New York Yankees 2024 MLB Draft Report Card

Best Pure Hitter: Second baseman Austin Green (14) is a competitive hitter who walked more than he struck out in two seasons with Texas Tech and was a career .304 hitter with the program. He managed an 81.7% contact rate and 89.8% in-zone contact rate during the 2024 spring season.

Best Power Hitter: Outfielder Dillon Lewis (13) had a power surge as a junior with Queens last spring, going from five home runs in 2023 to 22 in 2024. He’s a 6-foot-3, 205-pound righthanded hitter who posted big-time, top-end exit velocities in college and managed a 109 mph max exit velocity in a 14-game pro debut with Low-A Tampa.

Fastest Runner: Outfielder Brendan Jones (12) stole 70 bases in 77 tries (90.1%) in a three-year career with Kansas State, including a 40-bag season last spring. In just 24 games in his pro debut split between Low-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley, he went 18-for-18 in stolen base attempts to lead all debut hitters in steals. 

Best Defensive Player: Jones (12) spent time early in his career as a speedy defensive replacement in the outfield, and while he’s primarily a center fielder, he has played all three outfield positions and did that in his pro debut after signing.

Best Fastball: The Yankees have a lot of stuff on the mound in a pitcher-heavy 2024 class and both righthanders Ben Hess (1) and Greysen Carter (5) have plus or better fastballs. Hess averaged 94 mph last spring with Alabama and gets up to 98-99 with above-average riding life, while Carter averaged 97 and has touched as high as 103. Carter’s fastball also has plenty of cutting action, which could make it a 70-grade offering. 

Best Secondary Pitch: Hess (1) throws a mid-80s slider that checks in close to 90 mph at top velocities. The pitch features solid two-plane break, depth and high spin rates that could make it a plus offering with a bit more precision in his location. 

Best Pro Debut: The Yankees didn’t activate any of their pitchers in official games from this draft class, but Jones (12) hit .267/.471/.453 with three home runs and 18 stolen bases in 24 games. Though Jones was relatively passive with his swing decisions, he walked 29 times compared to 21 strikeouts.

Best Athlete: Jones’ (12) running ability would make him a strong fit for this category, though righthander Thatcher Hurd (3) has an ideal pitcher’s frame with a great blend of physicality and arm strength. Righthander Bryce Cunningham (2) looks like a solid athlete on the mound, as well.

Most Intriguing Background: Both Hurd (3) and Carter (5) were high-profile pitchers dating back to their prep days but weren’t able to consistently maximize their arm talent and turn it into great results in college. The Yankees’ player development group has excellent clay to work with with both pitchers. 

Closest To The Majors: The bulk of the Yankees top-five round arms have the sort of big league physiques and big league stuff that could move quickly, but lefthander Griffin Herring (6) might be a name to watch as a fast-mover in a bullpen role. 

Best Day Three Pick (Or NDFA): Jones (12) so far has looked much more exciting than his 12th round selection and $150,000 signing bonus might suggest. If he continues hitting and showing on-base skills in a longer pro stint, his athleticism and speed make him an exciting day three hitting prospect.