A familiar last name could soon be returning to the New York Yankees organization.
During the conclusion of the 2026 MLB Draft held Sunday in Philadelphia, the Yankees used their eighth-round selection on Luke Pettitte, a 21-year-old two-way player from Dallas Baptist University — and the son of longtime Yankees pitching great Andy Pettitte.
Andy Pettitte himself was drafted by New York in the 22nd round back in 1990, going on to become one of the franchise’s most celebrated pitchers over 15 seasons. He earned three All-Star selections and five World Series rings during his time with the Yankees (1995-2003, 2007-13) and the Houston Astros (2004-06).
Now his son Luke has the opportunity to carve out a path of his own. This past spring, Luke Pettitte hit .337 with 16 home runs for Dallas Baptist. He served as the team’s designated hitter throughout the season because Tommy John surgery on his right arm kept him off the mound in 2026.
Yankees skipper Aaron Boone learned the news from reporters after a game in Washington on Sunday, and his reaction was enthusiastic. Andy Pettitte was once his teammate, and Boone said the connection runs deep.
“Heck yeah. Andy’s become a real good friend now, and obviously he’s not here right now but they know he’s around a lot and a big part of our staff and our culture,” Boone said. “And getting to know Luke and his journey and his story. Having Tommy John and going out raking in college this year. … Looking forward to seeing his journey unfold. He’s a great kid. That’s great news.”
Sunday’s action covered rounds 5 through 20 of the draft. The Colorado Rockies kicked things off by selecting high school right-hander Tyler Putnam with the first pick of the fifth round.
Among the most talked-about selections of the day was first baseman Rintaro Sasaki, taken in the eighth round by the Miami Marlins. Sasaki made a name for himself by breaking Japan’s all-time high school home run record with 140 long balls. He relocated to the United States in 2024 and went on to play two seasons of college baseball at Stanford.
Whether Sasaki will actually sign with Miami remains uncertain. He was also selected in the first round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft last fall by the Fukuoka Hawks, giving him options on both sides of the Pacific.
The Los Angeles Angels grabbed Oklahoma shortstop Jaxon Willits in the fifth round. Willits is the older brother of Eli Willits, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft by the Washington Nationals, and the son of former Angels outfielder Reggie Willits, who played for the club from 2006 to 2011. Jaxon Willits was named Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series last month.
One of his Oklahoma teammates, catcher Deiten Lachance, was taken in the sixth round by the Cleveland Guardians.
Rounding out the notable picks, Carsten Sabathia III — son of another former Yankees ace — was chosen in the 20th round, though not by New York. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted the younger Sabathia, who plays first base.
