There is a good chance that Brian Cashman’s office and scouting department add a fair amount of pitching for the New York Yankees in this upcoming draft. You can’t go wrong with a high-caliber college pitcher as your first selection.
In 2024, the Yankees drafted Ben Hess in the first round, who is projected to be an elite starter for the club in the future. Prior to that, their last first-round pitcher selection was in 2019, when they selected T.J. Sikkema.
Pitching will always be a priority for every ball club. Ideally, a high-profile starter and a possible closer or late-inning reliever would be the goal in the long run.
The Yankees need to consider where their rotation will be in a few years as their current staff ages, and guys like Gerrit Cole reach the latter stages of their careers
Three Pitching Prospects the Yankees Might Draft
Right-Handed Pitcher Marcus Phillips, No. 65
The Yankees’ first pick is at 39th overall in 2025. The top 20-ranked players are up for grabs, plus the 19 that follow, due to the delay in selection for New York. Ranking at number 65 on MLB.com’s draft prospect rankings is a righty out of Tennessee, Marcus Phillips.
Phillips is not just a pitcher, but an outstanding athlete overall. His 6’4”, 246 lb frame comes with strength, speed, and endurance from a two-way standpoint. Phillips pushed the professional envelope early in his college career.
He caught the eyes of scouts in his Iowa Western Community College days, but was slowed by needed development and injuries. Fast forward to the present day, and he’s a staple in the Tennessee rotation as the number two starter.
Marcus Phillips is trending up⬆️
The @Vol_Baseball right-hander has showcased elite velocity all season, topping out at 101 mph🔥
He climbed 24 spots on the big board ahead of the NCAA tournament👀
🗞️: https://t.co/7bXWNyFXsR pic.twitter.com/JGDJtLpOb4
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The right-hander works a fastball between 95-98 mph, maxing at 100 mph with bite, and a deceptive release point. His off-speed is a dependable sweeping slider that touches up to 90 mph, along with a low-working changeup that works mid-80s.
With some mechanical work, Phillips can be shaped into a future starter for any MLB club that calls his name in this year’s draft. The Yankees stand a good chance at an arm like Phillips due to their selection position.
Right-Handed Pitcher Gage Wood, No. 50
New pitching phenom Gage Wood is expected to be called within round one or two in this year’s draft, and he could be available when the Yankees are on the clock. The 21-year-old Arkansas pitcher flashes a fastball rated 70 on the 20-80 scale, dialing up to 98 mph with more in the tank.
The fastball is effective, stirred by a deceptive low delivery that generates a lot of chase. He also throws a slider, changeup, and curveball, which is his out-pitch. Wood commands the zone well after months of overcoming struggles. Notably, he threw a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts in the College World Series earlier this week.
GAGE WOOD THROWS A NO-HITTER IN THE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES 🤯🔥
19 STRIKEOUTS ‼️ pic.twitter.com/ctmHe1Vwrz
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He shows a lot of traits of a starting pitcher, and projects to be one in the major leagues eventually. His repertoire is one of the top-rated in the draft class, along with his pitch ability. Wood would be a solid option early on in the draft for the Yankees.
Right-Handed Pitcher Riley Quick, No. 35
Another hard-throwing right-hander comes out of the University of Alabama. Riley Quick has “quick” movement on his heater, maxing up to 99 mph on his fastball. The fastball is consistent at 97-99 mph.
His velocity and current performance are miraculous after recovering from injury in 2024. Quick suffered an elbow injury last season, which led to season-ending Tommy John surgery. His bounce back was quick with great performance returns.
The Crimson Tide pitcher had spotty command due to his off-speed, which has a ton of movement. His slider and changeup could be really good chase pitches if deception were present, and it worked a little more into the zone.
His location needs some work, but his development with this is progressive. A good professional program can shape Quick to becoming a long-term starter. Quick’s profile is very workable and would be a good fit in this year’s draft for the Yankees.
Main Photo Credit: © Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
