Yankees Select Jonathan Holder With The 182nd Pick

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

With their 6th Round pick (182nd overall), the New York Yankees selected yet another college pitcher, Jonathan Holder out of Mississippi State University.  This marks the third consecutive college pitcher selected by the Bombers.  The Yankees have been very pitching focused thus far in the draft as every pick has been for a pitcher.  Holder is a big presence on the mound standing 6’2″ and 235 lbs.  He commands a low-mid 90s fastball and a slow curve.  He was a star closer in college and projects to be reliever professionally as well.

"“…the stocky right-hander is one of the top relievers in college, one that could move very quickly through a team’s farm system. He’s not quite an elite “relief prospect,” but should settle into a late inning (seventh/eighth) role down the line.” (h/t JMWerner, www.prospectdigest.com)"

Heading into last season, Holder was the most feared pitcher for Mississippi State, even more so than the Yankees’ first round pick Jacob Lindgren, who was coming off an injury at the time.  Holder was named a 2014 preseason All-American by the NCBWA, Louisville Slugger and Perfect Game. 

Last season, Holder went 7-1 with seven saves for the Bulldogs.  He also sported an impressive 68 strikeouts in only 50 1/3 innings pitched.  He is one of the most prolific closers in SEC history, helping MSU go 80-0 when leading after 8 innings since he enrolled.   He owns both the Mississippi State records for saves in a single season (21) and a career (37).