As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, the New York Yankees appear ready to roll the dice on one of the most intriguing prep prospects in the class. In the latest mock draft by MLB insider Jim Callis, the Yankees are projected to select JoJo Parker, a highly regarded high school shortstop out of Purvis, Mississippi, whose bat has skyrocketed him into first-round conversations—despite questions about his long-term defensive fit.
Parker has generated buzz across the scouting community for his advanced offensive game. At just 18 years old, he’s already displaying elite bat-to-ball skills, a disciplined approach at the plate, and emerging power that scouts believe will only grow as he matures physically. His ability to drive the ball to all fields and stay balanced in the box has made him a favorite among evaluators looking for a high-upside hitter.
For the Yankees, Parker represents a potential cornerstone in the making—an impact bat who could eventually anchor the middle of the lineup. That kind of upside is hard to pass up, even if it comes with positional risk.
Though he’s currently a shortstop, some scouts are skeptical that he’ll remain there at the professional level. While Parker has a strong arm and solid instincts, his average range and foot speed suggest a shift to third base or perhaps a corner outfield spot could be in his future. Whether he develops enough power to thrive in those positions remains the big question.
Still, the Yankees are no strangers to taking high school talent and letting their player development staff shape raw tools into polished MLB players. If they do draft Parker, they’ll be betting that his bat will carry him to the big leagues regardless of where he ultimately plays in the field.
One additional wrinkle: Parker is currently committed to Mississippi State, and signing him might require a hefty bonus to steer him away from college ball. But the Yankees have never shied away from investing in premium talent, especially one with Parker’s ceiling.
If everything clicks, JoJo Parker could be a major offensive force in the Bronx in the years to come. And while his defensive home may still be up in the air, the Yankees may see a future star worth the gamble.
