The New York Yankees are preparing for the 2025 MLB Draft, set for Sunday and Monday in Atlanta during All-Star Week, with a keen focus on enhancing their power-hitting lineup. Despite past struggles with supplemental first-round picks, the Yankees hope to replicate previous success by selecting Arizona State outfielder Brandon Compton with the 39th overall pick, secured after a penalty for exceeding the Competitive Balance Tax threshold shifted their original draft position. The addition of Compton could bolster the Yankees’ system alongside superstar Aaron Judge, further emphasizing the team‘s search for impactful power hitters.
Brandon Compton Stuns Scouts with Explosive Power at MLB Draft Combine
Compton made a significant impression at the MLB Draft Combine, held June 17–21 at Chase Field in Phoenix, where he set a new exit velocity record by launching balls at speeds exceeding 116 mph. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter, who grew up near the Diamondbacks’ stadium, registered an elite 116.9 mph blast—the highest since the Combine started tracking bat speed in 2021. His consistent power was evident as he posted five of the top seven exit velocities in Combine history, including multiple hits traveling over 400 feet, capped by a 441-foot home run. His physical strength and ability to drive the ball with such force garnered wide attention from scouts and fellow draft prospects alike.
High school outfielder Anthony Pack said of Compton,
A lot of these guys are out here trying to improve their Draft stock and he certainly did that.
—Anthony Pack, 2025 Draft Prospect
Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo praised Compton’s combination of strength and bat speed:
He’s a broad-shouldered lefthanded hitter with plenty of strength, obvious bat speed and an uphill path that’s geared to launch balls in the air.
—Carlos Collazo, Baseball America
Compton’s College Track Record: Pac-12 Freshman of the Year
Before the Draft Combine, Compton had already distinguished himself during his collegiate career at Arizona State. As a freshman in 2024, he earned the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honor after leading rookies with standout statistics—14 home runs, 16 doubles, 51 RBIs, a .354 batting average, and a 1.088 OPS. Reflecting on his rookie season, Compton acknowledged room for improvement in consistency and mental focus.
I feel like I did a really good job, but I can be more consistent and more mentally sharp,
—Brandon Compton, Arizona State Outfielder
During his sophomore season, Compton experienced a dip in numbers but still delivered a .271/.379/.486 slash line with nine home runs and 54 RBIs. Analysts have pointed to his success in the Cape Cod League as evidence that his skill set could translate well to wood bats at the professional level. Prospects Live remarked:
a wood bat might just be best for him.
After his Combine performance, expectations for Compton’s draft stock rose sharply, with some even projecting him to be a solid candidate for Competitive Balance Round A or a high second-round selection.
One recent scouting report added:
Compton has mastered a lift and pull approach, terrorizing the right field seats and the nearby pool at Chase Field. … After today’s performance, I’d expect Compton to work his way into comp round conversations while being a round 2 lock for a team that could use a collegiate hitter.
Potential Impact for the Yankees’ Power-Hitting Lineup
If Brandon Compton is available when the Yankees are on the clock at 39th overall, they are expected to quickly secure his rights to complement Aaron Judge’s formidable presence in the outfield. Compton’s raw power and collegiate success align with New York’s strategy of reinforcing their lineup with dynamic long-ball threats. After all, combining Judge’s major league achievements with Compton’s rising potential could create a formidable power duo in the Yankees organization, strengthening their offensive prospects for years to come. The decision will be closely watched, as it may signal the Yankees’ ongoing commitment to building around their signature slugger while preparing new talent to contribute at the highest level.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He has had three seasons with 50 or more homers, a feat achieved by only five players ever.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge was adopted by Patty and Wayne Judge, who are teachers, one day after he was born, on April 27, 1992. When he was about 10 years old, he noticed he didn’t look like his parents and realized he was adopted.
Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, plays professional baseball as an outfielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. He has been selected to the MLB All-Star team seven times and has won the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award twice. Judge also set the record for the most home runs in a season in the American League, with 62.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. Aaron Judge stated he will not grow a beard, even though the Yankees have revised their rules about facial hair.