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New York Yankees: 5 Names to Know for the Upcoming MLB Draft

By Sean Dyer

Mar 3, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi (28) talk prior to their spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi (28) talk prior to their spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees’ Gleyber Torres (81) celebrates with Chase Headley (12) as he crosses home plate after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees’ Gleyber Torres (81) celebrates with Chase Headley (12) as he crosses home plate after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

3B Jake Burger, Missouri State

Age: 21, Bats/Throws: R/R, H: 6’2”, W: 220 lb.

MLB.com rank: 16

Scouting grades: Hit: 50  Power:  55  Run: 50  Arm: 55  Field: 50  Overall: 55

MLB.com’s scouting report on Burger:

"Burger went undrafted out of high school but has blossomed into a college star, finishing second in NCAA Division I with 21 home runs in 2016 and winning Missouri Valley Conference player of the year honors this spring, when he led the league in all three triple crown categories (.341-22-63) entering NCAA tournament play. Though he went homerless with the U.S. college national team during the summer, scouts still recognize Burger as one of the top power sources available in a Draft class short on college hitters. He generates his pop more with strength than bat speed, and there are some worries about an arm bar in his right-handed swing. He controls the strike zone well and makes reliable contact for a slugger, so he should hit for some average as well. While Burger isn’t the most graceful player, one scout compared him to Hunter Pence for his ability to get the job done in less than pretty fashion. Despite his large frame, he has average speed out of the batter’s box and decent range at third base. With his solid arm, reliable hands and admirable work ethic, he should be able to stay at the hot corner."

Jake Burger is my personal favorite for the New York Yankees with the 16th overall pick. I love his power, with 43 home runs the past two seasons, and can picture him depositing baseballs into the bleachers of Yankee Stadium.

As MLB.com’s scouting report mentioned, Burger has the potential to hit for average as well and he should be able to man the hot corner.

At 21 years old, Burger could get to the majors quicker than the 18-year-old Nick Pratto. According to Randy Miller of NJ.com, the Yankees view top prospect Gleyber Torres as their potential third baseman of the future, but he is a natural shortstop and you never know what will happen with the Yankees’ infield in the future.

Considering Burger’s big frame, the Yankees could move him across the diamond to first base, which we already mentioned is a weak spot in their farm system, and he has the power to profile at the position.

The Yankees have plenty of right-handed power within their organization, but Burger could man the hot corner, the not-so-hot corner, or worst case be their designated hitter.

The thought of Burger’s power bat in Yankee Stadium could be enough for General Manager Brian Cashman to make him the Yankees’ 2017 first round pick.

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