Position: 2B
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 04/02/2002
How Acquired: Trade (with Red Sox for Quinn Priester)
Drafted: 1st Round, 17th Overall, 2020 (Red Sox)
High School: Archbishop Mitty HS (San Jose, CA)
Bonus: $2,700,000
40-man Roster: Yes
Rule 5 Eligible: N/A
Minor League Free Agency: N/A
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Red Sox selected Yorke in the first round in 2020, ten picks after the Pirates took Nick Gonzales. It was considered a major overdraft, as Yorke was considered a second- or third-round talent and signed for well under the slot value. His hitting ability is his main asset; his power is more likely to be adequate. A shortstop in high school, he’s played only second as a pro, apart from some action in left. His range isn’t great as he doesn’t have good speed, and his arm is probably below average. So far in the minors, he’s altered his approach from chasing a lot to being very patient. One very peculiar facet of his hitting is that he’s had enormous reverse platoon splits, as he struggles badly against LHPs. The Pirates acquired Yorke from Boston for Quinn Priester.
2020-22
Yorke got off to a fast start. After missing out in 2020 due to the pandemic, 323/413/500 line in Low A, then had a .978 OPS in 21 games in High A. In 2022, though, he went back to High A and was plagued by injuries to his toe, back and wrist. He got into only 80 games and hit 232/303/365.
2023-24
Despite his 2022 struggles, the Red Sox moved Yorke up to AA and he partially bounced back, hitting 268/350/435 at age 21 in 2023. His K rate was much higher than it had been in 2021, 24% to 16%. His walk rate dropped, but was still solid.
Yorke opened 2024 back in AA. His hitting fell off from 2023, down to 251/325/366. In early June, though, the Red Sox promoted him anyway and he hit much better in AAA, 310/408/490. That included a higher walk rate, 14% vs. 9% in AA. The Pirates acquired Yorke for Quinn Priester the day before the trade deadline.
After the trade, Yorke hit even better in AAA for the Pirates than he had beforehand, putting up a.938 OPS for Indianapolis. Still, the team, for no discernable reason, delayed calling him up until there were two weeks left in the season. He hit passably in limited time with the Pirates. Yorke played mostly second after the trade, but saw some time almost everywhere.
Stats
Transactions
June 10, 2020: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 1st round, 17th overall pick; signed on July 7.
July 29, 2024: Traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Quinn Priester.
September 16, 2024: Contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates.