New York Yankees: 5 Names to Know for the Upcoming MLB Draft
By Sean Dyer
LHP David Peterson, Oregon
Age: 21, Bats/Throws: L/L, H: 6’6”, W: 240 lb.
MLB.com rank: 19
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 Slider: 55 Curveball: 40 Changeup: 50 Control: 60 Overall: 55
MLB.com’s scouting report on Peterson:
"Much of Peterson’s success stems from his fastball-slider combination. He’ll throw his fastball in the 89-94 mph range and backs it up with an above-average slider that flashes plus at times. He effectively mixes in an average changeup and will throw a below-average curveball as a “get me over for strike one” type offering. While he’s still refining his overall command within the zone, his control has been tremendous, keeping his walk rate at a miniscule level as a junior. Over the summer, Peterson’s stuff was somewhat ordinary pitching out of the U.S. Collegiate National Team’s bullpen. But the 6-foot-6, 240-pound southpaw, with a strong and durable build made for starting, has seen his stuff tick up this spring. That, along with a performance reflecting those improvements, has put an up arrow next to his name as the Draft nears."
If the Yankees are looking for a left-handed pitcher, but don’t want the uncertainty of a high schooler, David Peterson could be their choice.
Compared to D.L. Hall, Peterson is the safer pick with three years of college experience under his belt and a 6’6”, 240 lb. frame that looks the part of an MLB starting pitcher.
The Ducks’ ace put his plus control on full display in 2017 with a ridiculous 140-15 strikeout to walk ratio in 100.1 innings of work. Peterson has a four-pitch mix and has the potential to make three of them plus pitches with more work on his changeup.
Like I said with D.L. Hall, the Yankees can never have enough pitching and with Hall potentially going off the board before New York picks, Peterson is a very good contingency plan.
I personally would prefer to see the Yankees take Peterson because of his plus control and experience at the collegiate level.
There are, of course, no guarantees when it comes to the Draft, but Peterson is expected to be available at 16 when New York goes on the clock. If the Yankees like Peterson as much as I do, he could wind up being their first-round selection.