Four rookie in Yankees pipeline shows promise for 2025 debuts

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The New York Yankees boast a talented pool of prospects poised to make an impact in 2025. With a focus on developing future stars, the organization’s farm system has cultivated promising talent across pitching, hitting, and fielding. As the Yankees aim to sustain their competitive edge, these prospects represent the next wave of Bronx Bombers, ready to showcase their skills on the big stage and contribute to the Yankees’ legacy.

Spencer Jones (OF):

• Age: 22
• Strengths: Power, speed, and defensive range
• MLB Yankees rookie ranking: No. 2

Spencer Jones is a towering 6’7” outfielder whose skill set mirrors that of Aaron Judge. A left-handed hitter, Jones has improved his plate discipline while showcasing his natural power and athleticism. His defensive versatility in center and right field, combined with his ability to hit for power and average, makes him one of the Yankees’ most promising prospects.

Jones delivered a .259/.336/.452 slash line in 2024, showcasing his power with 17 home runs and an impressive 25 stolen bases. While his ability to generate offense stands out, his 36.76% strikeout rate remains an area for improvement. A strong second-half performance hinted at his tremendous upside, solidifying his reputation as a top Yankees prospect. As the 2025 season approaches, Jones is expected to begin in Triple-A, but his potential to make a significant impact at the MLB level could fast-track his debut. He remains a key candidate for the Yankees’ outfield plans.

Elijah Dunham (OF)

• Age: 26
• Strengths: High contact rate, defensive flexibility
• MLB Yankees rookie ranking: Outside the top 30

Elijah Dunham has been quietly making his mark at Triple-A. Known for his steady contact and ability to get on base, Dunham also provides solid defense across all three outfield positions. While not a power hitter, his reliability and clutch performances make him a valuable asset, especially as a depth option for the Yankees’ outfield.

Elijah Dunham posted a solid .244/.332/.445 slash line in 2024, contributing 15 home runs and 19 stolen bases. Dunham is expected to start the 2025 season in Triple-A, but his well-rounded skill set makes him a strong candidate for a big-league call-up. He is positioned to become an important depth piece for the Yankees’ outfield.

Caleb Durbin (2B/SS)

• Age: 24
• Strengths: Speed, defense, and on-base ability
• AFL’s Breakout Prospect of the Year, 2024

Caleb Durbin is a high-energy infielder who has impressed with his versatility and consistent performance. Known for his strong defense at both second base and shortstop, Durbin pairs his glove work with excellent speed and the ability to get on base regularly. While not a power hitter, his contact-first approach and ability to disrupt defenses make him a valuable asset. Durbin’s development in Triple-A positions him as a potential utility infielder or even a starting option for the Yankees in the near future.

The versatile utility player displayed impressive adaptability in 2024, excelling across multiple positions and delivering a strong .287/.396/.471 slash line at Triple-A. He contributed 10 home runs and successfully stole 29 bases out of 32 attempts, underscoring his well-rounded offensive skill set.

Over four seasons spanning his time with the Braves and Yankees organizations, he has compiled a solid .269/.374/.407 slash line, including 64 doubles, 22 home runs, 153 RBIs, and 110 stolen bases in 281 games. His 2024 season stood out, as he slashed .275/.388/.451 while collecting 25 doubles, 10 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases across stints at Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. His blend of speed, power, and versatility positions him as a key prospect for future opportunities at the big-league level.

Jorbit Vivas (2B/3B)

• Age: 23
• Strengths: Contact hitting, defensive versatility, and plate discipline
• MLB Yankees rookie ranking: No. 19

Jorbit Vivas has quickly established himself as a reliable infielder with excellent contact-hitting skills. A switch-hitter, Vivas has a knack for making consistent, hard contact and working deep counts. His ability to play both second and third base with strong defensive instincts makes him a valuable asset at Triple-A, with a clear path to contributing at the Yankees’ MLB level.

Top 10 Yankees rookies in 2024

(Source: MLB)

Infielder Roderick Arias displays defensive versatility and offensive upside, anchoring the infield pipeline. Everson Pereira provided consistent hitting, while pitchers like Will Warren and Richard Fitts showcased high ceilings with their developing arsenals in 2024. These top prospects symbolize the Yankees’ commitment to blending youth and legacy in their pursuit of continued dominance.

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