Powerful 2024 Yankees late-round draft steal would fit right into current outfield

In recent seasons, the New York Yankees have struggled to translate minor-league offensive production to the majors. The repeated slippage has been undeniable. But some of that disappointment is due to how impressive their development has been below the surface, repeatedly turning mid-round picks into impressive chess pieces.

It's happening again this year, as both mini Brett Gardner (Brendan Jones) and slugging Dillon Lewis have broken out after being selected in the 12th and 13th rounds of 2024's MLB Draft.

Jones' impressive surge has been a bit more predictable. He played at a major school in Kansas State. He felt like a high-floor player with a great eye and the ability to scrappily slug above his weight; he's done just that, getting on base at a .349 clip at High-A and .350 at Double-A. The Yankees picked an overlooked competent player, and he remained competent as he rose.

Lewis came a bit more plainly out of nowhere (we forgive you if you haven't heard of Queens University of Charlotte, NC) with a higher power ceiling and tremendous rawness. He's also, according to those who knew him pre-draft, a lifelong Yankee fan (and we will take that). The worst version of Lewis would open eyes in BP while blending into the background after the first pitch. The best version? We might be seeing it now, as after a rough start post-promotion in Hudson Valley, he's turned things up several notches while getting comfortable against High-A pitching.

The athletic 22-year-old fits the mold prized by the current Yankees, and could certainly have a role on this club if his progress continues (while the old guard ages and departs).

Yankees' 2024 MLB Draft steal Dillon Lewis' power making waves

Jasson Dominguez, Spencer Jones, Dillon Lewis with Aaron Judge DHing and manning first base?

Earlier this season, Lewis was "a bit old" for his level, but the combination of "small school, longer on-ramp" plus "insane swing and batted ball metrics" still merited a longer discussion.

Now, despite a slower start after getting bumped from Tampa to Hudson Valley, he's mashed 10 homers in his first 48 High-A games, raising his OPS at the level to a palatable .752.

To say Lewis has a long way to go would be underselling it. The bottom line? It's already impressive that the Yankees have two intriguing outfield pieces out of the back 10 rounds this year, and they might just have one with a higher ceiling he's yet to even approach. So far, so good.