Mack's Mets: S2S - 2013 Team Top 12 Prospects: New York Yankees

1) Gary Sanchez, C

Vitals: 20.0 years old / 220lbs / 6’2”/ R-R
2012 minor league stats between Low A, High A: .290 BA; .344 OBP; 18 HR; 85 RBI; 15 SB; 106 KO; 32 BB
Often compared to former New York catching prospect Jesus Montero, he has similar upside at the plate with a greater opportunity to be the future backstop for the Yankees. He’s an above-average hitter with plus raw power. At 19 years old last year, Sanchez managed to outslug all minor league catchers with 18 home runs. And unlike Montero, he has plus arm strength and great instincts behind the plate. He will need to improve on his game calling and ability to handle breaking balls, but it is very possible that given his age and athleticism, he will be groomed as the catcher of the future.
MLB Projection – Power hitting catcher with huge potential, will only go as far as his attitude and work ethic will take him

2) Mason Williams, OF

Vitals: 21.3 years old / 150lbs / 6’0”/ L-R
2012 minor league stats between Low A, High A: .298 BA; .346 OBP; 11 HR; 35 RBI; 20 SB; 47 KO; 24 BB
The most athletic in the system, Mason is often considered the true #1 prospect. He has plus speed that is also regarded as the best in the system, and he projects to be an above-average base runner averaging upwards of 30 stolen bases annually. His speed and athleticism project well in center field, where he could develop into a plus defender if he can improve his route running and arm strength. He projects as an above-average hitter but he lacks the plate discipline to really excel. He will really need to make better decisions swinging the bat if he’s going to improve on his strike-zone judgment which is his biggest weakness. Athletes with tools and tons of projection don’t always pan out, and Williams is perfect example of a boom or bust prospect.
MLB Projection – Average center fielder with above-average defensive ability, very similar to ex-Yankee Austin Jackson

3) Tyler Austin, OF

Vitals: 21.2 years old / 200lbs / 6’2”/ R-R
2012 minor league stats between Low A, High A, Double-A: .322 BA; .400 OBP; 17 HR; 80 RBI; 23 SB; 98 KO; 51 BB
He was a draft sleeper in 2010 falling all the way to the 13^th round, and has been hitting the cover off the ball since. He is the best hitting prospect in the organization, with a plus bat, great plate discipline (over two seasons averaged .340 at the plate with a .400+ OBP), and has the potential for above-average power. Austin was drafted as a catcher, then switched to corner infield (splitting time between first and third base), and this season the Yankees permanently moved him to right field where he profiles best with an above-average arm. He has great base running instincts and decent speed that have translated into 20 steals annually. If he can continue to hit at this pace, then the sky is the limit for Tyler. In terms of a fantasy prospect, Austin is the bat to bank on in this system.
MLB Projection – Above-average right fielder with potential to develop into a 3 or 4 hitter

4) Slade Heathcott, OF

Vitals: 22.2 years old / 190lbs / 6’1”/ L-L
2012 minor league stats between GCL, High A: .302 BA; .380 OBP; 5 HR; 27 RBI; 19 SB; 70 KO; 25 BB
A special athlete that’s bounced back from a checkered past and a couple of surgeries to prove doubters wrong. Heathcott has plus-plus speed and excellent baserunning instincts that are reminiscent of Brett Gardner. He’s an average hitter who occasionally struggles to make contact, but projects to have above-average power as he develops. He stands out on defense with above-average tools that could play well anywhere in the outfield.
MLB Projection – Average left fielder (Williams will likely be future center fielder) that could potentially steal 35-40 bases annually, similar to Gardner

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