Yankees Draft Coverage

Yankees Draft Preview 2018: Projected Second-Round Prospects

A closer look at some of the players the Yankees could pick in the second round.

By Caitlin Rogers Jun 2, 2018, 11:00am EDT

MLB: Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals

Yesterday Brett took a look at some of the prospects that the Yankees could select in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft. After they make the 23rd overall pick, it will be awhile until their next selection since they don’t have any compensation or competitive balance picks. Here’s a closer look at some of the pitchers and position players who might be available when the Yankees make the 61st overall pick (valued at $1,086,900) in the second round:

Pitchers:

Griffin Roberts

RHP, Age: 21, Height: 6’3”, Weight: 210 lbs
School: Wake Forest
MLB Rank: 53
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Video

The right-hander has bounced around between the bullpen and the rotation, with some scouts thinking he could ultimately stick as a reliever. Roberts’ slider is said to be one of the best breaking balls in the draft. Out of the ‘pen, his fastball sat in the mid-90s, topping out at 97. He’ll need to develop his changeup if he wants to make it as a starter.

Owen White

The South Carolina commit has the potential for four decent pitches, but needs to work on strength-training and filling out his frame. If he does go to college, White will pitch and play shortstop, and could bump himself up to a first-round pick in a few years.

Konnor Pilkington

LHP, Age: 20, Height: 6’3”, Weight: 225 lbs
School: Mississippi State
MLB Rank: 60
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Video

Pilkington took over as the ace of his college staff last season, posting a 3.08 ERA through 17 starts. His fastball sits in the low-90s, but he is able to get a good angle on it because of his height. Scouts see him as a mid-to-back-end starter.

Tim Cate

LHP, Age: 20, Height: 6’0”, Weight: 167 lbs
School: Connecticut
MLB Rank: 62
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 65 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Video

Unfortunately for Cate, his stock has dipped a bit as he missed 50 days dealing with a forearm injury this year. His 12-to-6 curveball is one of the best in the draft, and he fools batters with it by successfully throwing it from the same plane as his fastball.

Position Players:

Nander De Sedas

The switch-hitting shortstop is considered to have plenty of raw tools (power, strong arm, good hands), but needs to work on batting left-handed. Scouts aren’t convinced he will stick at short, and could see him moving to third down the line.

Luken Baker

Formerly a two-way player, Baker gave up pitching for good after developing a strained arm muscle several years ago. What he lacks in speed and defense, he makes up for in sheer power due to his size. He slugged .561 with 28 home runs over three college seasons.

Greyson Jenista

Jenista is less highly regarded than teammate Alec Bohm, but has decent raw power, speed, and strength. He profiles best as a future right fielder.

Joe Gray Jr.

Gray’s best tool is his arm strength, and he was clocked throwing 98 from center field. He has lacked consistency at the plate, but possesses raw power, and is able to hit the ball to all fields.

Who would you like to see the Yankees draft in the second round?