James Kaprielian quickly becoming a leader

(AP Photo/Jason Redmond)

The Yankees' first draft pick in 2015 (16th overall) was their highest since 1993, so they were extra careful in deciding who to select. It appears they made the right choice with former UCLA Bruin RHP James Kaprielian.

Kaprielian, who turns 22 on March 2, was invited to the Yankees' Captain's Camp - a four-week long program which aims to teach young prospects good character values and how to succeed on the field as a Yankee. According to Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media, Kaprielian has already turned heads in the organization.

"He's shown some leadership ability among the players," said Yankees vice president of player development Gary Denbo to NJ Advance Media. "He's been a big part of things here and he's another guy we think that, over the long term, has an excellent chance to be part of our major league rotation."

Denbo praised the Yankees' amateur scouting department for finding Kaprielian and following him extensively before the draft. He came into the Captain's Camp in great physical condition and he's ready to further his career on the path towards the big leagues. "He's in great shape and he obviously has the tools to be very successful at a high level."

Kaprielian appeared in the Rookie-Ball level, as well as low-A ball with the Staten Island Yankees in 2015. Overall, he went 0-1 with a 3.97 ERA over 11.1 innings in his first year as a professional. Denbo talked about Kaprielian's ability to locate with the fastball, and mentioned how his breaking and off-speed stuff have the chance to be quality pitches. Kaprielian's also improved his velocity since the end of last season.

At just 22, Kaprielian has impressed the organization and is already rewarding them for drafting him so high. The hope is that he can join Luis Severino down the road at the top of the rotation to form a nice combo for years to come. We could even see Kaprielian get a cup of coffee as soon as this September.