The Yankees are promoting from within in record numbers in 2015 with 13 prospects making their MLB debut as of August 1st. This number is obviously set to change on Wednesday with the introduction of Luis Severino as he makes his way to the Bronx to face the Boston Red Sox. The only other team with more than 10 players making their debut this season is the Atlanta Braves.
The Yankees have been on a 2 year mission to recharge their entire player development system and the results of this change are beginning to show at the big league level. Just how intent they are on getting younger and keeping prospects was evident at last weeks trade deadline as the front office fended off all inquiries into their young talent. Trading off emerging prospects for rentals or overpriced veterans has led to some short term success in the past, but usually ends up costing a higher price down the line.
The Big 5 prospects consisting of Luis Severino, Rob Refsnyder, Aaron Judge, Greg Bird, and young SS Jorge Mateo were said to be off limits last week. Refsnyder has already made a short term visit to the Bronx and Severino is making his debut this week. With prospects being run through a revolving door in the bullpen in order to keep fresh arms available, and Ramon Flores, Slade Heathcott, and Mason Williams seeing time in New York because of injuries, the farm system has paid off thus far in 2015. Additionally, three former Yankee farmhands –Pat Venditte, Adonis Garcia, and Manny Banuelos– have made debuts for other clubs, so this number could be greater.
Many have questioned whether these prospects would ever see time in New York because of a tendency in the past to stick with veteran players who might be struggling instead of giving younger players opportunities. All signs are now obvious that younger players will be given their chance and as several high dollar contracts come off the books over the next couple of years, those chances should increase. The group making their way to New York right now has the chance to be the most talented since 1995, and we all know the impact they had.
Here is a look at the number of players making their debut over the past 20 years and the most significant players from each group:
2014 – 9 Masahiro Tanaka
2013 – 8 John Ryan Murphy
2012 – 4 Adam Warren
2011 – 11 Dellin Betances
2010 – 5 Ivan Nova
2009 – 4 Mark Melancon
2008 – 9 David Robertson, Brett Gardner
2007 – 13 Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Tyler Clippard
2006 – 6 Jose Veras, Jeff Karstens
2005 – 7 Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, Chien-Ming Wang
2004 – 7 Scott Proctor, Dioner Navarro
2003 – 6 Jose Contreras, Hideki Matsui
2002 – 2 Marcus Thames
2001 – 9 Nick Johnson
2000 – 5 Randy Choate, Jake Westbrook
1999 – 4 Shane Spencer, Mike Lowell, Ricky Ledee, Orlando Hernandez aka El Duque
1997 – 5 Hideki Irabu, Homer Bush
1996 – 5 Ramiro Mendoza
1995 – 7 Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte
It is not hard to see that since ’95, there have been some lean years in the quality and quantity of debuts. Some of that had to do with the success of the teams of the late 90’s and obviously some of it had to do with a dependency on free agency. 2015 has seen the largest contingent of players making their debut since 2007. Hopefully, they will all be around to make an impact, not only this season, but for seasons to come.
It appears the players currently coming up through the system are going to be given the opportunity to make their presence known. They have the talent to make an immediate impact as well. There may never be another Core Four, but the current group may end up having the greatest collective impact since ’95. Only time is going to be the judge, but it is going to be a fun, fast ride in the Bronx shortly.
