Yankee Farm System On The Way Up

Prior to this season, Baseball America ranked the Yankee farm system 22nd in baseball, as a handful of graduations and struggles from former top prospects left the team a bit thin everywhere but catcher. However, as Eric’s list shows, the system has been rejuvenated over recent months, and is now one of the better farm systems in the sport. When asked on Twitter about the Yankees’ ascension up the ranks and whether they had entered the top 10, BA editor Jim Callis said the following:

Might be. Takes a lot of time to break down all the orgs in detail, don’t do that until offseason.

This obviously is not the strongest endorsement, and it may be the case that a closer examination leaves the Yankees out of the top 10. But the fact that the question was not simply dismissed displays the growth of the Yankees system over the last four months. Players such as Jesus Montero, Austin Romine, and Manny Banuelos retained the status they achieved last year, while Andrew Brackman and Dellin Betances had recovery years. Meanwhile, some players considered lesser prospects stepped up this year, as Hector Noesi, Brandon Laird, Ivan Nova, and Eduardo Nunez all bolstered their prospects status. Finally, some recent draftees and signings had big seasons or at least showed some promise, with Gary Sanchez, Slade Heathcott, David Phelps, Adam Warren, Corban Joseph, Jose Ramirez and Graham Stoneburner all popping up on the prospect radar.

The Yankee system is far from elite, and remains somewhat thin on the position player side. However, it took a major step forward this year, and should be a source of cheap talent and trade fodder for the Yankees over the next 3 to 5 years or so.

Note: Our very own Rebecca, who writes for her own site This Purist Bleeds Pinstripes as well, interviewed Jose Pena of the DSL Yankees this week. Check it out, it is a great read and worth your time.

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