NEWSLETTER
The New York Yankees are set to make their first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft with the 26th overall pick.
Exploring Potential Fits for the New York Yankees in the 1st Round of the 2024 MLB Draft
The Yankees may be the hottest team in baseball right now, but that doesn’t mean that their scouting department isn’t putting in overtime in the weeks leading up to next month’s MLB Draft, where New York owns the 26th overall selection.
In Keith Law’s latest mock draft at The Athletic, Law has New York selecting Mississippi State outfielder Dakota Jordan at No. 26 overall. Here’s what Law had to say about the selection:
“The Yankees have been going more for ceiling the last few drafts, and Jordan is the sort of explosive, high-upside athlete they’ve favored at many points in Damon Oppenheimer’s tenure as scouting director. They’d also be a fit for Honeycutt or, if they go pitcher, Iowa’s Brody Brecht.”
Jordan’s exceptional bat speed may be unmatched in the 2024 Draft. His powerful right-handed swing produces impressive exit velocities and at least above-average power to all fields. He made strides in pitch recognition and plate discipline as a freshman but needs to improve against breaking balls, leading to a 25 percent strikeout rate. While he has above-average speed, he is still learning to maximize it and needs to work on his baserunning and outfield play. His arm strength has improved to an average grade since high school.
In their latest mock draft at MLB.com, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo have the Bronx Bombers taking Kansas State shortstop Kaelen Culpepper at No. 26.
Here’s what Callis had to say about the selection: “Promising bat, you want to see a little bit more game power out of him. Probably moves to third base in the long term, but it’s a Gold Glove potential third base.”
A right-handed hitter, Culpepper emphasizes consistent contact and using the entire field. He has above-average bat speed and enough strength for average power, but his swing is flat, and he rarely hits the ball in the air. He may hit 12-15 homers per season. While he handled shortstop well, he likely lacks the lateral quickness for regular play in the big leagues. Culpepper has a strong arm and could excel at third base, but that position demands more power. He’s an average runner and an intelligent base stealer.
Kiley McDaniel has the Yankees taking Cal backstop Caleb Lomavita in his latest mock draft at ESPN.
“Lomavita and all of the college catchers in play for the first round have a very wide range of potential landing spots. Lomavita could go as high as 11th and as low as the early 30s, with Malcolm Moore and Walker Janek having similarly wide possibilities, likely not helped by the three college catchers in play for the second round. Benge, Amick, Doughty, Jonathan Santucci, Dante Nori, and Bateman are mentioned most often at this pick and the next one for the Yankees.”
