The Yankees selected lefty pitcher T.J. Sikkema with the No. 38 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft on Monday night.
Sikkema is a 20-year-old out of Missouri.
They received the pick from the Reds in the offseason when they sent starting pitcher Sonny Gray to Cincinnati. The Yankees also got outfield prospect Josh Stowers in the deal. Gray, by the way, has a 3.54 ERA and a 2-5 record in 12 starts with the Reds this season.
Sikkema was the draft’s No. 57 overall prospect, via MLB Pipeline. Here’s what the website had to say about him:
Sikkema usually operates at 89-91 mph with run and sink on his fastball from a lower three-quarters arm angle, though he can raise his slot and reach back for 93-95 mph when needed. He has tremendous feel for manipulating the shape of his high-spin slider, which ranges from 78-83 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. He also has advanced feel for a sinking changeup that he'll throw in any count.
Sikkema’s stocky frame and crossfire delivery aren’t pretty but his stuff plays up because of the angle and extension he creates and his willingness to attack hitters. He not only throws strikes, but he’ll also use any pitch in any count and work inside against left-handers and right-handers. He has one of the higher floors among college pitchers in this Draft, projecting as at least a lefty reliever at the Major League level, and his deception and conviction could carry him to a role at the back of a rotation.
The Yankees nabbed Delbarton High School shortstop Anthony Volpe, 18, with their top pick — No. 30 overall — on Monday.
Last year, Director of Amateur Scouting Damon Oppenheimer picked catcher Anthony Seigler with the team’s top selection.
MLB Pipeline currently ranks the 19-year-old Seigler as the team’s No. 6 overall prospect.
Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.