The New York Yankees begin their 2026 MLB Draft with a first-round selection of left-handed pitcher Hunter Dietz. Multiple outlets report the pick comes with the team’s No. 35 overall selection on Saturday. Yahoo Sports and other coverage describe Dietz as an imposing pitcher and note that the Yankees draft him as a lead piece of their class. The New York Post adds context that the Yankees were docked 10 spots, shaping where they landed in the first round, but they still use their selection to take Dietz. After being chosen, Dietz is described by the New York Post and Yahoo Sports as having “a lot of potential” remaining to develop as he transitions to the organization. Beyond Dietz, Yahoo Sports also characterizes the Yankees’ Day 1 draft haul as including two southpaws and additional athletic position players, including former JUCO hitters. Across reports, the shared focus is that Dietz is the headline selection at No. 35, while the broader draft group reflects a mix of pitching depth and athletic bats.