BREAKING: Yankees To consider Three Pitching Prospects In 2024 MLB Draft

Baseball scouting season is underway, and the 2024 MLB draft is quickly approaching. The Yankees hold the 26th overall pick and have three pitching prospects worth considering for their first-round selection.

Adding more pitching talent to your farm system is always a wise strategy. The first round of the draft provides an opportunity to pick the top available prospect. Last year, the Yankees chose 10 pitchers, with their earliest pick being Kyle Carr in the second round.

The 2024 MLB draft charts feature numerous promising pitching prospects from both college and high school levels. These players are ranked in a way that aligns well with the Yankees’ draft position.

Taking into account draft position, player quality, and potential, the Yankees have three viable pitching options for their first-round pick.

2024 MLB Draft Pitching Prospects The Yankees Could Consider

2024 MLB Draft Prospect: RHP Chase Burns, Wake Forest

Chase Burns, a standout right-hander from Wake Forest University, is one of the top prospects for the 2024 MLB draft, ranking fifth overall. Although it’s a long shot for him to be available at the Yankees’ 26th pick, they should seize the opportunity to draft him if he somehow slips to that position.

Burns, who was previously drafted in the 20th round by the San Diego Padres in 2021, chose to continue his collegiate career to enhance his draft stock. As a high school pitcher, Burns demonstrated professional-level skills, hitting up to 100 mph with his fastball. He initially attended the University of Tennessee, where he compiled an impressive record of 13-5 over two seasons. During his time there, he struck out 117 batters while issuing only 47 walks, averaging a remarkable 14.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Given his pedigree and performance, Burns represents a highly valuable asset. If available at the Yankees’ 26th pick, they should prioritize selecting him to significantly bolster their pitching prospects.

Chase Burns, now with Wake Forest, has continued to impress, boasting a 10-1 record with a 2.46 ERA. Over 95 innings, he has struck out 184 hitters while walking only 26. This year, Burns has been clocked at up to 102 mph with his fastball, showcasing exceptional strength and durability.

Burns exhibits excellent command and relies on a devastating high-80s slider as his primary out pitch. His repertoire also includes a mid-80s curveball, which proves to be highly effective, and a low-80s changeup that, with further refinement, could become a formidable weapon.

Given these credentials, if Burns is still available at the Yankees’ 26th pick, they should act quickly to secure this top-tier talent and bolster their pitching depth significantly.

2024 MLB Draft Prospect: RHP/LHP Jurrangelo Cijntje

Jurrangelo Cijntje is a unique and versatile pitcher, throwing effectively from both sides of the mound. Ranked 31st on the prospect rankings out of Mississippi State, Cijntje was previously drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round of the 2022 draft but chose not to sign.

Cijntje, a natural left-hander, developed his right-handed pitching skills to emulate his father, a former right-handed professional pitcher in the Netherlands. Interestingly, Cijntje might be even more effective from his right side, though he shows potential on both.

From the right side, Cijntje can reach speeds of up to 98 mph, consistently sitting at 95-96 mph with excellent command. His arsenal includes a mid-80s slider, which serves as his primary out pitch, and a 90 mph changeup with notable fade and dip.

On the left side, while his velocity is slightly lower, his pitches feature more dart-like action. His fastball ranges from 92-94 mph, exhibiting good tailing action. He complements this with a low-80s curveball that effectively induces chases.

Cijntje has had an impressive season, with a .800 win-loss percentage. Over 83.2 innings, he has struck out 108 batters while walking only 29. His ability to pitch from both sides and maintain high-quality performance makes him an intriguing option for higher selection rounds.

Given his versatility and effectiveness, Cijntje presents a valuable addition to any team’s pitching roster and is certainly a prospect the Yankees should consider if he is available at their draft position.

2024 MLB Draft prospect: LHP Gage Jump

Ranked 60th among prospects from Louisiana State University, Gage Jump is a highly effective left-handed pitcher known for his deceptive arm slot and unpredictable fastball. Previously drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 18th round of the 2021 draft, Jump has continued to enhance his skills at LSU.

Jump’s fastball ranges from 90-95 mph, occasionally hitting 96 mph with notable bite and tail. He exhibits strong command over his pitches and complements his fastball with a high-70s curveball and a late-80s slider, both of which effectively induce swings and misses.

This season, Jump has thrown 73.2 innings, striking out 89 batters while issuing only 20 walks, and has maintained a solid 6-1 record.

Jump’s projectability makes him a compelling option for the Yankees, either as a first-round pick or as a strong candidate for the second round. His potential to develop further and his current performance metrics indicate that he would be a valuable addition to their pitching roster.