June baseball is in full swing and the New York Yankees remain atop the American League East. As we approach July, the scouting season gets hotter, as Major League Baseball’s amateur draft is around the corner. The Yankees drafted well in 2024, and those prospects hold weight for the future of the club.
General manager Brian Cashman’s scouting department addressed the farm system in the last draft by prioritizing arms. Pitching in the draft was important, and the prospect list was flooded with high-caliber college pitching.
The Yankees selected three pitchers in the first three rounds of the draft. This was because their prospect pitchers were advancing quickly and filling gaps throughout the organization, including the big leagues. Where are these draft picks today and how are they performing?
Looking at 2024 Yankees Draft Picks One Year Later
RHP Ben Hess, Round 1, 26th Overall
The Yankees’ top 2024 draft pick is hot right now and making extreme progress in the farm system. Hess is currently with High-A Hudson Valley in the South Atlantic League. The right-handed prospect has a 4.05 ERA in eight starts, and 40 innings pitched.
He has 59 strikeouts and 24 walks to go with a 4-2 record. Hess is living mid-90s on his fastball, showing very healthy offerings and effective command. His development is also on point and his advancement is expected to continue as scheduled.
Hess is on pace to be one of New York’s future starting options years from now. The pitcher is ranked third in MLB.com’s Yankees prospect list and his estimated time of arrival to the show is in 2027.
RHP Bryce Cunningham, Round 2, 53rd Overall
The Yankees took Cunningham in round two from the Vanderbilt University. Scouts had phenomenal things to say about the right-handed pitcher, and Cashman’s staff agreed.
So far, Cunningham’s game has translated in his first stint of professional baseball with the Yankees’ High-A club, the Hudson Valley Renegades in the South Atlantic League.
Cunningham is thriving this season, with a 5-1 record and a 1.93 ERA. The right-handed pitcher has thrown 46 2/3 innings, allowing only 10 earned runs of 12 given up on 34 hits. He’s struck out 47 hitters and walked 11.
The former Commodore has found his confidence in professional baseball and shows it by attacking hitters with his full repertoire. He’s known for controlling the counts, pounding the zone, and racking up strikeouts.
RHP Thatcher Hurd, Round 3 Pick, 89th Overall
Hurd was selected by the Yankees in the third round, with the 89th overall selection. He’s a right-handed pitcher from Louisiana State University (LSU). Hurd signed for a bonus worth $836,400.
Hurd has actually not played yet this season, and probably won’t see the field anytime soon. The Yankees’ off-season and spring training did not bring much solid news regarding the health of a few players, Hurd being one of them.
The third-rounder underwent Tommy John surgery to repair his UCL. This recovery process usually takes between 10 to 13 months, sidelining him until next year.
This isn’t exactly a total loss, as this problem will resolve at its earliest. The concern is the lost time of professional exposure and development.
Main Photo Credit: © Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
