MLB analyst calls New York Yankees draft pick a 'sleeper to watch'

The New York Yankees had a clear plan to use the MLB Draft to bolster the arms throughout the organization.

With their first seven picks in the draft coming in the form of pitching, the Yankees may have added a sleeper with their selection in the sixth round.

At No. 181 overall, the Yankees selected left-handed pitcher Griffin Herring out of LSU. Kiley McDaniel of ESPN believes he's the sleeper to watch from this draft.

"Herring has pitched almost exclusively in relief for LSU, but he has the components to start, with above-average stuff and average control," McDaniel wrote.

In two seasons at LSU, Herring was 11-3 with a 2.66 ERA in 84.2 innings. He recorded 108 strikeouts and 32 walks to go along with a 1.22 WHIP.

Herring particularly had a sensational season in 2024. He logged a 1.79 ERA with 67 strikeouts and 13 walks in 50.1 innings.

According to Herring's scouting report from MLB Pipeline , Herring features a "sweeping mid-80s slider with horizontal and vertical action that eats up both left-handers and right-handers." With his fastball sitting in the low 90s on average, he's able to touch 94 mph with some arm-side run.

It seems Herring is slated to hold a potentially high-leverage role in MLB if he doesn't develop a third pitch, but the Yankees are always looking for help from the left side of the bullpen.