I mentioned a while back that the Yankees would add this guy to the rotation. It was only a matter of time until we saw the work-horse, Randy Vasquez in full pinstripes in the Bronx; May 26th, 2023 was that day, as he made his Major League debut against the hot San Diego Padres. How did the right-handed prospect look in a 5-1 Yankees loss?
Let’s start with the line: Vasquez threw 4.2 innings allowing 4 hits, 2 earned runs, 3 walks, and struck out 6. In all fairness, this was a composed start against a well-built Padres lineup that witnessed the repertoire of Vasquez out of the gate. Rougned Odor, Fernando Tatis Jr, Juan Soto, Mat Carpenter, Trent Grisham, and Austin Nola all got a taste of the filth that Vasquez delivers, and all taking seats on strikeouts.
Yankees Prospects Performance: What did we see off the mound in Randy Vasquez?
The First impression of Vasquez was his complete composure during this start! He pitched in front of a 46,724-packed Yankee Stadium in his major league debut and did not seem to break a sweat in nerves. He was locked in and dialed against his opponents, with some understanding of each batter he faced. Vasquez trusted his bread and butter and executed his options in a calculated manner with trust and confidence.
Vasquez commanded and attacked the zone well, forcing swings and getting the ball in play. He faced 23 batters, throwing 13 first-pitch strikes, 20 called strikes, 6 swinging strikes, 13 foul balls, and 12 strikes in play. He forced 2 ground balls and 6 fly-balls.
Yankees Prospects: Randy Vasquez Scouting Report
Vasquez, the 12 of 30 top-ranked Yankees prospects stands 165lbs at 6’0” with an athletic frame and built lower half. He employs a fluid, composed, and repeated delivery that includes and charge-up leg kick, a sling-shot arm action wind-up with his left hip hinged, and a power release from ¾ to the top.
In 2022, Vasquez threw for the AA Somerset Patriots where he went 2-7 with a 3.90 ERA, 115.1 innings pitched, 50 earned runs, 120 strikeouts, and 42 walks. In 2023 he started the season in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre AAA where he pitched 42.2 innings, striking out 50, walking 23 batters.
Vasquez’s repertoire is highly effective and valuable, throwing six different pitches. His fastball is commanded better now than before, sitting between 94-95mph, maxing at 100mph with bite. His out pitch would be his slider that breaks away from righties and moves well if his grip stays on top consistently. His curveball has phenomenal breaking action that works low and away in the zone with a late drop at 30.5 inches. His sweeper hits an 80mph average with 41.2 inches of drop and breaks 12.5 inches horizontally. He will also mix in a cut-fastball and changeup.
Vasquez can average 5-6 innings a game, considering him for a starter role, however, his repertoire at max effort and physicality will see him fit well as a strong bullpen guy, maybe even a closer at some point.
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