MLB Draft 2016: Yankees select 1B Tim Lynch 278th overall

With their ninth round pick in the 2016 draft, the Yankees selected first baseman Tim Lynch out of Southern Mississppi. According to Baseball America, Lynch is ranked 22nd in the state of Mississippi. Lynch represents another senior draftee for the Yankees who are looking to save money for their earlier high school draft picks.

The 6'2" first baseman from Jupiter, Florida, is a left-handed hitter who has turned in his best season at Southern Miss in 2016. Lynch has strong plate discipline with good power and solid contact. He earned second team All-Conference USA honors last season. He he was the only member of the Golden Eagles team to make the Preseason All-Conference USA team.

Lynch batted .365/.470/.545 with ten home runs and 59 RBI this season for Southern Miss. His plate discipline is fantastic, as he has struck out only 13 times to his 39 walks this year. That makes him a very valuable commodity as a first baseman who doesn't need to completely rework his swing.

Baseball Draft Report ranks Lynch as the fifth best hitter out of Conference USA in the draft. First base prospects are not the most exciting players, since it is believed that nearly anyone could play the position if necessary, but what Lynch does with the bat shouldn't be overlooked. If he can bring that kind of hitting ability to the Yankees' organization, he should be able to turn into at least a solid player.