The shortstop position is probably the Yankees’ deepest in their farm system, and top prospect Jorge Mateo, the speedster from the Dominican Republic, will better his skills at second base for the time being.
With Mateo’s range, learning the position should not be too difficult for the 20 year old. We’ve seen it this year with Starlin Castro that making the switch to the other side is not impossible, and with Mateo’s athleticism, it could come naturally. With numerous young guys at the top of the prospect list, such as Tyler Wade, Hoy Jun Park from Korea, Kyle Holder, Thairo Estrada, and 18 year old Wilkerman Garcia, the position is crowded among the levels of the farm system. It won’t hurt Mateo to diversify his abilities.
With Didi Gregorius and Starlin Castro becoming the more productive assets of the Yankees, the future infield for New York could be lethal. It has already been talked about that Castro could move to third (once Chase Headley is a mere memory). And let’s not forget about Rob Refsnyder who could play anywhere it seems.
