The New York Yankees have signed each of their Top 10 draft
picks from this year’s MLB First Year Players Draft but none of them may be
more important than the 18th overall pick Blake Rutherford.
Rutherford is one of those special talents that, if developed correctly, could
become an absolute powerhouse in the league and in center field for the Yankees
for a long, long time. Rutherford is special and after signing with the Yankees
this week well ahead of the deadline to sign the long process to the Major
Leagues can begin. Let’s meet him. This is Meet a Prospect: The Blake
Rutherford Edition.
Blake Rutherford was born on May 2, 1997 and attended
Chaminade College Preparatory School at the time the Yankees came calling with
the 18th overall pick in the 2016 Draft. As a freshman in Chaminade
Rutherford committed to UCLA but has forgone that commitment to begin his
professional career with the Yankees. Rutherford headed into the draft as a Top
10 potential pick while some even discussed him going first overall to the
Phillies despite concerns that he would not sign.
So with the 19-year old the Yankees got potentially first
overall talent and definitely Top 10 talent with the #18 pick. Some said he
wouldn’t sign but it was clear as you watched the draft that money was not
going to keep Rutherford from signing. Rutherford has drawn comparisons to Alex
Gordon of the Kansas City Royals since draft day with his arm being a concern
that may push him from center field to left field but the power should come
eventually. I say again, Rutherford is 19-years old.
At 19 MLB.com finds Rutherford to be an above-average
hitters with above-average raw power. Rutherford has great speed on the bases
and in the outfield although MLB.com thinks Rutherford will eventually move to
right field. Rutherford garnered a 55 score on the 20-80 scale that scouts use
by MLB.com with his running coming in at 60, his best score individually.
Rutherford can hit with power to all fields, brings
athleticism to the system and has a line-drive swing that I personally enjoy
watching. I hope I’ll enjoy watching him in Yankees pinstripes for a long, long
time. Welcome to the team Blake and more importantly welcome to the family.
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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)