After the MLB Draft wrapped up on Tuesday afternoon, the New York Yankees signed right-hander Cole Zaffiro from the University of Pennsylvania as an undrafted free agent. In 2024, Zaffiro shined as the ace of Penn’s rotation, earning second-team All-Ivy honors and helping his team secure its second consecutive Ivy League Tournament title and a spot in the NCAA regional. He led all Ivy League pitchers in innings pitched (77.2) and strikeouts (96).
Early in the season, Zaffiro delivered back-to-back stellar performances against Lafayette and Brown, earning Ivy League Pitcher of the Week honors for two consecutive weeks. He struck out a career-high 11 batters over seven shutout innings against Brown and recorded nine strikeouts over six scoreless innings against Lafayette. In the Ivy League Tournament, he was named to the All-Tournament team, striking out nine over six innings in Penn’s opener against Columbia and securing a relief win against Cornell with six strikeouts over three innings.
Zaffiro also had an impressive 2023 season, earning first-team All-Ivy honors by leading the Quakers in innings pitched (72.0) and WHIP (1.14), and ranking second in strikeouts (80) and third in opponents’ batting average (.211). His standout performance came in the NCAA regional against Samford, where he struck out eight over eight innings, allowing just two runs on four hits and earning a spot on the NCAA All-Regional team.
Over his four-year career at Penn, Zaffiro compiled a 13-8 record with a 4.05 ERA in 44 appearances (37 starts), amassing 198 innings and 225 strikeouts, the second-highest total in program history. His signing with the Yankees follows a successful week for Penn baseball, with Jackson Appel drafted by the Chicago White Sox (Round 6, Pick 169) and Eli Trop picked by the Philadelphia Phillies (Round 16, Pick 492). Zaffiro joins fellow Penn alum Jake Cousins, who is also in the Yankees organization
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