The Yankees have their first position player of the 2026 MLB Draft after taking left-handed pitchers with their first two picks. Following selections of southpaws Hunter Dietz out of Arkansas with their first pick and British Columbia high schooler Sean Duncan with their second pick, the Yankees returned to the SEC to address one of the thinnest positions in the system: catcher.
Joining the organization with the 99th overall pick is right-handed hitting catcher Brendan Brock out of The University
of Oklahoma.
The redshirt junior turns 22 in less than a month and hails from Belleville, IL. With a ranking at No. 90 on Perfect Game’s Big Board, No. 112 on MLB Pipeline, and No. 113 according to Baseball America, it’s just about where you would expect him to be drafted.
Here’s an abridged scouting report from Baseball America on a catcher described as possessing an “atypical toolset”:
In a class that’s unusually deep with athletic college catchers, Brock might have the most atypical toolset. He’s every bit of a 70-grade runner, and for many scouts he’s the quickest running catcher they’ve seen… Listed at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Brock has a lean and athletic frame with solid bat speed and plus raw power. Brock has shown impressive all-fields game power this spring, but that pop comes with below-average contact skills and a questionable hit tool… He’s longer and lankier than most catchers, but he has a plus arm that would be an asset at the position if he can sharpen his footwork and exchange. He has the speed and arm strength to handle all three outfield positions. Playing outfield would also be easier on his legs and help him maintain his loudest tool over the course of a full pro season.
Brock’s draft stock skyrocketed following a stellar redshirt sophomore campaign at Southwestern Illinois CC, ranking third among national junior college players in OPS (1.435), homering 20 times and stealing 27 bases. He declined an over-slot offer from the Brewers, who attempted to select him in the 14th round of the 2025 MLB Draft, and instead transferred to The University of Oklahoma hoping to further boost his stock.
After transferring into the competitive cauldron of the SEC, Brock’s number took a modest downturn, though he still slashed .302/.399/.522 with 13 HRs, 55 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases in 65 games. He then took things to another level in the NCAA Tournament, leading his team in batting (.457) and OBP (.576). He was a key player in their run to capturing the third championship in program history at the the 2026 College World Series, hitting .400 with eight hits, five walks, a double, a home run and three RBIs.
Despite the slight downturn in form upon joining the SEC, his performances in the CWS mean he will likely sign for close to the $792,300 slot value assigned to the No. 99 pick. The bigger question is what position lies in his future. The right-handed bat, capable framing, and strong arm earn him marks to stick at a position of need in the organization, while the unnatural speed and experience in the outfield make center an intriguing option.
