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Yankees Linked to Power Pitchers in Recent MLB Mock Drafts

With the MLB Draft just days away, mock drafts have started to identify the types of players teams are targeting. Due to their luxury tax penalty, the Yankees’ first selection won’t come until the 39th overall pick, meaning fans will need to be patient on draft night. However, the latest projections suggest the Yankees may pursue hard-throwing right-handed pitchers or a strong left-handed bat—aligning with their recent draft strategies.

In Baseball America’s Draft 3.0, Landon Harmon, a right-handed pitcher from East Union High School in Mississippi, was selected for the Yankees. Harmon, ranked 48th by MLB.com and 66th by Baseball America, is known for his high-velocity fastball, which has reached up to 99 mph. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 190 pounds, he currently sits in the mid-90s and shows the potential for more velocity as he matures physically. His slider shows promise, while his changeup remains a work in progress. Harmon is committed to Mississippi State, which could require a significant signing bonus to sway him toward the pros.

Another Baseball America mock draft (version 5.0) had the Yankees selecting Aaron Watson, a right-handed pitcher from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. Watson, ranked 45th by MLB.com and 64th by Baseball America, shares many physical traits with Harmon—he’s also 6-foot-5 and throws in the low-to-mid 90s, topping at 96 mph. Like Harmon, Watson’s slider flashes potential but lacks consistency. He recently changed his college commitment from the University of Virginia to the University of Florida.

MLB Pipeline’s July 4th mock draft projected the Yankees would pick Riley Quick, a right-hander from the University of Alabama. Ranked 38th by MLB.com and 32nd by Baseball America, Quick is a physically imposing pitcher at 6-foot-6, 255 pounds. A former standout in high school football, Quick throws a sinker that touches 99 mph and sits 96-97 mph. Scouts are split on his second-best pitch, with his slider and changeup both receiving solid reviews. His build and repertoire make him a strong starting pitcher candidate.

In Baseball America’s most recent mock draft (version 6.0), the Yankees are projected to take Brandon Compton, a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder from Arizona State. Ranked 41st by Baseball America and 47th by MLB.com, Compton is a power hitter who stood out in the Cape Cod League with a .903 OPS. After redshirting in 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, Compton returned to earn PAC-12 Freshman of the Year honors in 2024. He impressed at the draft combine with an exit velocity of 116.9 mph—the hardest-hit ball at the event since 2022. While his 2025 numbers dipped slightly, his strength and bat speed suggest he could thrive with a wood bat in pro ball.

Projecting the Yankees’ pick at 39th overall is difficult, especially since only the Dodgers select later in the first round. Still, the mock drafts suggest the team may lean toward either a high-upside power pitcher or a strong lefty bat. The question remains: will the Yankees continue their recent focus on pitching talent, or return to the strategy of drafting polished position players early, as they did from 2018 to 2023?