For the second straight season, the Yankees used their top draft pick to select a pitcher who might not need much seasoning in the minors before he is ready to help the big league club.
The Bombers had the 16th overall pick on Monday night – their highest draft position since 1993 – and chose UCLA junior righthander James Kaprielian with it.
Kaprielian was 10-4 for the Bruins this season and had a 2.03 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings pitched. He is polished and throws four pitches: a fastball that averages about 92 mph, but topped at 95 in the Pac-12 conference tournament, plus a curveball, slider and changeup.