MLB Draft 2018: Yankees select outfielder Ryder Green 97th overall

The Yankees took two catchers on the first night in the draft, but on Day Two, they took outfielder Ryder Green. The Tennessee high school pick is a right-handed hitter who ranks no. 82 on MLB.com’s list of top 200 draft prospects, and no. 98 on Baseball America’s list.

He stands out because of his plus raw power and great physical strength that will make him a power threat at the next level. While his overall hit tool lags behind his power, he has improved over the last year. The Yankees clearly took Green in order to add an impressive bat to their minor league system.

When it comes to his abilities in the field, he is noted for having impress arm strength thanks to experience on the mound. The Yankees drafted him as a center fielder, but it is believed he will end up at a corner outfielder at the next level. Scouts believe he is a solid to average runner, but will need to improve his route running. Thankfully, he has the athleticism and arm to be considered a good defender overall.

Green will ultimately have to be signed away from Vanderbilt for him to join the Yankees organization. By taking him in the third round of the draft, the Yankees are improving their outfield depth significantly. In a system dominated by arms and middle infielders, he will help balance things out.