On Wednesday morning, news broke the New York Yankees were on the verge of promoting two of their young shortstop prospects to higher levels in their minor league system.
#Yankees moving up their SS prospects: Tyler Wade from Hi-A to AA, Jorge Mateo from Low-A to High-A Tampa.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 5, 2015
As Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported, Tyler Wade will be promoted from High-A to Double-A, while highly rated prospect Jorge Mateo will be moved from Low-A to High-A. Both shortstops were in line for a promotion, as both are having solid 2015 campaigns thus far.
Wade, 20, has put up impressive numbers for the Tampa Yankees, as he was named a Florida State League All-Star and also was awarded the Player of the Week Award earlier in the season.
In 98 games thus far, the 2013 fourth round draft selection has posted a slash line of .280/.349/.353. He has struggled a bit defensively, committing 24 errors in 72 games at shortstop, but the Yankees are hopeful that he can figure out his defensive issues. He currently is ranked as the Yankees’ #11 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
As the trade deadline recently passed, Jorge Mateo’s name came up a lot in trade rumors, as many clubs tried to lure the talented young shortstop away from the Yankees. The biggest rumors came as the team discussed a move for San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel, as reports said the Padres coveted Mateo.
The club was unwilling to part with their #3 ranked prospect (as ranked by MLB Pipeline), as they feel he could be the shortstop of the future for the big league club. Mateo has drawn comparisons to Jose Reyes in the past, and club officials feel that Mateo could have the highest ceiling of any Yankees middle-infield prospect since Derek Jeter.
In 96 games for the Charleston RiverDogs, the 20-year-old has posted a slash line of .268/.338/.378. He has been extremely impressive on the base paths, tallying 71 stolen bases in 86 attempts.
The future at shortstop could be very bright for the Yankees, as they have a few young prospects who could ultimately make a huge impact in the Bronx at some point in the future.
