Yankees: Get to know first-round draft pick Anthony Seigler

With the 23rd pick in the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft, the Yankees selected high schooler Anthony Seigler, an ambidextrous catcher, and pitcher that can also hit.

If you’re wondering why the Yankees selected a catcher in the first round of this year’s draft, when they already have a 25-year-old All-Star behind the plate in Gary Sanchez, it’s because selecting prospects in baseball, more than in any other sport in tricky business.

According to a study done in 2013 by Business Insider, after analyzing the previous 13 drafts, it was surmised that on average, within three years of being selected, only 15 percent of draftees reach the big leagues.

Business Insider also found that the majority drafted players won’t arrive in the show for four-to-six years — which is why most MLB clubs make their selections not by need, but instead by what they feel is the best available player.

With so many variables in play, by the time 18-year-old Anthony Seigler potentially reaches the majors, Sanchez could find himself not only playing a different position but on another club altogether. Anything is possible.

More from Yankees News

• Yankees analyst Cameron Maybin projects surprise landing spot for Gary Sánchez
• Yankees swipe intriguing minor-league FA lefty flamethrower from Braves
• What does Carlos Rodón’s new jersey number mean for Domingo Germán?
• Red Sox living in different financial ‘galaxy’ than Yankees Killer Rafael Devers
• Yankees slice surprising fan favorite off roster to make room for Tommy Kahnle

Seigler comes with a lot of intrigue as the 5-foot-11, 200-pound ambidextrous pitcher; switch-hitting catcher does things that would make Angels rookie Shohei Ohtani blush.

Though he still has a-ways to mature, Seigler was drafted with all intentions of being kept behind the dish.

In his senior year at Cartersville High in Georgia, Seigler pitched 25.2 innings while striking out 29 batters, walking just four and holding the opposition to a 1.09 ERA. He currently tops out at 90-mph from the right side, and the mid-80’s from the left.

With the stick, Seigler batted .421 with 25 extra-base hits, 14 home runs and 34 RBI in 107 at-bats while also stealing 13 bases. Behind the plate, Seigler threw out 12 of 21 would-be base stealers.

Scouts say Seigler has a quick transfer, a plus arm — is a solid pitch-framer and is super agile — which also allowed him to see time at second base and the outfield while in high school.

One thing is for sure; the kid is versatile. And if the Yankees 25-man roster crunch has taught us anything, it’s that this new era of baseball is all about maximizing multi-positional players.

Next: Sportswriters pose trades for pitcher Cole Hamels

Although Seigler is currently committed to attend the Univerity of Florida, Yankees scouting director Damon Oppenheimer feels the organization will soon be able to sign the No. 46 overall prospect in this year’s draft, according to MLB Pipeline.