1. Blake Rutherford
With their selection in the first round of the 2016 MLB June amateur draft, the New York Yankees selected outfielder Blake Rutherford out of West Hills, California.
Rutherford is a left-handed slugger who has all the tools necessary in order to become a five-tool star in the major leagues for the Yankees.
He has a sweet left-handed swing which gives him the ability to hit for contact as well as being able to include some pop in his bat. He also has a very mature approach to the plate, showing great discipline and not taking any hacks at poor pitches.
Rutherford is currently considered a center fielder due to his athletic build, but as he progresses scouts feel he may wind up at a corner spot if his physicality takes a hit.
However, the outfielder absolutely dazzled in his first season in the organization, in 33 games split between the Gulf Coast League and Pulaski Yankees, Rutherford slashed .351/.415/.570 with three home runs and 13 RBI’s.
MLB Pipeline currently ranks Rutherford as the fifth-best prospect in the Yankees system with an estimated big league debut of 2020, so the 19-year old still has some time to go.
It will be a while before Rutherford is spotted in the Bronx doing big things, but judging by his potential, it will all be worth the wait.
