The Yankees have added outfielder Ben Gamel and right-handers Rookie Davis and Johnny Barbato to the 40-man roster, the team announced. All three players were eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this offseason. The team also confirmed righty Chase Whitley has been claimed off waivers by the Rays.
Gamel, 23, had a breakout year with Triple-A Scranton this summer, hitting .300/.358/.472 (138 wRC+) with a farm system leading 52 extra-base hits. He joins Slade Heathcott and Mason Williams as left-handed hitting outfielders on the 40-man roster. Gamel’s not the center field defender Slade and Williams are, but he’s a better hitter.
The 22-year-old Davis is one of the team’s best pitching prospects and was the only no-brainer addition this offseason. He had a 3.86 ERA (2.47 FIP) in 130.2 innings at mostly High-A Tampa this past season. Davis is a mid-90s fastball/curveball/changeup pitcher who made big strides with his command and efficiency in 2015.
Barbato, 23, was acquired from the Padres last winter in the Shawn Kelley trade. He had a 3.19 ERA (3.45 FIP) in 67.2 innings split between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton this year. He’s a fastball curveball guy. Gamel and Barbato could definitely help in 2016. Davis figures to be more of a 2017 option though it’s not out of the question we see him next year.
Among the notable players left unprotected for the Rule 5 Draft are outfielder Tyler Austin, third baseman Miguel Andujar, lefties Dietrich Enns and Chaz Hebert, outfielder Jake Cave, and infielder Tony Renda. Cave and the lefties seem like prime Rule 5 Draft fodder though I’m not sure any of them could stick on a big league 25-man roster in 2016.
Gamel and Davis were the only players 50% of RAB readers said the Yankees should protect in our poll earlier this week. The 40-man roster is now full.
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