On Tuesday night, the New York Yankees secured right-hander Clayton Beeter and catcher Agustin Ramirez on their 40-man roster, a strategic move to shield these prospects from potential selection in next month’s Rule 5 Draft.
Beeter’s inclusion in the 40-man roster was anticipated, given his impressive performance during the 2023 season. Beginning in Double-A Somerset, he concluded the year with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Across both affiliates, Beeter, a starting pitcher, showcased his talent with a 3.62 ERA over 27 appearances, accumulating an impressive 162 strikeouts in 131 2/3 innings.
With the potential to make his Major League Baseball debut in 2024, Beeter is among the promising arms that will enhance the depth of the big-league staff come the next spring. Additionally, his presence could be leveraged as a valuable trade asset during the offseason, especially if the Yankees decide to utilize their surplus of young pitching talent to acquire specific offensive needs, particularly left-handed outfielders.
Beeter, aged 25, joined the Yankees through the Joey Gallo trade with the Dodgers two years ago. He holds the distinction of being the Yankees’ No. 16 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and ranks as the sixth-best right-handed pitcher within the organization.
Catcher Ramirez’s inclusion by Yankees a surprise
The inclusion of Ramirez in the roster is unsurprising. The power-hitting catcher exhibited notable progress, advancing three levels in the Yankees’ farm system during his inaugural full season in professional baseball. Throughout 114 games, the 21-year-old moved from Class-A Tampa to Double-A Somerset, delivering an impressive performance with 18 home runs and a .819 OPS. MLB Pipeline designates Ramirez as the Yankees’ No. 24 prospect.
While Ramirez’s defensive skills are a developing aspect, his potential to consistently hit the ball in the air remains pivotal for ensuring a reliable offensive output. Despite ongoing improvements, his impact on baseball is undeniable, proving to be a valuable asset in his position.
The recent addition of Ramirez brings the Yankees’ total catchers on the 40-man roster to six, signaling potential forthcoming moves in the future.
Even before the recent inclusion of Ramirez and minor-league catcher Carlos Narvaez onto the 40-man roster, the Yankees had set the stage for a potential trade involving one of their catchers. With Jose Trevino and Austin Wells expected to commence the upcoming season on the major league roster, it positions the longest-tenured Yankee, Kyle Higashioka, and the defense-oriented catcher, Ben Rortvedt, as potentially more expendable options.
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