The New York Yankees, already flush with a deep reservoir of pitching talent, are poised to make waves in this year’s MLB Draft, held July 13-14 during All-Star Week. With a farm system teeming with high-octane arms—seven of their top 10 prospects are pitchers—the Yankees are reportedly zeroing in on a college standout who’s being hailed as a can’t-miss prospect. According to MLB Pipeline’s latest mock draft, New York, despite dropping 10 spots to the 39th pick due to competitive balance tax penalties, is targeting University of Arkansas left-hander Zach Root, a pitcher with a polished arsenal and a reputation as a reliable ace.
Zach Root: The Razorbacks’ Maestro of the Mound
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Zach Root may not intimidate with raw size or blazing velocity, but his command and versatility have made him a standout. The 21-year-old junior anchored Arkansas’ rotation, posting a 9-6 record with a 3.62 ERA and an eye-popping 126 strikeouts over 99.1 innings. Root’s ability to dominate without relying on triple-digit heat has scouts buzzing about his “high floor” as a college starter, a rarity in a draft class often filled with high-risk, high-reward arms.
MLB Pipeline’s scouting report paints Root as a pitcher with finesse and firepower. His fastball, clocking in at 91-94 mph and occasionally touching 97 with sink, induces ground balls at a remarkable rate. But it’s his secondary pitches that steal the show. Root’s 83-85 mph changeup, with its deceptive fade, is his go-to weapon, while his low-80s curveball is a second plus offering. A mid-80s cutter/slider rounds out his four-pitch mix, giving him a balanced arsenal that keeps hitters guessing. “He only throws his fastball about a third of the time,” the report notes, “relying heavily on his secondaries, which he deploys with surgical precision.”
A Clutch Performance in the Spotlight
Root’s defining moment came in his final start for Arkansas on June 17, during a high-stakes elimination game against UCLA. The lefty delivered five shutout innings, surrendering just three hits and two walks while fanning five in a 7-3 Razorbacks victory. Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn didn’t hold back his praise: “He went out today and provided why he’s one of the best left-handed pitchers in the country.”
The performance was a remarkable turnaround from just three days earlier, when Root struggled in a 4-1 loss to Louisiana State University. In that outing, he lasted only 1.2 innings, giving up three runs on two hits, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch. Yet, Root’s ability to bounce back showcased his resilience and mental toughness—qualities that make him a perfect fit for the pressure cooker of Yankee Stadium. “A lot of times, guys this time of year are fading,” Van Horn said. “He seems to be getting a little stronger, reaching back for a little more when he needs it.”
A Perfect Fit for the Yankees’ Pitching Pipeline
Adding Root to the Yankees’ already stacked farm system would be a coup. With three full NCAA seasons under his belt, Root is seasoned beyond his years, potentially ready to slot into High-A Hudson Valley alongside top prospects like Ben Hess (No. 3), Bryce Cunningham (No. 4), and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (No. 6). Alternatively, the Yankees could fast-track him to Double-A Somerset, where Chase Hampton (No. 7) and Brock Selvidge (No. 8) anchor the rotation. Wherever he lands, Root’s polished approach and strikeout prowess would add yet another weapon to New York’s embarrassment of pitching riches.
As the draft approaches, the baseball world is abuzz with anticipation. Zach Root, with his lethal four-pitch mix and proven ability to shine under pressure, could be the steal the Yankees need to solidify their rotation for years to come. If New York lands this “anti-bust” ace, the pinstripes may soon have another star on the mound.