Yankees Select Connor Spencer with the #242 Pick

In the 8^th round, the New York Yankees have selected Connor Spencer, a first baseman from UC Irvine. Spencer is 6’2, 215lbs. He’s a righty that bats lefty, and is more of a line drive hitter than a big power guy. Spencer batted .364 this season in Southern California with 15 doubles, 5 triples, and 1 home run on 83 total hits on the year.

Spencer also had a .997 fielding percentage this season. Again, while he may not be a typical home run hitting first baseman, his fielding and his line drives will potentially move him through the Yankee system. The Junior is ranked as the 422^nd best prospect in Baseball America’s top 500 list.

The Yankees made a huge push to draft a lot of pitching in the early rounds of this draft. In fact, the first five picks were all pitchers. Now with a center fielder and a first baseman secured, the next move by the Yankees could be anywhere on the field.

The last two picks the Yankees have made were unconventional. The 7^th round pick Mark Payton is just 5’8, and as I mentioned Spencer does not have a ton of power in his swing. That is what the minor leagues are for. Spencer has the time to grow into his frame and bulk up, adding gap and possible home run power to his repertoire.

The Yankees have two more picks today before the 30 round marathon begins tomorrow.