New York Yankees’ young prospect, Elijah Dunham had a wonderful first professional season. The Yankees signed him as a non-drafted free agent after the COVID affected 2020’s five-round draft. Dunham, an Indiana University product, had an impressive run in the Arizona Fall League.

The 23-year-old went on to slash .263/.362/.463 with 13 HR in 395 plate appearances between Low-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley. And in the Arizona Fall League with Surprise Sugars, Dunham slashed .357/.465/.571 in 101 matches he played.

Dunham on his disappointing draft-day experience

Recently, the left-hand hitter revealed, the Yankees were the team he always wanted to go to. While talking to David Laurila of Fan Graphs, Dunham said that he was expecting to be picked in the fourth or fifth draft. But he was disappointed when the draft day ended and his agent told him that he fell out.

However, the left-hand hitter had received a call from a scout who asked Dunham to sign with his team, of which Dunham had agreed to. But that deal never happened, and it hurt Dunham.

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“I don’t want to name the team, but it definitely hurt me, because I thought it was going to happen. I was with my family — we were watching the draft on TV — and they were in the room when I got the call,” added Dunham.

Elijah Dunham on why top talents choose the New York Yankees over other MLB teams

When the draft concluded, teams were allowed to negotiate with non-drafted players. And many teams approached Dunham for a move to their organization. But after having a bunch of Zoom meetings, Dunham shortlisted three teams to go for. And he opted for the Yankees to start off his career, considering their development system for the minor leagues. 

‘If I want to be the best player I can be, I’ve got to go to the Yankees,” said the Yankees prospect.

Dunham admitted he wanted to play with the Yankees because of his desire to play for the big league ball club. He also credited the Yankees for his development in defensive performance. The New York Yankees prospect hopes to bring competitiveness in his game and try not to give away any at-bats.

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