We have already met this young man’s former teammate with
the Seattle Mariners in JP Sears so let’s meet the other arm that the New York
Yankees acquired in a trade this week when they sent Nick Rumbelow and his 40-man
roster spot west. His name is Juan Then, imagine the “Then and Now” jokes this
guy is going to have to endure as he climbs the ranks within the Yankees
system, and he is an arm that I am personally really excited to watch grow and
progress. This is Meet a Prospect: The Juan Then and Now Edition.
Then is just 17-years old and was signed as an international
free agent by the Seattle Mariners back on July 2, 2016. Now before writing
this post I knew absolutely nothing about Then but I do know that the best of
the best in terms of international free agents tend to get signed immediately
as the international signing period opens up annually on July 2. Then signed as
a 16-year old, usually another sign that the prospect has shown potential, in
2016 for just $77,000.
Then made his professional debut in 2017 in the Dominican
Summer League posting a 20-2 record with a 2.64 ERA. Then made 13 starts for
the DSL Mariners striking out 56 batters in 61.1 innings while holding opposing
batters to just a .220 batting average against which was good for a 1.06 WHIP.
Then has a pitcher’s build standing at 6’1” and weighing in
at 155 lbs. as a right-handed starter. Then has a lot of time and a lot of room
to grow into his frame as he matures and gets older, which is scary when you
consider that Then is already throwing in the low 90 MPH range with his
fastball. Then also has a changeup and a second breaking ball that he will have
to develop if he wants to be a starting pitcher long-term with the team.
Then has a lot of potential to be a great arm and addition
for the Yankees and I personally look forward to watching him progress over the
course of the next few seasons. Welcome to the organization, Juan, and also
welcome to the Yankees family.
As I was reading what you posted Daniel, it came to me (in a drunken haze) that we often miss the pitchers we have gotten in trades over the last few years.
ReplyDeleteWhat I mean is Ken H, always says "We don't draft and develop big-time pitchers" Well he is right...damn, that hurt!
What we have done very well (I think) is trade for kids that have and will have an important role in the near future of this teams march to the "Golden Ring"! I think I can live with that, the point being...trading for a pitcher in the farm system is much better than going out after the best pitchers in the game and the most $$$$$$!
Guys like Sheffield, Monty, Chance on down the line are players that Cashman and team went out and got...they can be the backbone of the staff/BP in time!
Good Job to Cashman's team and he, as the leader of said team!