Before Sept. 1 roster expansion, the two teams that had used the most players they originally signed to the organization via the draft, undrafted free agents or internationals signings were the Mets with 26 and the Yankees with 23.
The Yankees’ total is based on an improved farm system with such players as Greg Bird, Rob Refsnyder and Luis Severino making their debuts. But a lot of it had to do with roster manipulation as the Yankees always tried to keep fresh arms in the bullpen by moving relievers up and down, including such homegrown entities as Danny Burawa, Caleb Cotham, Nick Goody, Branden Pinder, Jose Ramiez, Nick Rumbelow and Matt Tracy.