With their 21st pick in the 2012 MLB First-Year Player draft, the Yankees selected James Reed, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound left handed pitcher out of the University of Maryland.
This tiny, 21-year-old lefty, started the season as Maryland’s closer, racking up eight saves (2nd most in a single season in the school’s history) before he was converted to a starter. He had a 2.70 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 60 innings.
He’s got a live arm that is said to hit 96-97 mph out of the bullpen and 93-94 as a starter. He learned a cutter this year which coincided with his breakout season. He’s also got a changeup and a slider, which both sound very raw. Since he already has the makings of four pitches the Yankees may decide to use him as a starter, but at his size he profiles more as a reliever.
