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MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help Yankees in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 12: Jonathan Loaisiga #67 of the New York Yankees pitches the ball in the first inning during the spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Steinbrenner Field on March 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 12: Jonathan Loaisiga #67 of the New York Yankees pitches the ball in the first inning during the spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Steinbrenner Field on March 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 20: New York Yankees Infielder Thairo Estrada (90) bats during an MLB spring training game between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 20, 2019. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 20: New York Yankees Infielder Thairo Estrada (90) bats during an MLB spring training game between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 20, 2019. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Thairo Estrada

Unlike Holder, Estrada is a middle infielder who can show some pop at the plate. The Yankees No. 15 prospect managed to hit a respectable .286 in 33 Spring Training at bats. He isn’t the fielder that Holder is, but he’s a much more balanced player.

Estrada’s progress last season was destroyed after being shot in an attempted robbery during the previous offseason. The good news is that he looked much healthier for the Yankees this spring. He’ll begin the year in AAA where he should get regular at bats for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

At 23-years-old, this could be a make or break season for Estrada. The Yankees like him, but there isn’t an immediate opening for the team at either second base or shortstop. It’s very possible his play in the minors this season could serve as an audition for a trade to another team for a player who occupies a position of need for the Yankees.

He’s also a guy who could be counted on immediately in the Bronx if they suffer an injury at either middle infield spot. In particular, Estrada would be called up immediately if Gleyber Torres is forced to go on the Injured List. That’s not something the Yankees want to happen, but Estrada gives them a nice insurance policy.

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