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The first three draft picks the New York Yankees made in 2026 do not have to worry about playing for the team right away and wasting roster spots on the current team. From skilled southpaw pitchers to a much-needed hitting catcher, these first three draft picks have time to develop in college before deciding to head to the minors.
How did these first three draft picks decide that college was their best path before turning pro?
LHP- Hunter Dietz, Arkansas
The Yankees selected southpaw collegiate arm Hunter Dietz with their first-round pick at (#35) in the 2026 MLB Draft. The first of these three Draft picks, Dietz’s fastball averages about 94-96 mph and tops out at 98.
Playing in the SEC, Dietz’s strikeout stuff is nasty, with the prospect nearly as MLB-ready as a baseball player can be. Some of the best young pitchers in the game, such as Paul Skenes, came from the SEC, as Skenes spent his day playing for the almighty LSU Tigers, a national powerhouse in collegiate baseball.
Dietz expects to finish out the rest of his collegiate season at Arkansas before possibly turning pro next year, with an MLB lockout pending. His projected timeline for his Pinstripes debut is around 2-3 years, but he could see action in 2028 should the season resume then.
LHP- Sean Duncan, Terry Fox Secondary School (British Columbia)
With their second pick in the Draft, the Bombers took left-hand pitcher Sean Duncan at (#63). The 6-foot-3, 184-pound Vanderbilt commit underwent Tommy John surgery in June, which is sad for an 18-year-old high school kid. Before that, his fastball already averaged 93 mph and topped out at 95, and he’s yet to even play in college.
Still, Duncan has seen his poise and confidence skyrocket since pitching against 14-year-olds with the Canadian Junior team. Luckily, Duncan’s arm remains locked and loaded, with rehab starting very soon before he goes to Vanderbilt for his freshman season of SEC ball in 2027.
C- Brendan Brock, Oklahoma
Their third pick saw them take Brendan Brock, a catcher, at (#99). Brock’s speed and athleticism for a catcher are rare, but he used it effectively to get around those bases in SEC play. He is a steal in the third round who only fell here because he struggled against older SEC competition.
You could see his power on display at Oklahoma as he rips fastball pitches for no-doubter home runs. Nevertheless, his struggles are noticeable, especially against offspeed pitches. Additionally, he can play all three outfield spots and made a difference in Oklahoma’s deep run in the College World Series.
Due to already being seasoned in college, Brock’s path to the minors could be as early as later this season, with a 2-3 year projection to reach the big leagues.
Honorable Mention
TWP- Luke Pettite, Dallas-Fort Worth
The second son of Yankees legend Andy Pettite and the younger brother of Jared (2021), Luke Pettite recently underwent Tommy John surgery. Before that, his fastball averaged 93 mph, which is already faster than his dad ever threw at his age.
While recovering from Tommy John surgery, Pettite tried his skills at the plate and actually performed well. His .337 batting average and 16 home runs showed his versatility as a hitter while he was recovering from major surgery as a pitcher.
He is better positioned to be a pitcher in the MLB, and his father knows that, both as his dad and as an advisor to the Yankees’ pitchers. When Pettite arrives, he will be working with his pops to hopefully carve his own legacy with the Yankees while still trying to honor Andy’s.
Only time will tell how these draft picks pan out. Fortunately, they are not needed right now and will be properly working on their games before turning pro and working their way up the minor league ranks.
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