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New York Yankees: Prospects to Watch in 2016

By Christian Kouroupakis

Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees: Prospects to Watch in 2016
Oct. 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge plays for the Scottsdale Scorpions against the Glendale Desert Dogs during an Arizona Fall League game at Cubs Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Aaron Judge, OF

Aaron Judge continued his quick rise through the Yankees’ system in 2015. In 63 games at Double-A Trenton his impressive power showed itself in the form of 12 home runs and 16 doubles.

Judge’s numbers were less impressive at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where only batted .224 while struggling to adjust to the improved pitching. He needs some more time in the minors, which is totally fine because there is no room for him in the Yankees’ outfield. The 6-foot-7, 260 pound Judge is expected to take over right field when Carlos Beltran‘s contract expires after the 2016 season.

An injury could possibly clear a spot for Judge at some point this season, but he just needs more seasoning and experience.

Judge reportedly has been in Tampa, Fla., at the Yankees’ training facility, working on improving his pitch recognition.  The problem for Judge is his inability to hit a breaking ball, according to his hitting coach. It’s a common issue for emerging young players, and the 23 year old is working hard to fix that.

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