Overview
- The Yankees agreed to terms with Hunter Dietz after selecting him at No. 35 in the 2026 draft and will have him report to their player‑development complex in Tampa, Florida.
- The club has not decided whether Dietz will throw in games this year and said medical and pitching staff will set his throwing program and inning plan.
- Dietz posted a 3.57 ERA with 131 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings for Arkansas in 2026 and earned All‑SEC First Team honors during his breakout season.
- Scouts praise a mid‑90s fastball that can touch 98 mph plus a plus cutter and slider, and analysts view him as having top‑of‑the‑rotation ceiling if his arm stays healthy.
- Because the draft favored hitters early this year, the Yankees got value at pick 35 and will likely move carefully with Dietz to protect his recovery while testing his pro workload.