Who will the Yankees take with their first pick in the '26 Draft?

While the Yankees are synonymous with big spending, their ability to find talent via the Draft also has played a large role in them making the postseason in eight of the last nine years. Three-time MVP Aaron Judge, one of the most devastating right-handed hitters in the history of the game, joined the franchise as its second of three first-round picks in 2013.

New York's Draft success extends beyond Judge. Ben Rice, a 12th-round steal in 2021, slammed 26 homers last season. Cam Schlittler, a seventh-rounder the following year, was a revelation during the regular season and playoffs. Former first-rounders Anthony Volpe (2019) and Austin Wells (2020) held down starting roles.

Whom might the Yankees pursue with the 35th overall choice in the 2026 Draft? Let's take a look ...

Projection in this week's early mock draft:

Will Brick, C, Christian Brothers HS, Memphis, Tenn. (No. 31)
After batting .333 while providing quality defense behind the plate as the second-youngest player on the U.S. national team that won the gold medal at the 18-and-under World Cup in Japan in September, Brick reclassified from the 2027 Draft. He immediately became the best prep catcher available, standing out with his well-above-average arm strength and solid hitting ability. He also exhibits plus raw power during batting practice.

Three more possibilities:

Jarren Advincula, 2B, Georgia Tech (No. 35)
Advincula spent his first two college seasons at California and established himself as one of college baseball's best contact hitters, batting .334 with a 9 percent strikeout rate. He performed even better with wood bats in the Cape Cod League, winning the batting title (.392) in 2024 and the top pro prospect award voted on by scouts last summer. He offers outstanding bat-to-ball skills as well as plus speed and solid defense at second base.

Hunter Dietz, LHP, Arkansas (No. 38)
Though Dietz worked just 1 2/3 innings in his first two seasons at Arkansas because of a stress fracture in his elbow that required surgery and a subsequent setback, he was spectacular in fall practice. He reached 99 mph with a fastball that featured impressive carry at times and natural cut at others, and he also showed the makings of a plus curveball in the upper 70s. He has much to prove in the spring.

Caden Bogenpohl, OF, Missouri State (No. 40)
Bogenpohl is reminiscent of top Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones because he's huge (6-foot-6, 245 pounds), more athletic than most players his size but also comes with some swing-and-miss concerns. He features plus-plus raw power that plays from foul pole to foul pole as well as average speed and solid arm strength. He slashed .296/.449/.558 with 13 homers and a Missouri State-record 55 walks last spring.