3. Jonathan Loaisiga, RHP

Age: 23 (11/2/94)

Level: MLB

24.2 IP, 5.11 ERA, 2.95 xFIP, 12.04 K/9, 4.38 BB/9, 2.71 AVG - MLB

56 IP, 2.89 ERA, 3.04 FIP, 10.77 K/9, 1.29 BB/9, .263 AVG - A+/AA/AA

Loaisiga blew through the lower levels of the minors and reached the Big Apple in June. He posted 12.04 K/9 in 24 2/3 MLB innings. He possesses three plus pitches (FB, SL, CH) and can throw all three for strikes. Like most young pitchers though, his control failed him a bit in the big leagues. The stuff plays up to a rotation spot however questions about his health and durability limit his ceiling. Loaisiga has only thrown 159 2/3 innings in his minor league career so the Yankees may choose to limit his workload. ETA 2019

4. Michael King, RHP

Age: 23 (5/25/95)

Level: AAA

161.1 IP, 1.79 ERA, 2.76 FIP, 8.48 K/9, 1.62 BB/9, .200 AVG

Much like Loaisiga, King has ascended the minor league levels with ease, featuring a three-pitch mix: fastball, slider, changeup. He has a deceptive low three-quarters delivery and attacks the bottom half of the zone. King utilizes both a two-seam and four-seam fastball. King changes eye-levels and extends the plate to both sides as well as any starting pitcher in the system. His slider is an emerging plus pitch and while his changeup is fringey, his arm speed and command allow it to play up to average. King has a chance to compete for a back-of-the-rotation spot in Spring Training. ETA: 2019

5. Roansy Contreras, RHP

Age: 18 (11/7/99)

Level: A

63.1 IP, 2.42 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 8.53 K/9, 2.98 BB/9, .194 AVG

Contreras has a small frame with an athletic build and delivery and fast arm action. Contreras’ double-plus fastball, average velocity of 98-plus, is the calling card but the youngster also flashes a potential plus curveball and above-average changeup. The changeup is firm but he shows an improving feel and command of the pitch. ETA: 2022

6. Clarke Schmidt, RHP

Age: 22 (2/20/96)

Level: SS A

23.1 IP, 3.09 ERA, 2.61 FIP, 11.57 K/9, 2.31 BB/9, .193 AVG

Schmidt was the Yankees’ 2017 1st-rounder. Recovering from Tommy John, Schmidt should move quickly in 2019. As for 2018, the elbow is healthy and Schmidt has shown good command, albeit against younger, inferior competition. He features a low-to-mid 90’s fastball and average to above average slider, curveball, and changeup with above average control and feel for all four pitches. He has a three-quarters arm slot and thick lower half. The delivery and injury history are cause for concern but for now, Yankees brass are pleased with where Schmidt is. ETA: 2021

7. Luis Medina, RHP

Age: 19 (5/3/99)

Level: Adv. Rookie

36 IP, 6.25 ERA, 6.46 FIP, 11.75 K/9, 11.5 BB/9, .235 AVG

Medina has been plagued by command issues his entire career which may shed some doubt on his future role and makes him a risky prospect. However, if he can improve to 45-50 command, we are talking about one of the best, if not the best, starting pitching prospect in baseball. His fastball sits 98-99 with run and sink. His curve is a 12-6 beast of a pitch that plays up due to a 15-mph difference in velocity. His change-up is 91 and is firm but with two electric 70-80 grade pitches, Medina just needs to maintain fastball arm speed and locate for the changeup to play up to average. In a two inning start in Instructs, Medina walked two. The control was good and the walks came from overthrowing his fastball with two strikes. At only 19, Medina is crazy athletic with a fluid delivery. There is plenty of time for him to harness his stuff and when he does….watch out. ETA: 2022