As Dylan Cease Tempts Again, 3 Low-Profile But Prized Yankees Prospects Are Absolute Keepers

The New York Yankees flaunt one of the most reputed farm systems in the MLB. With the latest reactivation of interest in pitcher Dylan Cease, there’s mixed response among the Yankees fans. On one hand, they are worried about Gerrit Cole. On the other, these names have made the headlines in the Bronx.

The Yankees ace, Gerrit Cole, went in for an MRI on Monday, due to a “discomfort” in his throwing elbow. The club seems to be waiting for news. In the meantime, the rekindling of interest in the RHP Cease has fueled questions about which prospects would be involved in the “new proposal for ace Dylan Cease”. 

New York Yankees’ Farm System – The Next Big Thing

Well, apart from names such as Spencer Jones, Austin Wells, and Jasson Dominguez, there are others. While they might be less-spoken-of prospects in the farm system, they can be considered untouchables. 

To begin with, outfielder Ben Rice wouldn’t be the flashiest name, yet his well-rounded skillset has scouts raving. Evaluators praise his advanced hitting approach, with a knack for generating consistent line drives and gap power. At 6′ 1″/215, Rice has the frame to add even more pop to his swing, eventually. Going forward, he might grow into an All-Star. Let the numbers do the talking here. He hit 20 homers with 68 RBI and stole 11 bases. His slash line .342/.434/.615/1.049 is all the more a reason not to trade him. 

Next up is TJ Rumfield, who defensively is way ahead of the curve. Teams have their eyes on his receiving skills. Boasting stats in the likes of 17 home runs, an RBI of 58, AVG of .222, OBP of .320, and an OPS of .757, he remains an attractive prospect. But guess what; he’s a keeper too. 

Another keeper on the list is perhaps the most intriguing name on this list – Henry Lalane. The 19-year-old left-hander is the No. 4 prospect in the Florida Complex League and the ace of a Yankees minor-league team. The 6-foot-7 boasts a 4.57 ERA in just 21.2 innings in 2022. With all “glowing” reviews, he could be one of MLB’s best in 2024.

Read More: Dylan Cease Trade Unlikely Despite Yankees’ Interest, White Sox Postpone Discussions With Regular Season in Sight

Spencer Jones, Jasson Dominguez, and Austin Wells continue to hold the untouchable spot amid trade talks

While the underdogs remain on the radar, particularly after interest in Dylan Cease, some names have to be mentioned – Jasson Dominguez, Spencer Jones, and Austin Wells. These three fill the positions of a significant need for the Yanks. Jones is an unmatched power-hitting outfielder. Meanwhile, Dominguez is an impressive center fielder, and Wells is another highly touted backstop. In an age where finding top-tier talent at these positions through the draft or free agency is challenging, these players must be protected at all costs. With that, circling back to the situation at hand becomes super important. 

Read More: MLB Spring Training: New York Yankees Consider Spencer Jones Untouchable, Top Prospect Impresses

Amid the growing tension within the New York Yankees about what happens with Gerrit Cole, this idea of bringing Cease to the Bronx might come with a hefty trade. But only time will tell if any of these untouchable prospects will be forced out of the Pinstripes.