Scott Thompson, SNY.tv | Twitter |
The 2020 MLB Draft is getting close, which means the Yankees will be working hard to be fully prepared for selecting 28th overall on June 10.
While we've already looked at potential infielders and pitchers for the Yanks, outfielders are very important to this franchise, so that could be the mindset heading into this draft. Of the team's top 30 prospects, eight outfielders make the list with the top overall prospect in 17-year-old Jasson Dominguez leading the way.
Now, the Yankees did acquire Dominguez last offseason, meaning they could be set at that position for now. But there are some pretty good prospects in this draft who could be hard to pass on if they fall to New York.
Here's a look at three worth targeting in the first round:
1) Robert Hassell, Independence (TN): 16th-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline
His bat is his calling card. Hassell absolutely raked for the U.S. national team this past offseason, including a triple slash of .514/.548/.886 during the under-18 World Cup in South Korea back in September.
So as the 16th overall prospect, how could the Yanks have a chance at selecting Hassell at their slot at the end of the first round? Well, while some scouts believe Hassell's swing from the left side of the plate is destined to lead to a solid MLB career, there are others skeptical of the power of it.
If teams before the Yankees believe that to be the case, he could fall to them. And New York might find themselves an outfielder steal if that happens.
2) Pete Crow-Armstrong, Harvard-Westlake (CA): 20th-ranked prospect
Crow-Armstrong is a more realistic fall to the Yankees, but make no mistake, the 18-year-old out of California is one of the best outfield prospects in this draft class for a reason.
Harvard-Westlake has produced some solid major leaguers like Jack Flaherty and Max Fried, and scouts believe Crow-Armstrong could be yet another. He can not only hit the ball really well, but he has the jets on the basepaths to make it really hurt.
But Crow-Armstrong's biggest asset might be his glove in the outfield. Playing center, some scouts believe he might be the best defensive outfielder in this draft. Of course, the Yankees are projecting Dominguez to be their starting center fielder of the future.
Crow-Armstrong, though, would certainly be a solid asset at one of the corner spots down the road. Think Brett Gardner with the potential for more pop in his bat. That's what he could offer -- if he falls to 28.
3) Daniel Cabrera, LSU: 38th-ranked prospect
Cabrera has been someone mocked to the Yankees, and it makes sense considering the system he worked in during college is one the team is very fond of.
The Yankees love LSU products. DJ LeMahieu stars as one in their starting lineup at the moment. And they selected Josh Smith from the Tigers' program in the second round last year. So it wouldn't be a surprise if they dipped into that talent pool again.
Cabrera has played both corner outfield positions during his time at LSU, and has a very solid arm out there. He can hit for average and will barrel balls up for extra-base hits that can be sprayed all over the field. His tools are all there and the Yankees could certainly have their eye on him if this is the route they choose.