Yankees MLB Draft 2017: Yankees select Dalton Higgins from Dallas Baptist University with the 213th pick of the seventh round

That makes two consecutive rounds now that the Yankees drafted a pitcher named Dalton. Higgins, 21, is a right-handed pitcher out of Dallas Baptist University, and is a typical power pitcher that the Yankee organization seems to love. He sits 92-94 mph with his fastball, which can top out at 95, and also as a sharp 82-84 mph slider and curveball.

Photo via Dallas Baptist University

In his high school career, Higgins was named the District’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year in 2013. He also earned First Team All-State honors in his junior and senior seasons. 

In his three years at DBU, Higgins has dominated for the most part. He’s pitched to a career 3.41 ERA in 148 innings, in which he struck out 105 batters. His 2017 season is especially noteworthy, where he was 7-1 with a 3.15 ERA in 40 innings, with 40 strikeouts as well. He was solely a reliever, and picked up six saves during the year as well. 

Personally, I see Higgins as an arm that has the potential to rocket through the Yankees farm system and make an impact soon. The Yankees are always in need of quality relief pitchers, so if Higgins plays to his potential, he could make a name for himself sooner rather than later. Chance Adams also came from DBU, and we know how much success he's been having in the Yankees system.

Article by: Alex Weir

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