Born01/15/1991 in Sabana Grande De Boya, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 6'3" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Much like Royals great Bret Saberhagen did on a much bigger stage, Yambati seems to alternate between good and bad years. In the 1980s, Saberhagen was dominant during odd-numbered seasons and merely adequate in even-numbered years. Yambati has been awful in odd-numbered seasons and intriguing in even-numbered ones. After struggling with his mechanics in 2009, he nearly matched Yordano Ventura pitch for pitch in 2010. But while Ventura successfully made the leap to full-season ball in 2011, Yambati again lost the feel for his delivery, saw his stuff take a step back and posted horrific numbers. He managed to pull it back together in 2012, when he became a full-time reliever. He smoothed out his delivery and regained the velocity on his fastball, which once again sat at 93-95 mph and touched 97. Working out of the bullpen, Yambati has simplified his approach. He largely pitches off his fastball, mixing in an occasional slider that has the potential to be average. He generates strikeouts but must continue to refine his control and command. He could move quickly as a reliever and will battle for a job in Double-A during spring training.
The owner of an ugly 8.89 ERA in his U.S. debut in 2009, Yambati was much better in his return to the Arizona League last year. He ranked right behind teammate Yordano Ventura as the circuit's best pitching prospect. Yambati was more comfortable and his stuff picked up after dipping the previous season. He resolved some mechanical problems and did a better job of repeating his delivery, resulting in improved velocity and command. Yambati's fastball sits between 90-93 mph and peaks at 96. He also throws a hard slurve in the low 80s and a changeup that clearly ranks as his third-best pitch right now. He's actually a little taller than his listed 6-foot-3 height, though his three-quarters release point means he doesn't have the steep downward plane of an over-thetop pitcher. He'll compete for a spot in the Kane County rotation as a teenager this season.
Minor League Top Prospects
The Royals staff had a tough time picking the best prospect between Ventura and Yambati. "They're 1A and 1B," Royals pitching coach Mark Davis, "and the A and B flip from day to day because they both have quality arms." Yambati, who towers over Ventura at 6-foot-4, led the league with eight wins. He has an effective three-pitch mix, starting with a lively 90-93 mph fastball that touches 96. He should add velocity as he fills out. His curveball, which at times looks like a slider, sits in the low 80s. He also has a changeup that projects as an average pitch once he throws it with consistent arm speed. Davis said Yambati made significant improvements from a year ago with his curve and with repeating his three-quarters delivery.
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