ICYMH: Rob Segedin

This may be a new thing we start here on the blog, it all depends on how much you guys enjoy it. We have done one of these already this winter when the New York Yankees lost outfielder Jake Cave to the Cincinnati Reds in the Rule 5 Draft so I thought it may be a good time to do another for another Yankee lost to the numbers game. In case you missed it, or ICYMI, the Yankees sent Segedin and cash or a player to be named later to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two players that were recently designated for assignment, infielder Ronald Torreyes and left-handed pitcher Tyler Olson. In case you miss him, or ICYMH, here is a snapshot of what the Yankees gave up in the trade. 

Rob Segedin was drafted by the New York Yankees in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft signing 112^th overall after a monster season in the Cape Cod League. Segedin used the Cape Cod League to build his draft status after going undrafted out of High School in the 2007 Draft. At Tulane Segedin hit .322 with 75 hits, 18 of them doubles, and 59 RBI while also doubling as a relief pitcher as a freshman before coming back with a monster year in 2010. Segedin slashed .434/.516/.788 with 92 hits, 29 home runs and 54 RBI before signing an above-slot deal worth $377,500 with the Yankees. 

Segedin was immediately moved to third base full time and grew into his 6’3” and 220 lb. frame. Segedin packed a powerful line drive swing from the right side of the plate that produced an absolute ton of contact. Segedin is a contact guy with a good batter’s eye, he rarely swung and missed or struck out, and at the same time was an aggressive hitter. Segedin had over the fence power in College but that translated more to gap power professionally, although he did smack 27 home runs between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre in 2015. 

Segedin’s biggest issue was his ability to play the third base position. He was never considered to be fluid there and was even seen tinkering at first base some because of the defensive concerns. Some think Segedin may be destined to play the outfield before it’s all said and done but it would have to be a corner spot because he does not offer much speed on the bases or in the field. Segedin has also had issues with his back and shoulder not only in his professional career but in College as well leaving many to wonder if these will bounce back up eventually down the road. 

Segedin was one of those prospects I truly liked as a fan and I never had a true reason why. He wasn’t the big name or the sexy hyped player like an Aaron Judge or a Luis Severino were but he always got the job done. I tend to root for the guys that many won’t, my favorite pitcher of all-time was AJ Burnett followed closely by Mike Mussina so that should tell you something, and Segedin was always that guy. I’m kind of shocked to see the Yankees let him go after trading Eric Jagielo and Jose Pirela this winter but the GM admittedly knows more about these guys than I do. If he says it’s a good trade for New York, and ultimately two MLB ready players for one (looking like a) career minor league player should be considered a good trade every time. 

So in case you miss him here he is in all his glory. Also check out the Youtube video I found of him from the 2011 Arizona Fall League. Dude was a monster!