Yankees select Arkansas left-hander with 35th overall pick in MLB draft

The New York Yankees selected a left-handed pitcher from the University of Arkansas with the 35th overall pick in the MLB draft. The selection occurred after the team waited through the first 34 picks. Multiple other clubs, including the White Sox, Giants, Rays, Cardinals, Royals and Diamondbacks, each made two selections before the Yankees chose.

Draft position penalty The Yankees' top pick was moved back 10 spots for the second consecutive year. The penalty resulted from the team's payroll exceeding the second threshold of the competitive balance tax. The club has not selected before the 20th position since taking a pitcher at No. 16 in 2017.

Player profile The pitcher stands 6-foot-6 and recorded a 3.57 ERA with 131 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings during the season as a redshirt sophomore. The Yankees have used late first-round selections to acquire several players who reached the major leagues in recent years, though none have become established stars.