With the MLB draft now completed a little over four weeks ago, teams have been doing something that they haven’t had to in a long time: recruit talent. With a $20,000 bonus cap placed on all undrafted players, each MLB franchise has had to sell itself to prospective players. The unprecedented situation of a five-round draft has left thousands of players available. Many talented and big names from both college and high school went unclaimed. Here is a look at the New York Yankees 2020 undrafted signings.
Carson Coleman, RHP, Kentucky
Carson Coleman is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher from the University of Kentucky. His career strikeout rate of 13.58 per nine innings is the highest of any UK pitcher with at least fifty innings pitched since 1979. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 33rd round last year, Coleman appeared in six games for the Wildcats this year and struck out 13 and walked only one. He is seen as a strikeout machine and his future is most likely in the Yankee bullpen.
Ocean Gabonia, RHP, Everett (Washington) JC
Ocean Gabonia is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher with limited big-time competition experience. Gabonia will turn only 19 this month and is not that hard of a thrower with his fastball topping out at only 91mph. However, the Yankees apparently see value in the young pitcher and want to get him into their system. Gabonia isn’t listed on Baseball America’s or MLB.com’s prospects list. But, the New York Yankees like Gabonia’s mound presence and mechanics. Hopefully, for Gabonia and the Yankees, he can beat the odds and become an unlikely Cinderella story.
Trevor Holloway, RHP, Central Florida
Trevor Holloway is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound pitcher from UCF. This season with the Knights, Holloway struck out 37, walking only six in 22.2 innings pitched. Also, Holloway boasts three above-average pitches and has shown a keen interest in using analytics to improve his game. But, he has had some issues in staying healthy. A biceps injury ended his 2019 season early. However, should he continue to improve and stay healthy, Holloway could be a potential steal for the Yankees as a potential back of the rotation starter.
Jarod Lessar, RHP, BYU
Jarod Lessar is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-handed pitcher from Brigham Young University. Used as both a starter and reliever, the 22-year-old Lessar utilized a cutting fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. Though none of his pitches are seen as plusses at the moment, Lessar was able to throw around 95 mph out of the bullpen. So, if he is unable to develop as a starter, his future will most likely be in the bullpen.
Connor Pellerin, RHP, Tulane
Connor Pellerin is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound right-handed junior from Tulane University. Ranked at the number 360 prospect according to baseballamerica.com, Pellerin’s fastball tops out at 97 mph. And, in the Cape Cod League last year, he struck out 24 batters in 13 innings and walked only one. In the shortened 2020 season, Pellerin struck out ten batters in four total innings, walking four. Despite those impressive numbers, there are some control concerns that will limit Pellerin’s ceiling to the bullpen/closer role. But, he will only turn 21 this month and has plenty of time to improve his command.
Elijah Dunham, OF, Indiana
Elijah Dunham is a 6-foot, 213-pound outfielder from Indiana University and comes with plenty of accolades. The hard-hitting left fielder is ranked as the number 186 prospect according to baseballamerica.com. Starting all 15 games for the Hoosiers in 2020, Dunham hit .390 with seven doubles, one home run, and 11 RBI. Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 40th round of the 2019 draft, the pandemic-shortened season definitely prevented Dunham from being drafted higher this year. But, the junior is no doubt ready to make a name for himself and there is a lot to like about his game. His keen eye at the plate as he walked 11 times last year, and the ability to put the ball in play give him a chance at a bright future with the Yankees.
Clay Aguilar, LHP, Houston
Clay Aguilar is a 6-foot-1, 204-pound left-handed pitcher from the University of Houston. The lone lefty pitcher signed by the New York Yankees, Aguilar went 8-4 with a 2.49 ERA with 107 strikeouts over 105 innings pitched in three years for the Cougars. Seen as primarily a starter, Aguilar should help a Yankee farm system that is weak with left-handed pitching. Over four starts last year, he was 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA. Also, Aguilar recorded 17 strikeouts and nine walks over 22.2 innings pitched.
Blane Abeyta, RHP, Nevada
Blane Abeyta is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed pitcher from the University of Nevada. As the primary closer for the Wolf Pack, Abeyta used his 94 mph fastball to strike out 12 batters in eight innings. Over 90 college innings pitched, Abeyta fanned 94 total batters. It’s not just his fastball that he throws for strikes. Abeyta also utilizes both a curve and off-speed slider, throwing both for strikes. The junior spent only one season at Nevada after spending two years at Modesto Junior College.
Aaron Palensky, OF, Nebraska
Aaron Palensky is a 6-foot-11, right fielder from the University of Nebraska. In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Palensky hit .302 and led the team with five doubles, 15 walks and runs scored, 19 RBI, and shared the team lead with four home runs. In 71 total Division 1 games, Palensky hit .316. That productive hitting is exactly what led the Yankees to sign the former Husker. Not only is he a steady hitter, but he is also a selective one. Last season, Palensky struck out only nine times in 53 at-bats and only 55 times in 275 total at-bats. The Yankees hope they are adding another young outfielder who will continue to improve and make his way to the big club.
Conclusion
In total, the New York Yankees added four position players and seven pitchers to their minor league squads. Unfortunately, as there will be no minor league season this year, finding playing time for these new additions will be tough. However, when looking through the list of the newest Yankees, there is certainly a lot to like and look forward to. The Yankees were able to add some of the best talent available to an already promising young system.
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