THIS YANKEES TOP PROSPECT IS ON FIRE!

The Yankees could have a future stud on their hands. He's tearing through the minor leagues right now. If the Yankees don't trade for a top of the line pitcher by the  July 31st deadline, they still may have one in the future.

Maybe you haven't heard the name yet but Deivi Garcia is ranked fourth in the Yankees system and definitely one of the Yankees most exciting players to watch right now. He's only 20 and he's stayed under the radar for awhile but I don't think he will continue to stay invisible. He's opened a lot of eyes lately.

Two of his most recent starts for the Trenton Thunder have put him in the news. His start on June 18th against the Richmond Flying Squirrels he lasted six innings with 1 hit, 1 walk and 15 strikeouts. Yes, you read that correctly....15 strikeouts!
His start on June 24th against the Redding Fightin Phils was also impressive, he had a five inning no hitter with two walks and nine strikeouts and was the franchise's fifth-ever no hitter.

Garcia was called up for Double-A on April 30th and has pitched consistently. He has a good fastball and curveball but he has recently added a slider that has worked well for him. He was the only Yankee chosen to participate in the All-Star Futures Game and he looked good. He was the starter and worked fast and worked a 1-2-3 inning. Analysts loved what they saw from him....and so did I. He pitched with confidence.

There's speculation out there that he could be trade bait. Now that the world knows about his recent strong starts he could be a interesting piece that any team will want in a potential deal. I could see that, who doesn't want young pitching? But, Brian Cashman said he wouldn't give up Clint Frazier for a short-term rental so why should he give up Garcia when his value is only on the rise?

Not to mention that some of the most attractive targets on the market all have question marks. Zack Wheeler is a potential starter that is on the move. Wheeler’s trade value took a hit on Sunday, when the Phillies jumped him early in the game and added runs on later. The Mets went into the All-Star break with an 8-3 loss to the Phillies and an uncertain future ahead of Wheeler. This start could've raised his value. Instead, it's a bad last impression to make. His next start isn't scheduled until July 28th. At just 3 days before the trade deadline will he even be a Met by then?

And what about Madison Bumgarner or Marcus Stroman? They both have injury concerns at this point so their value has pretty much tanked.

It's too soon to tell what will happen with Garcia. The Yankees have time and if they don't want to give up Frazier for a rental, they won't do it with their fourth ranked prospect either. Food for thought as the deadline fast approaches. Garcia could be the next pitching phenom for the Yankees, you never know. I do know this though....I will have fun watching in the meantime!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj