Yamaico Navarro

2013

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2012

Originally in the Boston farm system, Navarro was traded to Kansas City in late July where he continued to predominately play third base at Triple-A Omaha. Between the two systems he hit .264/.344/.436 with seven home runs and 22 RBI over 220 at-bats. While he's a free swinger, Navarro has yet to show an ability to hit for power at the major league level, something that is concerning if he is to stay at third base (he was originally a shortstop). He was traded to Pittsburgh in December, where he'll offer organizational depth as the team tries to figure out what they're doing with Pedro Alvarez. If given significant playing time, he's likely to be exposed at the plate, so owners will want to use him sparingly.

2011

Navarro came up through the system as a middle infielder before making the transition to third base in 2010. He now offers Boston some position flexibility as a second baseman, third baseman and shortstop. Navarro is known as a free-swinger, but he worked on improving his approach at the plate and it paid off in the form of more walks, a higher OBP and developing power -- he hit 11 homers in two stops at Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. He can turn on a fastball, but needs to prove he can hit secondary offerings, particularly breaking stuff. His brief callup to Boston late in the season didn't show too much as he looked overmatched and went back to his free-swinging ways. He continued to show patience at the plate in the Dominican Winter League, perhaps proving the improvement he showed in the minor leagues is sticking with him. He'll start the year at Pawtucket, where he can continue to develop as a hitter.

2010

Navarro, 22, is another shortstop who has had to find a new position with the signing of Jose Iglesias. Because of that Navarro is making the transition to third base in 2010. His 2009 season started slowly because of a hamate bone injury, and he eventually earned a promotion to Double-A where pitchers used his aggressive nature at the plate hurt him (.185 in 135 at-bats). He generates good bat speed and projects to be a good power hitter for a middle-infielder. He's worked hard on strength and conditioning, but it can he develop corner-infielder power? He clearly needs to establish a plan at the plate and harness some of that eagerness and aggressiveness that has him swinging early and often at bad pitches.