Yankees Draft Paul Contreras: 2026 Fourth-Round Pick Inspired by Cody Bellinger

Paul Gutierrez-Contreras II was selected 127th overall by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft, providing the franchise with a potent right-handed hitting outfield prospect according to reports from MLB.com.

The pick came on Day 1 of the draft as the Yankees rounded out their selections following earlier choices that focused heavily on pitching and catching, according to MLB.com. New York previously added left-handed pitchers Hunter Dietz and Sean Duncan along with catcher Brendan Brock. Turning their attention to the outfield at the end of the fourth round, the organization selected Gutierrez-Contreras, who played under the name Paul Contreras during his time at Cal State Fullerton.

Cal State Fullerton Background and College Production

Gutierrez-Contreras arrived at Cal State Fullerton following a season at Modesto Junior College, according to MLB.com. As a junior in 2026, he earned Big West Co-Player of the Year honors after posting a .346 batting average, a .441 on-base percentage, and a .633 slugging percentage alongside 14 home runs.

According to MLB.com, the 20-year-old right-handed hitter made subtle mechanical adjustments at the plate that helped unlock his offensive tools. He primarily manned right field during his collegiate career, though some scouts project him as a potential center fielder at the professional level.

Draft Evaluations and Scouting Reports

Evaluations on Gutierrez-Contreras varied across major scouting publications ahead of the draft. While MLB Pipeline did not rank him inside their top 250 prospects, Baseball America slotted him at No. 372 overall, noting his distinct no-batting-glove appearance that draws visual comparisons to Jorge Posada or Trent Grisham, according to MLB.com.

Baseball America’s scouting profile describes Gutierrez-Contreras as possessing lean strength throughout a well-built frame with a simple setup and a small leg kick. The report highlights his patient approach and ability to make contact against various pitch types, though it notes a higher swing-and-miss rate against velocity that he will need to navigate in professional baseball.

The right-handed slugger also gained valuable wood-bat experience last summer with the Duluth Huskies in the Northwoods League, slashing .293/.407/.431 across 145 plate appearances. He turns 21 on August 5, and is widely expected to sign with the Yankees, potentially below the slot value assigned to the 127th pick, according to MLB.com.