pitch in his curveball. With his command approaching average, Vasquez could at least be a valuable Michael King-esque reliever.

Brito has a deep arsenal with a strong changeup, but has been a bit homer-prone across his career. Brito likely can stick in a contending rotation, and can also end up in a multi-inning role on the backs of his mid-upper 90s fastball and changeup.

Much like the end of 2016, when the team sold at the deadline to bring up a glut of young players, the end of the 2023 season is likely dedicated to figuring out future roster construction. Getting big league experience for guys that will be expected to contribute to winning teams is an invaluable part of a seemingly lost season. Maybe this time, a World Series championship can come at the end of it?