New York Yankees Youth Movement Providing Hope for Future

The New York Yankees youth movement is providing hope for the future.

​Over the past several weeks, we have seen the New York Yankees reach deep into their prospect pool to see if they may have some future contributors to a World Series team. 

Thus far, we have seen superstar Jasson Dominguez open some eyes as well as some solid performances from the likes of Austin Wells, Oswald Peraza, Everson Pereira and Estevan Florial. 

With just 14 games left on the schedule and some big roster decisions coming, let’s take a look at which of these prospects could be core pieces for New York in their attempt to reset and make a World Series run.

​Dominguez’s potential stood out more than essentially any prospect in this last stretch of the season. In 31 at-bats, Dominguez hit four home runs for seven RBI and contributed to the longest win streak of the season for New York (five games). The 20-year-old center fielder made it abundantly clear to the fan base and front office that he will be in the lineup for a very, very long time.

However, a torn UCL in his right elbow has forced Dominguez out of the lineup for the rest of this year and a portion of next year as well. Should he come back in the same form he finished this season in, the Yankees will have another superstar to put next to Aaron Judge in the outfield.

Catcher Austin Wells was called up on the same night as Dominguez, but has had more of a hot-and-cold start to his MLB career. The 24-year-old has struggled majorly at the plate, hitting .103 for zero home runs and three RBI in 29 at-bats for the bombers.

Despite the numbers at the plate, though, manager Aaron Boone has been impressed with Wells’ ability to adapt to major league pitching behind the plate, claiming that Wells looks like a veteran in some respects as a catcher.

Given his tough batting line, it is safe to keep Wells on the Major League roster as a rotation catcher, splitting time with Jose Trevino, the all-star catcher who has missed the majority of the year with a torn ligament in his right wrist.

Infielder Oswald Peraza and outfielder Everson Periera were also brought up at the same time, though it was not Peraza’s first rodeo. After hitting .306 in 2022 and making meaningful playoff contributions last October, Peraza has seen his numbers dip with more usage. On the year, Peraza is hitting .208 for one home run and 12 RBI in 130 at-bats. His six doubles in that stretch are quite impressive, though, and Peraza has certainly shown his ability in the infield. It is possible that, with a little more major league experience and an increase in batting average, Peraza could be a great infield partner for Anthony Volpe and Gleyber Torres in the future for New York.

Pereira, widely known as a great contact hitter in the minor leagues, has also struggled since his call-up, hitting .143 with zero home runs and seven RBI in 70 at-bats for the pinstripes. While Pereira has certainly shown flashes, with solid play in the outfield and logging some key RBI in this final stretch, it is safe to say the youngster may need a little more time in the minors before he is ready for consistent major league production.

Esteven Florial is another outfielder New York looked at in this final stretch, but the 6"1 right fielder has also struggled majorly since his call-up, hitting .167 for zero home runs and two RBI. With his potential still high, it may be worth exploring a trade involving Florial to bring in a veteran who can contribute right away.

Through this final stretch, the Yankee youngsters have, without a doubt, given some life to the Yankee organization and fan base. However, there will be holes to fill in the offseason and some of these young guys may not be ready to contribute right away. It is fair to say we will see a fair amount of Peraza, Dominguez and Wells next year, with Pereira and Florial contributing on a part-time basis. All five will be taken into account by general manager Brian Cashman when considering how they can get back to the World Series in the shortest amount of time possible and all five will have their footprint on next year. Despite a brutal year for Yankee fans, there is certainly hope for the future in New York.