Yankees Draft Harrison
Yankees Select Texas A&M Catcher Bear Harrison in Fifth Round of 2026 MLB Draft
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Key Points
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Bear Harrison began his college career at St. Mary's College of California before transferring to Texas A&M ahead of the 2025 season.
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In 2026, Harrison posted a 32-game on-base streak and ranked second in the SEC with a .495 on-base percentage.
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Defensively, he was a primary catcher with 815 putouts and 14 nabbed would-be base stealers during his Aggie tenure.
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Baseball America ranked Harrison No. 339 among draft prospects entering the 2026 MLB Draft.
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He started 52 games behind the plate in 2026 and appeared in 97 games with 94 starts over two Texas A&M seasons.
The New York Yankees selected Texas A&M catcher Bear Harrison Jr. with the 160th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, according to Yahoo Sports. Harrison posted one of the strongest on-base seasons in the SEC this year, slashing .297/.495/.626 with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs.
Harrison becomes a notable addition to the Yankees' catching depth. He is also the younger brother of Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison, adding a family baseball pedigree to his profile, KBTX reported.
A Record-Breaking Final Season at Texas A&M
Harrison's 2026 season stood out across the board. He ranked second in the SEC with a .495 on-base percentage, according to KBTX. He also set a Texas A&M single-season record with 23 hit-by-pitches, showing a willingness to do whatever it takes to reach base.
He also put together a 32-game on-base streak during the season. He scored 50 runs and hit 15 doubles to go with his 12 home runs. His signing slot value came in at roughly $437,200, a standard amount for a fifth-round pick.
From St. Mary's to College Station to the Bronx
Harrison did not start his college career at Texas A&M. He began at St. Mary's College of California before transferring ahead of the 2025 season. Over two seasons as an Aggie, he appeared in 97 games with 94 starts, according to Yahoo Sports.
Baseball America ranked Harrison No. 339 among all draft prospects entering the 2026 draft. His rise to a fifth-round pick — well ahead of that ranking — shows how much his stock climbed during the season.
Defensive Numbers Show a True Backstop
Harrison was not just an offensive weapon. He was a full-time catcher who handled real defensive work. During his time at Texas A&M, he recorded 815 putouts and threw out 14 would-be base stealers, KBTX reported.
He started 52 games behind the plate in 2026 alone. The Yankees have made catcher defense a priority in recent drafts. Harrison fits that mold with both his arm and his ability to handle a pitching staff.
Texas A&M Keeps Sending Players to Pro Ball
Harrison's selection adds to a growing list of Aggies reaching professional baseball. Texas A&M has built a reputation as a pipeline program in recent years. Harrison is the first Texas A&M catcher drafted since 2024, according to Yahoo Sports.
His family ties also make this pick stand out. His brother Kyle Harrison pitches for the Milwaukee Brewers, giving the Harrison family two sons in professional baseball at the same time. Bear now heads to the Yankees system to begin his pro career.
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