Dante Bichette

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Yankees #21 prospect in 2013
  Bichette's father Dante made four all-star teams despite struggling early in his minor league career, posting a .688 OPS in low Class A in 1985 as a 21-year-old. Two years younger at the same level in 2012, Dante Jr. grinded his way to a .653 OPS. That was a far cry from his pro debut after he signed for $750,000 as New York's top draft pick in 2011, when he ranked as the No. 1 prospect and earned MVP honors in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Bichette struggled with the heavier diet of breaking balls he saw in low Class A, making lots of weak contact. His bat-to-ball skills kept him from striking out more, and when he did connect, the ball often was swallowed up at spacious Riley Park in Charleston. He posted a .591 OPS at home, compared to a more respectable .713 on the road. Bichette has solid raw power with good bat speed and the ability to put backspin on the ball. His defense made significant progress as he became more comfortable with third base. His quickness, range and arm are all fringy to average, so he's not a lock to stay at the hot corner. He'll likely start 2013 back in Charleston.
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  Ranked New York Yankees #6 prospect in 2012
  The son of the former all-star outfielder of the same name, Dante Jr. is a baseball rat who hit .640 as a high school senior and became the Yankee's top 2011 draft pick (51st overall). He signed quickly for $750,000 and adjusted on the fly after a slow start to pro ball, lowering his hands and quickening his swing. He earned top-prospect and MVP honors in the Gulf Coast League and led his team to the championship. Like his father, Bichette combines righthanded power and underrated athletic ability. He's an advanced hitter with good hand-eye coordination, present strength and above-average bat speed. He doesn't sell out for power, uses the whole field and has a mature two-strike approach. While area scouts considered Bichette a lock to move to the outfield while he was an amateur, he impressed New York with his agility, arm strength and aptitude at third base. He's an average runner. His work ethic impresses coaches and opponents alike, and he should have the makeup to handle the Big Apple. Bichette's passion for the game helped him make a name for himself with his strong debut. He could move quickly, and if J.R. Murphy remains a catcher, the Yankees don't have another third-base prospect ahead of him. Bichette is ready to advance to low Class A in 2012.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida Complex League #1 prospect in 2011
  The Yankees used their top 2011 draft choice (51st overall) on Bichette, whose father Dante was a four-time all-star in the 1990s. The son led the league in hits (67), doubles (17) and RBIs (47), winning MVP honors and a league title before getting a brief promotion to the short-season New York-Penn League. Bichette impressed GCL managers with his advanced approach at the plate, good bat speed and plus-plus power. He works the count and makes adjustments pitch to pitch, showing the ability to drive the ball to all fields when he's ahead in the count. While there's movement in his swing, scouts noticed that he lowered his hands in his set-up as the season went on, which helped him get ready to hit sooner. While amateur scouts questioned whether Bichette would have to move to a corner outfield position, GCL evaluators said he was fine defensively at third base. He made the routine plays, showing solid actions and a strong arm.

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: The son of the former all-star outfielder of the same name, Dante Jr. is a baseball rat who became the Yankees' top 2011 draft pick (51st overall). He signed quickly for $750,000 and adjusted on the fly after a slow start to pro ball, lowering his hands and quickening his swing. He earned top-prospect and MVP honors in the Gulf Coast League and led his team to the championship. Scouting Report: Like his father, Bichette combines righthanded power and underrated athletic ability. He's an advanced hitter with good hand-eye coordination, present strength and above-average bat speed. He doesn't sell out for power, uses the whole field and has a mature two-strike approach. While scouts considered Bichette a lock to move to the outfield while he was an amateur, he impressed New York with his agility, arm strength and aptitude at third base. He's an average runner. He should have the makeup to handle the Big Apple. The Future: Bichette's passion for the game and work ethic helped him make a name for himself with his strong debut. He could move quickly, and if J.R. Murphy remains a catcher, the Yankees don't have another third-base prospect ahead of him. Bichette is ready to advance to low Class A in 2012.