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New York Yankees: Prospect Billy McKinney is Impressing the Organization

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 18, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Billy McKinney (71) rounds second base after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the eighth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Orioles won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Billy McKinney (71) rounds second base after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the eighth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Orioles won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees received a good haul when they traded Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs. Now, an afterthought in the trade has made an impact.

One of the big trades that the New York Yankees made last season was the deal that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs.

With a need to strengthen their bullpen, the Cubs gave the Yankees quite the haul for Chapman. Unlike Andrew Miller who wasn’t a free agent at the end of the season, the Cubs knew there was a risk in signing Chapman.

Even though Chapman did leave the Cubs in free agency, he helped the Cubs win a World Series. For the Cubs, no trade price was too high for that to happen. In the trade, the Yankees acquired infielder Gleyber Torres from the Cubs. Torres is one of the best prospects in baseball, but it has been another player acquired by the Yankees that is making an impression.

Considered an afterthought in the trade, Billy McKinney has played very well for the Yankees this spring. McKinney’s ability at the plate has caught the eye of manager Joe Girardi.

"“He’s swinging the bat great, even his outs are hard,’’ manager Joe Girardi said to George A King III of the New York Post. “He has taken advantage of the situation and swung it extremely well. I’m excited to follow him this year.’’"

For McKinney, he is focused on trying to make the majors this season. Hitting slightly over .400 in the spring will help him achieve that.

"“That’s the goal, to get to the big leagues and help,’’ McKinney said to King. “We will see what happens, that’s not my call. I try to give my all every day and let the bat do the talking.’’"

Even though he is playing well, McKinney will likely be starting the season in Double-A for the Yankees. If McKinney continues to shine in the minors, a call-up could be a possibility.

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McKinney didn’t light it up in Double-A for the Cubs or the Yankees last season, which makes that the likely spot for him this season. However, he might be able to find his way into Triple-A during the season if he performs well.

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