Yankees Select Sean Duncan with Second-Round Pick in 2026 Draft

The New York Yankees have kicked off their 2026 draft class with a bold strategy, selecting electric left-handed starter Hunter Dietz from Arkansas at No. 35 overall. In a surprising move, they opted to double down on pitching in the second round, but instead of choosing a seasoned college arm, they turned their attention to the high school ranks.

With the 63rd overall pick, the Yankees selected Sean Duncan, a promising talent hailing from Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, just outside of Vancouver. At just 18 years old, Duncan brings with him a mix of potential and uncertainty, as he recently underwent Tommy John surgery, which has impacted his draft stock. Previously ranked No. 41 on Perfect Game’s Big Board, he fell to No. 66 at MLB Pipeline and No. 67 on Baseball America.

According to Baseball America, Duncan is viewed as a projectable left-hander with traits that suggest he could become a reliable starter. Despite the red flag of his recent surgery, he stands out as the top Canadian prospect in this draft class. His fastball typically sits in the low 90s and can reach up to 95 mph, characterized as a high-spin pitch that offers swing-and-miss potential at the upper part of the strike zone. Additionally, he possesses a well-rounded arsenal of secondary pitches, including a slider that ranges from the upper 70s to low 80s, which he adeptly manipulates for both early strikes and as a chase pitch.

Before his elbow injury this spring, Duncan was rapidly gaining recognition as a standout college prospect, showcasing a solid three-pitch mix that includes a low-to-mid 90s four-seamer, complemented by a slider and curveball that are projected to be effective secondary offerings. He was rated as the No. 36 player in the entire Class of 2026 by Perfect Game, which led to a verbal commitment to the prestigious Vanderbilt University.

A key player for the Canadian national junior baseball team, Duncan suffered his injury while competing in the Dominican Republic, sidelining him for the remainder of his senior season. This setback could delay his debut timeline in either college or the minor leagues until 2028.

The slot value for the No. 63 pick is estimated at $1.45 million. While teams typically exceed slot value to entice high school pitchers to sign, Duncan’s injury adds an unpredictable element to the equation. It remains to be seen whether he will sign for less, more, or around the slot value. Nevertheless, the Yankees are expected to make a concerted effort to secure this premium prospect.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.