Former New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius and second baseman Robinson Cano were selected in the inaugural draft of the newly established Baseball United league.
Big-Named Former Yankees To Jump-Start Baseball United League
Gregorius and Cano were among 80 other players who were taken in the 10-round draft and will both suit up for the league’s Wolves franchise on opening day:
Baseball United will host games in the Middle East and South Asia region. According to their official mission statement, their goal is to service a population of over two billion fans with a pre-existing zeal for cricket and incorporate baseball as an everyday pastime to consumers in the region.
Gregorius was selected No. 3 overall ahead of Cano, who was taken with the No. 8 overall selection. Cano, 41, was vital in the Yankees’ 2009 World Series run and was a five-time Silver Slugger and two-time Gold Glove winner as a member of the franchise.
Gregorius, 33 helped New York return to the playoffs in 2017, hitting 97 home runs behind a .267/.313/.446 slash line over five seasons in the Bronx.
Other Yankees that were taken in the draft include former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon, 50, who is also one of the oldest players to be selected.
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Former Yankees Found Throughout The League’s Ranks
Yankees Hall-of-Fame closer Mariano Rivera serves as one of the co-owners of the league. Former Yankees minor leaguer Eduardo J. Diaz holds the position of Vice President of Baseball Operations.
Other prominent retired MLB superstars are involved in the ownership and management of Baseball United including Adrian Beltre, Felix Hernandez, and Barry Larkin.
