SSTN Top Prospects: #20-16

James Vliestra assembles and analyses all of the top Yankees prospect names to know! Today we feature ranks #20-16!

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#20

Luis Serna (RHP):

Age (As of 4/1/23): 18.6. Years Old

Height/Weight: 5'11" & 160 Pounds

Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2021 for $50K

Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2025

2022 Review:

As a 17 year old in 2022, he was already pitching in the FCL. He pitched 41.1 innings, walked 3.7/9, and struck out 12.2/9.

2023 Preview:

He could be in full season ball during his 18 year old season. So far he has done a great job while playing against competition several years older than he. There's no reason to believe that won't continue.

2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:

Analysis of Rankings:

Ranging from 12 to 52, there is an incredible difference in overall view of him. I see him pushing for top 10 next offseason.

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#19

Yoendrys Gomez (RHP):

Age (As of 4/1/23): 23.4 Years Old

Height/Weight: 6'3" & 175 Pounds

Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2016 for $50K

Rule 5 Eligible: Currently on the 40-Man Roster

2022 Review:

Gomez has been on the 40-man roster for so long, that he only has one option remaining and he's only thrown just 16.1 innings at AA. Injuries have limited his time on the field. He finally finished a season healthy after throwing a combined 47 innings mostly between Hudson Valley and Somerset. His ERA was 2.49, WHIP of 1.17, 9.4 K/9. Solid but not spectacular.

2023 Preview:

He will be coming to spring training looking for some attention. He will likely start the season at Somerset but they need to see what he can do, so Scranton is possible as is a spot start in the majors if his rotation spot comes around during a doubleheader or injury. He doesn't require a roster move to see what he can do.

2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:

Analysis of Rankings:

He is actually on some top 10 lists, but is sporadically placed all over. He is coming off of several lost seasons so I don't think anyone really knows what he is at this point.

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#18

Sean Hermann (RHP):

Age (As of 4/1/23): 19.7 Years Old

Height/Weight: 6'0" & 160 Pounds

Acquired: Drafted in the 14th Round of the 2021 MLB First Year Player Draft for $135K

Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2025

2022 Review:

Between the FCL and Tampa, Hermann made 10 starts totaling 53.2 innings. Most FCL pitchers average only 3+ innings per start as opposed to his almost 5.4. His ERA was 2.52, WHIP 1.118, 9.6 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and 4.38 K/BB rate are all exceptional.

2023 Preview:

I see him starting the year in Tampa and getting promoted to Hudson Valley around June if all is going well.

2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:

Analysis of Rankings:

Many of even the top evaluators don't know much about Hermann. Expect that to change in the next 6-8 months.

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#17

Brendan Beck (RHP):

Age (As of 4/1/23): 24.4 Years Old

Height/Weight: 6'2" & 205 Pounds

Acquired: Drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2021 MLB First Year Player Draft for $1.05M

Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2024

2022 Review:

Beck has yet to make his professional debut. He had TJS in 2021 after throwing 108.2 innings for Stanford. His WHIP was 0.985, K/9 11.8, BB/9 2.2, and K/BB 5.5.That's why he was taken in the second round even though he was injured.

2023 Preview:

Beck should be coming to spring training fully healthy. It'll be interesting to see if they hold him back in extended spring training or if they unleash him to make up for lost time. I would expect him to throw 70-80 innings. I would not be surprised if he finishes the season as the Yankees top ranked pitching prospect.

2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:

Analysis of Rankings:

Seems like a lot of people forgot all about Beck. I think he will open up some eyes.

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#16

Randy Vasquez (RHP):

Age (As of 4/1/23): 24.4 Years Old

Height/Weight: 6'0" & 165 Pounds

Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2018 for $10K

Rule 5 Eligible: December, 2023

2022 Review:

In 2021, Vasquez made a name for himself advancing from Tampa through Hudson Valley before landing in Somerset. In 2022, Vasquez was in Somerset all year. He pitched 115.1 innings while striking out 120 batters.

2023 Preview:

Vasquez probably gets a chance to crack the Scranton rotation. Unless the numbers crunch returns him to the Patriots. Depending on his performance, he should find himself in a position to help the big league team. That could either be on the mound or in a trade, as not everyone can be kept.

2023 Preseason Cross-Publication Prospect Rankings:

Analysis of Rankings:

Looks to me like his average placement is about the top 10-12. Very impressive for such a deep farm system.