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New York Yankees: 2018 MLB Draft names to look for day one

By Damian Dydyn

BRONX, NY - 1981: Manager Gene Michael #11 of the New York Yankees introduces Dave Winfield to the media after he signed a contract to play for the Yankees circa 1981 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
BRONX, NY - 1981: Manager Gene Michael #11 of the New York Yankees introduces Dave Winfield to the media after he signed a contract to play for the Yankees circa 1981 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) /

2018 MLB Draft: Ethan Hankins, RHP – Forsyth Central HS (GA)

Ethan Hankins has been showing up all over the place in mocks. He could go in the top 10, or he could fall to the competitive balance round. That volatility is due to the shoulder injury he suffered after his incredible junior year.

He was considered the best pitcher for this draft class until getting hurt. And even though he hasn’t gotten back to the elite fastball that had some wondering if he’d go first overall, he’s shown he can get back on the mound at least.

The potential he flashed last summer will get someone to bite. And if he’s around at pick 23, it might be the Yankees. With incredible depth at starting pitcher in the minor leagues, the Yankees can afford to make a bet on Hankins recovering fully after being drafted. They did just that with James Kaprielian. And while his injuries continued, his upside was enough to help swing a trade for Sonny Gray last summer.

It also increases the odds that you do come out of the next 12 months with a potential ace in-hand. Don’t be surprised if he’s long gone well before the Yankees are getting ready to pick. But if he’s there, he may well be worth the risk.

2018 MLB Draft: Grayson Rodriguez, RHP – Central Heights HS (TX)

The Yankees are stocked with hard throwing starting pitching prospects. So, at the very least, we know they love them. Grayson Rodriguez certainly fits the mold, living in the high 90’s late into games this year. The pitch has life and he can command it, which means it could end up a plus-plus offering. He also throws a curveball and a slider, and has a show-me changeup.

The other thing that makes this a potential match is that Rodriguez is very collected on the mound. His approach is very much in the mould of just get out there and do your job which would fit in very well with the Yankees. He’s a long ways off, coming out of high school, but Grayson Rodriguez is in the mix for being one of the best high school arms in this draft. And since teams don’t draft for need, the Yankees may decide to add yet another arm to their enviable minor league collection.

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