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New York Yankees release former top prospect Slade Heathcott

By Dan Schmelzer

Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees center fielder Slade Heathcott (72) reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated New York 4-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees center fielder Slade Heathcott (72) reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated New York 4-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees have released former top outfield prospect Slade Heathcott.

In order to make room for LHP Richard Bleier on the 40-man roster, the New York Yankees had to finally cut ties with former top outfield prospect Slade Heathcott on Thursday, outright releasing him from the team.

Heathcott was the 29th overall pick by the Yankees in the 2009 amateur draft, and always showed a ton of upside as a five-tool outfielder. However, injuries and a lack of plate discipline kept Heathcott from reaching his potentil with the Yankees’ organization.

He did get a cup of coffee with the Yankees last season, hitting .400/.429/.720 with two homeruns in 30 plate appearances, but was quickly sent down after only playing in 17 games. Heathcott made a nice big league debut, but he was not able to capitalize on that success in the minor leagues when sent back down.

Prior to his release, Heathcott was hitting .230/.271/.310 in Triple-A Scranton this season. His inability to improve his discipline at the plate was probably the biggest factor in the Yankees moving on from the talented outfielder.

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With a strong ability to play centerfield, strong overall athleticism and a some pop in his bat, somebody will take a chance on the tools that Heathcott brings to the table. That being said, unless he seriously sits down and changes his approach at the plate, he is never going to be a productive major league player.

At only 25-years-old, Heathcott will certainly get another opportunity or two to prove himself, but you only get so many chances before teams look at you as damaged goods.

It will be interesting to see what comes of the career of Slade Heathcott, but this much is for sure. He will not be patrolling centerfield for the New York Yankees like they had once hoped he would.

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