It’s a running joke among prospect nerds that “the Yankees have a tree down in Tampa, that they shake, and some guy who throws 95 falls out.” Well, in the 18th round of the 2017 draft they shook that (palm?) tree, and a tall righthander out of UAB named Garrett Whitlock tumbled into the Yanks hands. A draft eligible Sophomore due to an early birthday, Whitlock is an interesting story, and a lesson that often in the MLB draft later round guys can be more than their draft pick number. In other words, don’t let the 18th round tag fool you, he had some pedigree. In the summer of 2016, a strong performance for Chatham in the Cape Cod League, planted Whitlock onto the draft radar. Many believed he was a day two pick when rounds three through ten are conducted. Unfortunately for Whitlock, and fortunate for the Yankees, a back injury hampered his season, and his stock dropped. The Yankees stepped up, paid him above slot, and all he’s done since is make everybody look smart. According to the numbers and the scouting reports from people like Jason Woodell, he might just be the Yankees best kept secret. Here’s a look from Jason, and after we’ll discuss why I’m buying all over.
Please, blog, may I have some more?68 seconds of Garrett Whitlock abusing hitters
FB 93-94 T 95 with sink
CB 78-81
CH 85-86
Deceptive delivery. Commands the zone. Changes eye level, pounds both sides of the plate. As a prospect, SP3, should stick in rotation. Ahead of Abreu, Medina, Freicer Perez #Yankees pic.twitter.com/4PMXF1OCn4— Jason Woodell (@JasonAtTheGame) June 23, 2018
