{"id":123606,"date":"2026-06-10T12:07:39","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T16:07:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=123606"},"modified":"2026-06-10T12:07:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T16:07:39","slug":"the-yankees-need-to-take-catchers-in-2026-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/06\/10\/the-yankees-need-to-take-catchers-in-2026-draft\/","title":{"rendered":"Snag the Backstop: Yankees Urged to Target Catching Talent Up Front"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Yankees<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When thinking of highly selected draft picks, we often visualize a high-leverage arm<\/a>. Usually a pitcher with high velocity<\/a>, proven pitch repertoire, and established success.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a> is up for arbitration next year, with some decent control by the club.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

J.C. Escarra<\/a> and Ali Sanchez<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span>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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2026 Draft: A Few Catcher Options for the Yankees to Consider in Their Selections<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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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<\/a> worked the backstop in both the Southern Conference and the Southeastern Conference.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s top draft prospects list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This catcher is a promising option for any club that picks him up. He\u2019s shown production in college, especially in the Southeastern Conference from 2025, where he raked. Jackson hit 14 home runs, driving in 36 runs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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DANIEL JACKSON GO AHEAD 10TH INNING BOMBBBB \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n

GEORGIA LEADS. FOLEY FIELD HAS ERUPTED pic.twitter.com\/1tmiTJJAjS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) June 7, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n