Domingo Acevedo

The Yankees may have found a diamond in the rough in Acevedo, who had been brought along slowly until having a breakout season in 2016. Acevedo tormented hitters at Low-A using a combination of a blazing fastball, stellar changeup and emerging slider. The fastball is his best pitch, and he can hit triple digits on the radar gun. He was just as dominant after a jump in levels, notching a 3.22 ERA and 54:15 K:BB in 50.1 innings. The impeccable control is particularly noteworthy given Acevedo's 6-foot-7 stature. The development of his slider, which improved in 2016, will go a long ways toward determining his future role. Acevedo also spent three separate stints on the disabled list in 2016, so his health is worth monitoring. For now, Acevedo will remain in the starting rotation and likely return to High-A to start the 2017 season, with a quick promotion in the works if he gets off to a fast start once again.

Acevedo spent the majority of 2015 with Low-A Staten Island, posting very impressive numbers through 11 starts (1.69 ERA, 9.9 K/9). The 21-year-old relies heavily on his fastball — a pitch that has movement and can reach up to 100 mph, though his command is still a work in progress. The big righty leans on a slider and changeup as his secondary offerings, and both project as above-average pitches in time. Given his velocity and issues with command, Acevedo could eventually work out of the bullpen, but he's being developed as a starter for the time being. He should get a chance to start moving up the organizational ranks this year, but the majors are still at least a couple of years away.