The New York Yankees may want to consider selecting a catcher early in the draft. Behind the plate is a serious area of consideration that often goes unattended. The club could add a special piece for long-term benefits in the catcher role.
When thinking of highly selected draft picks, we often visualize a high-leverage arm. Usually a pitcher with high velocity, proven pitch repertoire, and established success.
When thinking of a bat, we think of a power stick with a big projection. Usually from the positional aspect, a big bat would be playing in the outfield or at shortstop. What about a strong defensive catcher with a good bat?
The Yankees lack when it comes to organizational catcher depth, and this starts from the bottom up. Looking at it from the top, Austin Wells is up for arbitration next year, with some decent control by the club.
J.C. Escarra and Ali Sanchez are their other two options; they are not the same caliber as Wells. Now, looking further down into the farm system, there are not many or any options ready to roll out. The Yankees do not have a single catcher ranked on their top 30 prospect list. Despite a few non-ranked names, who will the team rely on to back up Wells in the long run? This is where the draft becomes crucial.
2026 Draft: A Few Catcher Options for the Yankees to Consider in Their Selections
The first option for a catcher spot would be closer to a first-round spot if the team decides to go that route. Daniel Jackson worked the backstop in both the Southern Conference and the Southeastern Conference.
The Georgia Bulldog is a powerhouse catcher, hitting from the right side with a 55-scale rank and a 55-scale rank for a powerful arm. The draft prospect is ranked 39th on MLB’s top draft prospects list.
This catcher is a promising option for any club that picks him up. He’s shown production in college, especially in the Southeastern Conference from 2025, where he raked. Jackson hit 14 home runs, driving in 36 runs.
DANIEL JACKSON GO AHEAD 10TH INNING BOMBBBB 🔥🔥🔥
GEORGIA LEADS. FOLEY FIELD HAS ERUPTED pic.twitter.com/1tmiTJJAjS
— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) June 7, 2026
In 2026 he amplified his production with the bat, driving in 86 runs on 97 hits, 31 home runs, and scoring 86 times. The catcher slashed a .396/.492/.837; he gets on base and gives his team a chance to win.
The draft prospect has a strong bat, giving reliability in the lineup and showing good athleticism. This option would be worthwhile for the Yankees to consider.
Catcher Carson Tinney
Ranked 86th on MLB’s top draft prospect list, Carson Tinney shows some workable tools in both the offensive and defensive realm. Standing 6’4” at 240 lbs, Tinney provides a big, athletic body and arm strength.
The draft prospect played two seasons for Notre Dame, where he hit 20 home runs, drove in 62 runs, and recorded 70 hits. In 2026 the catcher moved to the Southeastern Conference, where he played for Texas.
Former Notre Dame catcher Carson Tinney is going to the College World Series with Texas.
Tinney is 10-for-20 (.500 BA) with 2 HR and 4 RBI in the NCAA Tournament so far.
Omaha up next. Easy dude to root for there. He was a stud at ND and loves the Irish. pic.twitter.com/Sj2WZXXurK
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) June 8, 2026
He drove in 58 runs, hitting 22 home runs, and slashed a .333/.484/.710. He has raw power with upside in his game. Despite the concerns for continuous offensive success at the next level, this player gives a foundation for development.
The Yankees could get Tinney in rounds three to five, and this would be a great position for the club.
Main Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
