Yankees' prospect gains coming up long at short
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees have a fascinating shortstop decision on their hands. You could say it’s the most interesting one since you-know-who retired in 2014. New York is battling going with a veteran presence in Isiah Kiner-Falefa or a prospect in Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza. It’s still too
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees have a fascinating shortstop decision on their hands. You could say it’s the most interesting one since you-know-who retired in 2014. New York is battling going with a veteran presence in Isiah Kiner-Falefa or a prospect in Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza.
It’s still too early to call, but the fact that the Yanks have not one but two Top 100 talents as Major League options speaks to the successful development of both.
“Both those guys have grown defensively, offensively, physically in the weight room, mentally, just handling the failure that comes with playing at a high level,” said vice president of player development Kevin Reese, “and they've responded really well to it.”
It’s a stirring debate of long-term ceiling vs. present Major League readiness.
Ranked as MLB's No. 5 overall prospect, Volpe is coming off the Minors’ first 20-homer, 50-steal season since Andruw Jones 28 years ago, having hit 21 homers and stolen 50 bags between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. That’s made even more amazing given that he had just a .203 average and .684 OPS through the first two months of the 2022 campaign.
He’s looked like his usual self this spring too -- lifting balls with authority on contact, showing a willingness to steal bases, making heady defensive plays on the dirt.
“I think the biggest adjustment that he made was not making an adjustment,” Reese said. “His performance at some of the things that we look at was maybe unlucky, maybe very similar to what he had done previously. There were some people who wanted to panic. Fortunately, he was calm throughout, the hitting department was calm throughout. They thought this wasn't much different than what he was doing. It just wasn’t getting the results. So we didn't really change anything.”
For his part, Peraza (No. 52) is the one of the pair who saw Major League action in 2022, playing 18 games for New York down the stretch before appearing three more times in the American League Championship Series. He is considered the more naturally gifted fielder, earning plus grades for his glovework and throwing ability, and Reese noted that he gained strength as last season wore on, leading to a career-high 19 homers at Triple-A.
Returning superstar Aaron Judge’s comments on Volpe, in particular, raised some eyebrows last week when he said, “My thing has always been, if you’re the best player, it shouldn’t matter your age. You should be up helping the New York Yankees." You could easily translate that over to the 22-year-old Peraza as well.
The day may come when the pair form a double-play partnership or left side of the infield in the Bronx. Those are all discussions for the future. Over at the Yanks’ Minor League complex in Tampa, the present discussions are all about excitement.
“I was just over there [on the MLB side] talking to some of the veteran guys, and they’re saying these guys fit right in,” Reese said. “I think, from a player development standpoint, when you hear that, you want to go give knuckles to people that have played a part in it because it's a huge undertaking. That's what you're hoping for when they get there.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Camp standout: Jasson Domínguez
The hype train for Domínguez has been chugging ever since he signed for $5.1 million out of the Dominican Republic in July 2019, and this spring, it pulled into Major League camp for the first time. Now 20 years old, the switch-hitting outfielder ended his 2022 season on a hot note with three homers over a five-game postseason run at Double-A Somerset, only to cool off in the Arizona Fall League (.467 OPS in 20 games).
If early performance as a non-roster invitee is any indication for the Yankees' No. 2 prospect, that AFL run may have been strictly fatigue-based. Given the offseason to recharge, Domínguez has come flying out of the gate in Grapefruit League play, going 9-for-21 (.429) with more homers (four) than strikeouts (three) through his first 10 games, showing major flashes of his potential as a power hitter with an improving ability to control the strike zone.
Something to prove: Randy Vásquez
New York’s No. 14 prospect is headed into his second campaign on the 40-man roster, heightening the importance that he pushes for a Major League role in his age-24 season. The last time the right-hander appeared in a meaningful game, he spun eight no-hit innings for Somerset in the title-clinching game of the Eastern League postseason. His 93-95 mph fastball, 3,000-plus rpm curveball and sweeping slider receive above-average grades, but the quality of the arsenal wasn’t enough to push Vásquez into Triple-A for the first time in 2022. He finished with a 3.90 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 115 1/3 innings with Somerset.
