The Yankees selected LSU shortstop Josh Smith, 21, with their second-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft on Monday night.
Smith was the draft’s No. 76 overall prospect, via MLB Pipeline.
What’s interesting is that the Yankees announced Smith as a second baseman on Twitter.
Here’s what MLB Pipeline had to say about Smith:
Smith makes repeated contact from the left side of the plate, using the entire field and controlling the strike zone. He has solid raw power and drives the ball consistently enough to provide 15 or more homers per season. He has solid to plus speed and the savvy to use it well on the bases.
Smith also shows good instincts in the field, giving him a chance to stay at shortstop even if many scouts project him to shift to second base at the big league level. He’s more steady than spectacular at short, displaying reliable hands and solid arm strength. He doesn’t have a true plus tool but he also doesn’t have a glaring weakness, and he has a high floor as a good bet to become at least a utilityman.
The Yankees selected Delbarton High School senior shortstop Anthony Volpe with their top pick — No. 30 overall — on Monday night.
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.
Here are some Yankees facts you should know, via the team’s PR department:
- The Yankees finished 4-2 on their six-game homestand...are 21-12 at home this season (17-8 on the road)...are still 15-4 since 5/12, 20-6 since 5/5, and a Major League-best 30-10 since 4/19.
- Marked their first loss vs. Boston this season (4-1).
- Are 10-3 to begin a stretch of 17-of-26 games on the road from 5/20-6/16 (6-1 on the road, 4-2 at home).
- The game featured the active wins leader vs. the Red Sox (CC Sabathia, now 18-14) and the active wins leader vs. the Yankees (David Price, now 16- 14)...Price is also second on the active wins list vs. Boston.
Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.