​The New York Yankees selected El Paso native Drew Gonzalez in the sixth round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. He was the 189th overall pick, announced on Sunday, July 12, the second day of the two-day event. Gonzalez, a standout who has drawn interest from multiple suitors, hails from Americas High School, where he earned statewide recognition and was named the El Paso Times’ All-City MVP after an impressive senior season.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 197 pounds, Gonzalez showcased a strong offensive and defensive package during his final year of high school baseball. In 2026, he clubbed 13 home runs and drove in 54 runs, helping the Trailblazers reach the Class 5A, Division 1 regional finals. He primarily played in the infield, occupying both third base and shortstop for Americas, and demonstrated the versatility that often attracts MLB scouts.
Gonzalez did not limit his exposure to a single team. In the weeks leading up to the draft, he worked out privately for a number of organizations, including the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Texas Rangers, and the Baltimore Orioles. Such private workouts are common for high school talents as they allow players to showcase their skills and receive direct feedback from front office evaluators, while teams gain a clearer perspective on a prospect’s makeup and potential fit within their organizational plans.
If the deal with the Yankees does not come together, Gonzalez has already lined up a contingency plan. He has reportedly committed to Texas Tech University, where he could continue his baseball career with the Red Raiders. This type of dual-path dynamic—drafted and potentially signing with a pro club while also maintaining college eligibility—is a common route for players who are eligible for college baseball and receive professional interest, allowing them to weigh immediate professional opportunities against collegiate development and exposure.
Americas High School’s Drew Gonzalez, the infield standout known for his fielding range and contact hitting, drew attention during the spring season as well. In a notable game against Hanks on April 21, 2026, Gonzalez, the shortstop for Americas, fielded balls with decisive play as the Trailblazers routed Hanks 19-0, a performance that underscored his readiness for higher levels of competition and his potential to translate high school success into professional opportunity.
As Gonzalez begins his professional journey with the Yankees, observers will be watching to see how his athleticism, bat control, and defensive versatility translate to the demands of the minor leagues and, eventually, the majors. The 2026 draft class continues to reveal El Paso’s talent pipeline, with Gonzalez representing a local product who has caught the eye of one of baseball’s most storied franchises. For continued updates and coverage of Drew Gonzalez’s progress and the Yankees’ development plans, local and national outlets will provide ongoing analysis as he navigates spring training invitees, draft-spot expectations, and potential signing terms. Felicia Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X. This report originally appeared in El Paso Times and reflects the ongoing coverage of El Paso’s Drew Gonzalez and his selection by the New York Yankees in the 2026 MLB Draft.