As the New York Yankees wrap up their final series before the All-Star Break on Sunday, they’ll conclude the day with the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
It’s unclear which direction the Yankees will go in when it comes to using the No. 26 overall pick. They could look to bolster the pitching staff with some power arms or add some intriguing infield prospects to the organization.
The first round of the MLB Draft is set to begin Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN and MLB Network.
Before the Yankees are on the clock, here are the expert predictions for the No. 26 pick:
MLB draft experts predict Yankees first-round pick
Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee — The Sporting News
What they said: “The college route has worked out well for the Yankees in recent years, with players like Spencer Jones, Trey Sweeney and Austin Wells all coming from the collegiate ranks. Amick has risen up boards in his first season with a 23-homer season in his first year with the Volunteers. There are chase concerns, and though he might have to move to first at some point, that power is legit and could fit in well with a thunderous Yankee lineup.”
Ryan Sloan, RHP, York HS (Elmhurst, IL) — The Athletic
What they said: “I have heard the Yankees on the most motley list of players, including local kid Luke Dickerson, toolsy Mississippi State outfielder Dakota Jordan, high school pitchers Sloan, Schmidt, and Doughty, and hard-hitting Tennessee first baseman Blake Burke. If you can find the connection there, you should work for the New York Times Games’ department.”
Caleb Lomativa, C, California — ESPN
What they said: “I keep hearing college bats at this pick, so I assume the Yankees will clean up whatever players make it here who aren’t supposed to get this far. In this case, that’s college catching with Lomavita, Janek and Malcolm Moore all still on the board. Dante Nori and Boston Bateman are targets for their next pick.”
Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk City HS (Oklahoma) — Bleacher Report
What they said: “Mayfield saw his draft stock soar this spring thanks to a major uptick in stuff after he opted to rest his arm during showcase season last summer, bumping 97 mph with a fastball that previously sat in the upper 80s. With a 6’4″, 200-pound frame, solid secondary stuff and good command, he offers a high floor with plenty of upside.”
William Schmidt, RHP, Catholic HS (Louisiana) — CBS Sports
What they said: “New York hasn’t taken a pitcher in the first round since Clarke Schmidt in 2017, but there are rumblings they prefer an arm at No. 26 this year. Schmidt is arguably the best high school pitcher in the draft class — his high-spin curveball might be the best breaking ball in the draft this year — and if the Yankees are going to break the trend and take a pitcher, I don’t think they would do it for a second tier prospect. The right college bat sliding here (Smith? Waldschmidt?) could push the Yankees back toward their usual target of big exit velocity hitters.”
