Meet a Prospect: Anthony Seigler

The New York Yankees took a switch-hitting, switch-throwing and switch-pitcher named Anthony Seigler with their first-round pick in the 2018 MLB First Year Players Draft. Let’s meet him. This is Meet a Prospect: The Anthony Seigler Edition.

The New York Yankees selected Anthony Seigler with the 23^rd overall pick of the first-round last week in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Cartersville High School in Cartersville, Georgia (which is a shade over an hour away from where I currently live). Seigler was drafted as a catcher by the Yankees despite playing multiple positions in High School including spending time as a starting pitcher.

Seigler is a switch-hitter, which you don’t see very often at the Major League level for catchers anymore, but he is also a switch-pitcher with the ability to throw with both his left and right hands. Remember when the Yankees drafted switch-pitcher Pat Venditte back in the 20^th round in 2008? Well, Seigler could be better than Venditte was ever projected to be.

Baseball America had a lot to say about Seigler before the draft including the fact that Seigler’s pro future was behind the plate as a catcher. BA continues on to say that Seigler is an “impressive receiver and has a strong throwing arm, with pop times that hover around 2.00 seconds in-game.” Seigler has hit well at every level and has definite doubles power that could turn into home run power as he continues to grow and mature into his body, remember he was drafted as a High School kid. Scouts rave about his makeup and personality, which always helps in New York, as well as his toughness. I can see Seigler being an immediate fan-favorite a la Aaron Judge if and when he makes it to the Major League level.

Seigler’s small frame may hinder him from ever seeing the mound with the Yankees standing just 5’11” and weighing in at just 200 lbs., but Luis Severino (6’2” and 215 lbs.) isn’t much bigger, and neither was Pedro Martinez… and that pair did okay. Seigler throws a changeup from the left side and chances his arm slot often while hitting 92 MPH. From the right side Seigler throwing in the high 80-MPH range and relies on deception and control to get opposing batters out.

Seigler decided to forego his commitment to the University of Florida to sign with the Yankees so it will be interesting how the team develops him and where he ends up when he is assigned presumably later this month. Welcome to the organization Anthony, and welcome to the family!