Yankees Draft Watch: 3 possible first-round pitching prospects

The New York Yankees are days away from the 2022 Major League Baseball amateur draft, and selection speculation around the league is heating up. This year, the Yankees come a bit late to the buffet table, scheduled to make their initial selection 25th overall.

The top 25 draft prospects ranked by MLB Pipeline features a total of 17 position players and 8 pitchers, all with first-round capabilities. The Yankees’ top 30 prospect list consists of 14 pitchers and 16 position players.

If the team decides to shoot for a big-game arm first overall, there are a few solid options on the list.

Yankees: 3 Pitchers to consider in first round of 2022 MLB Draft

3.  RHP Gabriel Hughes, Gonzaga

This right-hander out of Gonzaga is one to be excited about. Gabriel Hughes has emerged as a staple in the Gonzaga rotation and could be one of the highest pitching draft picks out of this school. He stands at 6-4 and 220 pounds off the mound as a former two-way player. With consistent velocity ranging 94-96 MPH with a 97 MPH max fastball, Hughes is projected to eventually reach the triple digits. He works with two main off-speed pitches, with his out pitch being an effective slider ranging between 89-90 MPH, and a good changeup, often located low with late drop.

Hughes shows off his athleticism with an ideal body type and strong arm. He’s repetitive in his delivery, with a high leg kick and consistent finish. In three college seasons, Hughes racked up a total record of 12-8 with 3.05 ERA, striking out 218 batters while walking only 73, and only giving up 9 home runs. With a stint in the Northwoods League and West Coast League, his numbers totaled at a 13-9 record with a 3.58 ERA, 245 strikeouts, 91 walks, and 1.239 WHIP in 201 innings. This kid would be a solid arm in the Yankees organization.