Yankees select UCLA right-hander James Kaprielian with 16th overall pick
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The New York Yankees used their top draft pick on a polished right-handed pitcher Monday evening at Studio 42, selecting UCLA product James Kaprielian with the 16th overall pick in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft.
Kaprielian, a 6-foot-4 right-hander, projects to be a mid-rotation starter in the majors leagues who shouldn't require too much seasoning in the minors. The 21-year-old managed a 2.02 ERA with a 3.45 strikeout-to-walk ratio for the Bruins in 2015.
"We're starting to show some signs of prospect depth in the system, and we hope to add some more," said Yankees amateur scouting direcotr Damon Oppenheimer. "We believe that we'll be able to add quality talent."
Bio
Position: RHP
School: UCLA
Height/Weight: 6-4, 200 pounds
Age: 21
Bats: Right; Throws: Right
Stats
| IP (G-GS) | ERA | K/9 | HR/9 | OPP AVG. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106 2/3 (17-16) | 2.02 | 9.62 | 0.59 | .226 |
Overview
Kaprielian made headlines earlier this year by pitching nine hitless innings with 11 strikeouts and four walks in a combined 10-inning no-hitter by the Bruins. Though the 21-year-old lacks the one dominant pitch that would make him a can't-miss prospect, Kaprielian impressed scouts with both control and command of a four-pitch repertoire.
With a fastball topping out at 95 mph and three strong offspeed pitches to complement it, the Bruins right-hander has all the stuff to be a solid member of a major-league rotation.
Highlights