The New York Yankees used their highest first round pick (No. 16 overall) in 22 years on a right-handed pitcher from UCLA. They also have the No. 30 overall pick as compensation for losing closer David Robertson to the Chicago White Sox.
James Kaprielian of UCLA was drafted by New York at No. 16. The 21-year-old began his college career as a reliever, but was converted to a starter after his freshman season. He went 10-4 with a 2.02 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 114 strikeouts in 17 games (16 starts), totaling 106 2/3 innings this season. He had the second-best ERA among starters in the Pac-12, trailing only Andrew Moore of Oregon State University.
In three seasons with the Bruins, the right-hander went 17-10 with a 2.06 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 275 strikeouts in 66 games (31 starts), totaling 253 innings.
ESPN Insider Keith Law projected Kaprielian to land with the Miami Marlins at No. 12, but the Fish surprised many with their selection of Canadian high school first baseman Josh Naylor. The Rays, Braves and Brewers passed on Kaprielian before he landed in the Yankees' lap.
General manager Brian Cashman added to the Yankees' young arsenal of pitching in the farm system. Kaprielian will join Luis Severino, Bryan Mitchell, Ian Clarkin, Domingo German, Jose Ramirez and Austin DeCarr, who are among the top young arms in the organization.
New York followed up the No. 16 overall pick with San Diego shortstop Kyle Holder at No. 30. The 21-year-old played two seasons at the University of San Diego after attending Grossmont College his freshman year. He's regarded as one of the best defensive infielders in this year's draft class.
Holder gave up basketball to pursue baseball and it has certainly paid off. According to his 2015 MLB Draft Profile, "there are absolutely no questions about Holder's ability to stay in the premium position long-term."
He batted .348/.418/.482 with 45 runs scored, 4 home runs, 31 RBIs and 5 stolen bases in 55 games this past season, which was an improvement from his 2013 numbers (.298/.358/.403 with 34 runs scored, 3 home runs, 29 RBIs and 7 stolen bases in 52 games).
Scouts say his bat still needs some work and that he'll never hit for power, but his glove will be what helps him stand out.
"Holder has the best pure glove of any college middle infielder in the draft, garnering some plus-plus grades from area scouts," adds Law. "His bat is way behind, though. It's a max-effort swing that produces just below average bat speed. Holder's hand-eye coordination is good, and he's going to need it to overcome the mechanical issues in his swing to hit for contact. His glove is going to carry him, but I'm concerned that he won't ever hit enough for it to matter."
We'll keep updates on the contract situations of Kaprielian and Holder in the coming days.
