A Pettitte could be back in pinstripes before long.
The New York Yankees selected Dallas Baptist two-way player Luke Pettitte, the son of franchise legend Andy Pettitte, with their eighth-round pick as the 2026 MLB Draft concluded Sunday in Philadelphia.
Andy Pettitte was a 22nd-rounder back in 1990 before going on to star on New York’s staff for 15 seasons. He was a three-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion in his decorated career with the Yankees (1995-2003, 2007-13) and Houston Astros (2004-06).
Now Luke Pettitte, 21, will have a chance to follow in his father’s steps. He batted .337 with 16 home runs this spring for Dallas Baptist; he spent the season as a designated hitter after Tommy John surgery on his right arm meant he could not pitch in 2026.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was excited when reporters informed him Sunday after a game in Washington that the son of his former teammate was selected.
“Heck yeah. Andy’s become a real good friend now, and obviously he’s not here right now but they know he’s around a lot and a big part of our staff and our culture,” Boone said. “And getting to know Luke and his journey and his story. Having Tommy John and going out raking in college this year. … Looking forward to seeing his journey unfold. He’s a great kid. That’s great news.”
MLB conducted rounds 5-20 of the draft Sunday; the Colorado Rockies opened the proceedings, spending the first pick of the fifth round on high school right-hander Tyler Putnam.
The most notable pick of the day may have been first baseman Rintaro Sasaki going in the eighth round to the Miami Marlins.
Sasaki caught the sport’s attention when he set Japan’s all-time high school home run record with 140. Sasaki moved stateside in 2024 and played two collegiate seasons at Stanford.
There’s no guarantee he will sign with the Marlins, however. Sasaki was also part of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft last fall and was chosen in the first round by the Fukuoka Hawks.
Oklahoma shortstop Jaxon Willits, the older brother of 2025 No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits (Washington Nationals), was chosen in the fifth round by the Los Angeles Angels. His dad, Reggie Willits, played for the Angels from 2006-11.
Jaxon Willits was named Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series last month. One of his teammates on that championship squad, catcher Deiten Lachance, was a sixth-round choice by the Cleveland Guardians.
Carsten Sabathia III, another son of an ex-Yankees ace, was a 20th-round selection not by New York but by the Milwaukee Brewers. The younger Sabathia is a first baseman.
–Field Level Media
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