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The MLB Draft will get started in just about six hours. That leaves us with one final furry of mock drafts to preview who the Yankees may select with the 30th overall pick. It’s not surprising that the assorted mocks have the Bombers taking an infielder; that’s been their target all season long.
Baseball America - Anthony Volpe (subscription required)
Keith Law - Kody Hoese (subscription required)
MLB - Tyler Callihan
FanGraphs - Anthony Volpe
CBS - Tyler Callihan
Volpe, a shortstop from Delbarton School (Morristown, NJ), ranks 63rd on MLB Pipeline’s top 200 draft candidates. He places a little higher on Baseball America’s top 500, checking in at number 52. His bat lacks power, but he has a solid hit tool and sprays the ball to all fields. Volpe’s steady defense and strong makeup, however, set him apart. While he seems like a quality player, I’m not sold on the Yankees using their first round pick on a decidedly second round talent—especially when Volpe has a strong commitment to Vanderbilt.
Callihan, a third baseman from Providence High School (Jacksonville, FL), fits in the Yankees’ wheelhouse as the number 35 prospect per MLB Pipeline and 37 at Baseball America. A left-handed hitter with good power and enough defense to stick at third, he makes sense as a Yankees target.
As for Hoese, MLB Pipeline says the Tulane third baseman “ ...is loaded with natural right-handed power.” He’s patient at the plate and his swing lifts the ball in the air. The Yankees love players with big tools, and Hoese’s power and launch angle could entice them. He was selected in the 35th round by the Kansas City Royals last year but chose not to sign.
It’s also worth noting that several of the mock drafts hinted at the Yankees keeping an eye on right-hander Jack Leiter. He has a high asking price and a strong commitment to Vanderbilt, but if he does get drafted tonight, the evaluators think it would be by the Yankees or Mets.
What are you thinking heading into the draft? Do any of these prospects excite you? Let us know in the comment section!