If Vásquez is going to contribute meaningfully to the Major League club’s rotation depth in his second 40-man year, the organization will be watching one aspect of his game carefully.
“He'd have some outings here and there where not everything was clicking,” Reese said. “He’d have a tough first inning, and we need him to get back on track quicker and not let that compound into innings two, three, or whatever it might be.
“That being said, we see prospects that have great stuff that don't even sniff the big leagues or a 40-man spot because of those types of situations. [He needs to] continue to prepare himself and then get consistency once he’s out there every week.”
Breakout candidate: Spencer Jones
Can a first-round pick be considered a breakout player? What if we consider a breakout to be a move into the Top 100? That could certainly be in the cards for the former Vanderbilt outfielder.
After dealing with elbow issues earlier in his Commodores career, Jones was finally healthy and fully productive as a junior last spring, and he carried that performance to the Florida State League after signing, slashing .325/.411/.494 in 22 games while topping out with a 111.3 mph exit velocity.
His 6-foot-7 frame indicates that power should come at every stop in the Minors, but there are some concerns that his long swing will hurt his overall hit tool. If only New York knew how to develop extra-large outfielders …
“He doesn't seem to be a guy that's just swinging out of hand or just looking to do damage,” Reese said of the Yankees' No. 5 prospect. “He doesn't have to get too much behind it to get the exit velos up as someone that size. [Zone coverage] is something we're continuing to work on with everybody, but with him, so far so good.”
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
Naturals Hosting Fan Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, March 15th (1-3pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Whataburger are excited to offer fans the opportunity to take Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, March 15th from 1pm until 3pm. Fan Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark is available to 60 participants and is sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Arvest Ballpark to be 'Cashless' Beginning in 2025
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – In an effort to increase overall ballpark convenience and to further streamline and enhance fan experiences throughout the ballpark, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals announced today that Arvest Ballpark will be a cashless venue beginning in 2025. This will include transactions involving food and beverage, merchandise, parking, and
MLB Announces Royals Spring Breakout Roster
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Major League Baseball has announced the projected rosters for the second-annual “Spring Breakout” Prospect Games and the Kansas City roster includes 10 former Naturals. The Royals prospects will face the Arizona Diamondbacks prospects on Friday, March 14th. As part of MLB Spring Training, the “Spring Breakout” Prospect
New March Hours Announced for the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – With Opening Day approaching, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce new hours in March for the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office. Starting on March 3rd, the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Box Office, both located at Arvest Ballpark, will
Promo Club Memberships on Sale for the 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that Promo Club memberships are now on sale for the 2025 season. Memberships are $99 and are available to all fans. Regardless of whether you attend the games or not, Promo Club members will be guaranteed access to all
Naturals, Whataburger Team Up for Field of Dreams
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to team up with Whataburger once again this season for the Field of Dreams program at Arvest Ballpark. The Field of Dreams program presented by Whataburger is one of the most popular programs at Arvest Ballpark. Whether it is for a
First-Ever Arvest Ballpark Classic to feature Springdale Against Rogers Heritage on Tuesday, March 11th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to announce that they will be hosting the first-ever Arvest Ballpark Classic on Tuesday, March 11th and it’ll feature a high school baseball game between the Springdale Bulldogs and the Rogers Heritage War Eagles. First pitch between the two 6A-West clubs
The Naturals and Patina Restaurant Group Hosting Second Job Fair on Wednesday, March 5th (5pm - 6:30pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, along with Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, will be hosting another Job Fair from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5th at Arvest Ballpark. The two organizations will be looking for part-time, seasonal associates that will help provide top-notch customer service
Initial 2025 Promotional Schedule Announced
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce our initial promotions for the 2025 season that will continue the tradition of low-cost, family entertainment at Arvest Ballpark. More event and promotional announcements for the season will come in the very near future! The season will begin on
2025 Field Staff: Brooks Conrad New Naturals Manager
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals have announced the 2025 field staffs for their minor league affiliates, naming Brooks Conrad as the new field manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Conrad, the eighth manager in Naturals history, is joined by newcomer Chris Corbett who joins the club as the
Single Game Tickets on Sale for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that single game tickets are now on sale to the general public. Individual tickets were put on sale online today – Monday, January 13th at 10 am CST – for all 69 home games scheduled at Arvest Ballpark during
The Batting Practice Experience: Rent the Batting Cages at Arvest Ballpark in January and February
Springdale, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce the return of our Batting Cage Experience presented by Whataburger, which will be available to fans and local teams on select days in January and February beginning on Tuesday, January 14th. The cost is $95 for an hour rental,
Strike to Deliver Valentine's Day Gifts on February 14th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that Strike the Sasquatch will once again be playing cupid on February 14th as you can have the Naturals' popular mascot deliver a baseball-themed gift featuring Four Home Plate Premium Tickets to Opening Day, a Parking Pass, a Chocolate
Game Day Associate Job Fair: Thursday, February 13th at Arvest Ballpark (5:15pm-7:15pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, along with Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, will be hosting a Game Day Associate Job Fair on Thursday, February 13th at Arvest Ballpark. The two organizations will be looking for part-time, seasonal associates for the 2025 season. Interviews will begin at 5:15 p.m.
