Over the last two years, Nick Yorke has become one of the Red Sox’s best prospects. The San Jose native was a surprise first-round pick in 2020 after an impressive high school career. While he wasn’t viewed as a first-round talent by many, Chaim Bloom saw something special in the second baseman. In 2021 he continued to draw the envy of other teams as he was a lethal bat.
In 97 games, Yorke hit .326 between two levels. The 19-year-old showed surprising power as 39 of his 123 hits went for extra bases. In his first minor league season, Yorke hit regardless of the competition and improved as the season went on. As the Red Sox surprised at the major league level, Yorke showed why the future is bright.
After starting the season in Salem, the 2020 draftee was promoted to Greenville in August. In High- A, he continued to be an on-base machine by posting a .333 average in 21 games. While Yorke’s strikeout rate slightly increased, he posted a .571 slugging percentage. As the Archbishop Mitty High School product sparked the offense, he was solid in the field.
Through 741.2 innings of play last year, Yorke only committed nine errors. In 86 games at second base, he had a .976 fielding percentage and turned 48 double plays. While Yorke may still switch positions, he was a perfect fit at second. In a farm system on the rise, he stood out.
Nick Yorke is enjoying his time with the @GreenvilleDrive.
The @RedSox No. 4 prospect cranked a HR and two doubles to bring his High-A OPS up to 1.284. pic.twitter.com/vgUi070n79
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 29, 2021
Expectations for Yorke in 2022
Although Yorke’s career is just getting started, he is already one of the best pure hitters in the minors. He can hit the ball to all fields and will only continue to get stronger. Entering 2022, he is the Red Sox’s fourth-best prospect and the sixth-best second-base prospect in baseball. While he isn’t projected to make his MLB debut until 2024, Yorke is already quickly rising through the system.
Assuming Yorke continues his success at Greenville, he will be in Double-A at some point next season. His advanced pitch recognition was on full display in 2021, and he has excelled at every level. The former 17th overall pick also thrived with players on base as he only hit into four double plays. In his second minor league season, Yorke will be one of baseball’s most-watched prospects.
When baseball does resume, 2022 is expected to be an exciting year for Boston. Last year they fell two wins short of a World Series berth with talented prospects, including Yorke inching closer to the majors. As Yorke continues to improve his game, the excitement will continue to build as one of the top infield prospects in baseball looks to make Fenway his home sooner rather than later.
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