Yankees Draft Targets

The 2023 MLB amateur draft is less than a month away, this class topped by LSU products and generational prospects in Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes, however today we’re going to look at some of the players the Yankees should consider drafting at selection 26 in the first round. We’ll be looking at my top 3 draft targets for the Yankees.

1. SS Samuel Stafura – High School

Stafura is viewed by some as a slam dunk pick for the Yankees in the first round. And for good reason, the Yankees have success of taking high school infielders (most recently Anthony Volpe in 2019). Stafura, a Clemson commit, could be the pick for the Yankees. He batted over .500 his senior year, he has the ability to drive the ball to all fields, and is very athletic, highlighted by his baserunning ability and his fielding. Some say there is concern that he will be able to stick at shortstop for the long term, but the arm and range will likely keep him at shortstop. Stafura wouldn’t be my first option if available at 26, but being local, he’s definitely a player the Yankees have kept their eye on.

2. 3B Brayden Taylor – TCU

Taylor broke out this year for TCU and established himself as a consensus first found talent. Taylor’s 55 grade hit tool from the left side is one of his greatest attributes. Along with his solid power. Should translate to 20-30 home runs at the professional level.

College Stats:

182 G

856 PAs

.315 AVG

.443 OBP

.599 SLG

1.042 OPS

48 HR

Taylor could be a fit for the Yankees if he’s available at their pick. Taylor’s major league comp could be a player like Alex Bregman. If Taylor is available, he could be a guy that the Yankees could view as a long term solution at third base. Taylor projects as a solid major league player that the Yankees should have a lot of interest in. With an aging DJ LeMahieu, and a struggling Josh Donaldson. The Yankees don’t exactly have a long term solution at the moment.

3. OF Jack Hurley – Virginia Tech

Jack Hurley is one of the most dynamic players in the draft. A five tool player in the backend of the first round is definitely hard to find. Hurley over the last two years at Virginia Tech absolutely broke out and established himself as a first round talent.

College Stats:

154 G

689 PA

.320 AVG

.411 OBP

.603 SLG

1.015 OPS

37 HR

Hurley after moving to center field full time this year after the departure of Gavin Cross, showed the ability and potential to be a very productive player for a very long time. Hurley could be a very good pick for the Yankees this summer. And it could be a overlooked one, as Hurley’s mixture of power and contact ability can make him rise very quickly, and the I would be very surprised if the Yankees were to pass on him especially if the previous targets of Stafura and Taylor are no longer on the board. Hurley is likely my top target in this draft.