Yankees Draft Preview 2016: Projected Second-Round Prospects

Yesterday, Matt P. took a fairly in-depth look at the players who could be available when the Yankees make their first pick during the first round of the MLB Draft. Since the Yankees didn't making qualifying offers to any of the players that departed following the 2015 season, they didn't receive any compensation picks this year. The Yankees don't have any supplemental picks this year either, so after they make their first selection at 18th overall, the Yankees won't make another selection until the second round when they make their 62nd overall pick. Here's a look at some of the pitchers and position players that the Yankees could select in the second round:

Pitchers

Cole Ragans: LHP; 6'3", 190 lbs.; Committed to Florida State
Rank: Baseball America: 58; MLB.com: 74
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The big lefty has a three-pitch arsenal consisting of a fastball that sits in the low 90s, in addition to a changeup and curveball that have above-average potential. Ragans was the ace of his high school staff, and scouts anticipate that he could be a big league starter. He is said to have a clean delivery and the ability to consistently throw all three of his pitches for strikes. He still needs to work on utilizing his height to throw his fastball on more of a downhill plane.

Dane Dunning: RHP; 6'3", 190 lbs.; University of Florida
Rank: Baseball America: 74; MLB.com: 60
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The Florida Gators' baseball team is stacked with talent, including A.J. Puk who has the potential to be one of the first five players selected in this draft. Although Dunning has mostly worked out of the bullpen this year, scouts view him as a potential back-end starter with the ability to stick in the rotation. He boasts a plus fastball that can reach 95, a decent changeup, and a slider that still needs some work, yet has the potential to be an average pitch. Dunning sometimes struggles to keep the ball down in the zone, but that issue can likely be corrected in the future.

Ben Bowden: LHP; 6'4", 225lbs; Vanderbilt
Rank: Baseball America: 76; MLB.com: 71
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Bowden spent the first two years of his college career working as a reliever before making his debut in Vanderbilt's rotation this year. After posting a 4.68 ERA through five starts, he was moved back to the bullpen to become the team's closer. Scouts think that he has the potential to excel at the back end of a bullpen or as the number three or number four starter in the rotation. His fastball taps out around 95 mph, but he hasn't really shown that he can maintain that velocity working as a starter. Bowden also throws a breaking ball that can function as a slider or a curveball, along with a sinking changeup.

Zac Gallen: RHP; 6'2", 190 lbs.; University of North Carolina
Rank: Baseball America: 82; MLB.com: 89
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Gallen has a five-pitch repertoire consisting of a fastball, cutter, slider, curveball and changeup, all of which he can throw for strikes. His fastball sits in the low 90s and the pitch is said to have good running action. He has a solid cutter, but can overuse it at times, while his lesser used changeup has plus potential. Gallen projects to be a mid-to-back-end starter, though he could also be a sixth starter type.

Position Players

Bo Bichette: 2B/3B/SS; 6'0", 200 lbs.; Committed to Arizona State
Rank: Baseball America: 54; MLB.com: 87
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The Yankees love to draft the family members of players connected with the organization. In 2013, they selected Josh Pettitte in the 37th round, and in 2014 they selected Mariano Rivera III in the 29th round, although neither player signed with the Yankees. This year they have a chance to select Bo Bichette, the younger brother of Dante Bitchette Jr. Currently playing shortstop, scouts think Bichette has the ability to stick at second or third base, though a move to left field could be in his future. Last summer he put his raw power on display when he won a home run derby sponsored by Under Armour. Bichette is said to have quicker bat speed than Dante Jr. did coming out of high school, along with fast hands and a strong arm.

Akil Baddoo: OF; 6'1", 195 lbs.; Committed to Kentucky
Rank: Baseball America: 63; MLB.com: 66
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Left-handed hitting Baddoo has the potential to hit for both average and power, and is said to have both quick hands and quick feet. Though currently a center fielder, Baddoo has a below average arm and scouts envision him shifting to left field long term.

Sean Murphy: C; 6'3", 220 lbs.; Wright State
Rank: Baseball America: 65; MLB.com: 50
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Murphy is considered to be one of the best defensive catchers in the early stages of the draft. Scouts consider his arm to a be a 70 grade weapon, and think that he has the receiving and blocking skills to stick behind the plate. The potential downside is his bat. Murphy hasn't ever posted big numbers in college, and despite his size, hasn't displayed much power either. Some think that he could still have the potential to hit for average at the big league level though.

Bryson Brigman: SS; 5'11", 180 lbs; San Diego
Rank: Baseball America: 79; MLB.com: 67
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Previously selected in the 40th round of the 2014 Draft by the Athletics, Brigman opted to go to San Diego instead. Although he is a natural shortstop, Brigman shifted over to second base during his first year at USD, and many scouts think that he has a more realistic chance of sticking at second. He is not a power hitter, but he is able to make solid, consistent contact at the plate.

If the Yankees made their selections based solely on best name, they would have to choose Carter Kieboom. Unfortunately, he will likely be selected at some point between the Yankees' first and second picks. Who would you like to see the Yankees select in the second round?