The New York Yankees have shown considerable interest in a highly unconventional player within the realm of MLB draft prospects, as recently confirmed by insider reports.
In the latest MLB mock draft by Jonathan Mayo, the Yankees were projected to select Jurrangelo Cijntje, a switch-pitcher hailing from Mississippi State University, known for his remarkable dual-armed abilities on the mound.
“This could be a great fit for the Yankees, as they appear to favor pitching and have shown interest in Cijntje,” noted Mayo. “They could also consider prep player Doughty, stick with Mississippi State’s Jordan, or opt for LSU’s White if they lean towards a college hitter.”
Cijntje showcased significant improvement during his recent collegiate season, achieving a solid 3.67 ERA over 90.2 innings pitched, a marked improvement from his freshman year where he struggled with an 8.10 ERA. His increased workload and enhanced performance underscored his potential as a serious pitching prospect.
Previously drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round of the 2022 MLB draft straight out of high school, Cijntje opted to attend college to further refine his skills and increase his draft stock. His decision proved fruitful, as he emerged as a standout performer capable of more than mere novelty on the mound.
While Cijntje has demonstrated vulnerability to contact from hitters, he compensates with a high strikeout rate and significantly reduced his walk count by more than half, indicative of his growing command and control.
What sets Cijntje apart is his ability to pitch effectively from both sides of the mound, presenting a unique challenge to batters who struggle to adjust to his dual approaches. His right-handed delivery features mid-90s fastballs suitable for starting, while his left-handed style resembles that of a power-relief pitcher, reflecting his versatility and potential roles in professional baseball.
Standing at 5-foot-11, concerns about Cijntje’s durability may potentially relegate him to a bullpen role in the majors, akin to the career trajectory of Pat Venditte, the only modern pitcher known for regularly pitching with both arms. Venditte’s stint with the Oakland Athletics saw mixed results beyond his initial season, serving as a cautionary tale on the challenges of maintaining consistency as a switch-pitcher.
Interestingly, Venditte himself was drafted by the Yankees in the 20th round of the 2008 MLB draft, but faced a prolonged journey through the minor leagues before moving on from New York after his age 29 season.
Should the Yankees ultimately select Cijntje, the hope will be for a more expedient development path through the minors. While he remains a project with developmental needs, the potential upside of his unique skill set makes him a compelling prospect worth investing in.
In summary, the New York Yankees’ continued interest in Jurrangelo Cijntje underscores their strategic focus on acquiring talent with distinctive abilities and potential for growth. As Cijntje navigates his path toward professional baseball, his dual-pitching prowess and recent collegiate success position him as an intriguing prospect poised to make a significant impact in the future of the game.
