Do the Yankees truly have a solid player development program? Section One.
Since the introduction of Statcast in 2015, Major League Baseball front offices have significantly expanded, leading to a biomechanical revolution. Data points that were once distant dreams for analysts a decade ago are now fundamental markers used in player analysis. This evolution has slightly eased the complexity of player development, although it remains non-linear and intricate.
The size of the market often determines a team’s financial capacity to address challenges, but this does not necessarily reflect its intelligence. On the other hand, player development offers a more level playing field financially. The cost of technology available to teams remains fixed and non-negotiable, unlike free agent signings. While hiring intelligent player development staff is subject to market dynamics, it is less influenced by financial disparities compared to free agent acquisitions. Thus, evaluating an organization’s health becomes an interesting proposition.
External training facilities like Driveline and Tread have also become prevalent, adding complexity to the assessment of player development effectiveness. This leads to the question: Are the Yankees adept at player development?
Before delving into this question, a few caveats are necessary. The evaluation will not consider the front office’s ability to integrate prospects into the major league team, as this does not necessarily reflect a failing player development pipeline. Additionally, the following assessment is subjective and based on insights from both internal and external analysts.
In this analysis, focusing on hitting, several key markers are considered when scouting hitters, including exit velocity, contact rates, launch angle, and plate discipline. The Yankees’ approach seems to prioritize hitting the ball hard over making consistent contact, with the belief that increasing exit velocity enhances a hitter’s ability to cause damage, even if they don’t make contact every time.
Overall, the Yankees have shown a developmental emphasis on maximizing exit velocity, acknowledging that successful hitting often involves failure a significant portion of the time. This strategy aims to increase the likelihood of impactful hits when contact is made, aligning with contemporary hitting analytics and the evolving landscape of player development.
