Yankees Prospect Report: Evan Alexander

Current Staten Island Yankees outfielder Evan Alexander was the Yankees’ 19th round selection in the 2016 MLB Draft. One of the lesser-known prospects, Alexander committed to Hill Junior College just a couple of months before the draft. He was shy talking considering he was a potential MLB draftee headed to a small junior college. When the Yankees drafted him 578th overall, he didn’t hesitate before putting pen to paper, becoming a part of the Yankees organization.

“I didn’t have a lot of college interests. So for one of the best organizations in baseball to really show they care about me and want me to come play for them really meant a lot to me and gave me a lot of confidence.” Alexander told me in the dugout of Richmond County Bank Ballpark, the home of the Staten Island Yankees.

Alexander played the 2016 season with the Yankees rookie ball affiliate, the Gulf Coast Yankees. He hit a respectable .253 with six stolen bases and a home run.

“(I was) just really trying to get a hold of the timing because guys are throwing a lot harder.” He said regarding the transition to pro baseball, “Just not missing my pitch because when you miss the fastball’s you get the junk… and it’s pretty hard to hit.”

Mike Janes/Four Seam Images

In 2017, Alexander split his season between the GCL Yankees and Pulaski Yankees, hitting a combined .257 with 25 RBI’s and five home runs. The following season he had a breakout year batting .278 with 23 RBI’s and five home runs in just 47 games. That performance earned himself a promotion to Class-A Charleston by the end of the year.

Despite a big 2018, Alexander was not assigned to a full-season affiliate after spring training. He was held back in extended spring training, known to most as the toughest level of pro baseball. In extended, you have to be at the field beginning at 6 am and are not paid.

Following extended spring training, the 21-year-old was assigned to the Staten Island Yankees. He has been playing just about every day. “Just keep progressing. Take advantage of my time here…enjoy it.” Alexander says.

When I asked Alexander about his long term goals, he pointed to New York Harbor and the Bronx, which sits a boat ride away from Richmond County Ballpark. He tells me, “one day I just want to head over to that side.”