Stephen Crockett Named 2024 Head Groundskeeper of the Year in Texas League
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and the Texas League, are excited to announce that Stephen Crockett has been honored with the Texas League’s Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award for the 2024 season. “We are incredibly proud to congratulate Stephen Crockett on
2024 Naturals: Year for the Record Books
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Naturals season came to a close on September 15, the 16th season and 17th year of baseball in Springdale, Arkansas. The summer was filled with excitement, prospects, a playoff chase, numerous big league call-ups, a bounty of prospects, and fun-filled nights at Arvest
Home Game Times Announced for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce start times for all home games at Arvest Ballpark during the 2025 season beginning with Opening Night, which will start at 7:05 p.m. as the Naturals host Frisco (Double-A Texas Rangers) on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. A printable PDF
Four 2024 Naturals Headed to Arizona Fall League
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Every fall Minor League Baseball’s top prospects converge on Arizona to take part in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Naturals are well represented in this year’s AFL with four of the Royals’ nine participants having donned a Northwest Arkansas uniform this season. Catcher
Naturals in the Community: 2024 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to continue to have a positive impact on Northwest Arkansas as over one million dollars has been raised by participating groups in the past decade through the team’s fundraising and community partners program. During the 2024 season alone, the Naturals partnered
Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs, and Family Packs Available for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Naturals are excited to announce that Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs, and Family Packs are now available to the public for the 2025 season of Naturals baseball. Fans can now renew their current ticket pack or become a ticket holder prior to the start of
2025 Regular Season Home Schedule Announced
SPRINGDALE, Ark – Major League Baseball today announced the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 2025 regular season home schedule. All game times will be announced at a later date. Opening Day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th at Arvest Ballpark against the Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers). For the first time since the
Three Naturals Recognized by Royals for 2024 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals honored their 2024 Minor League Organizational Award winners Friday night at Kauffman Stadium, with three of the six winners donning Naturals uniforms in 2024. RHP Steven Zobac (Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year), Javier Vaz (Mike Sweeney Community Impact Award), and UTL Tyler
Naturals Hold Off Travs Charge in 7-6 Win Friday
SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS -- Josh Lester's three-run homer in the first got the Naturals off on the right foot Friday night, and despite a late charge by the Arkansas Travelers (42-25, 78-57) the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (31-35, 66-69) held on for a 7-6 win at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals and Travelers
HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: September 10th - September 15th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will host their in-state rivals, the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners), in a six-game series at Arvest Ballpark to conclude the regular season. The final homestand features daily food and drink specials as Buck-A-Brat, Dollar Hot Dogs, and Thirsty Thursday™ highlight the first three
Naturals Rally From Behind, Beat Riders 9-4
Friday night Northwest Arkansas took the field under their Copa identity, Los Naturales del Noroeste De Arkansas. The team wore special jerseys and hats to celebrate the Latin heritage in the community of Springdale and the entire Northwest Arkansas region. Heading into Friday's game, the Naturals had lost their last