The MLB Draft is Monday and we are only a few days away. This is our final mock draft and we went all out for this one. Jonathan and I alternated picks as usual, me starting off with the Astros. Our other three mock drafts have been only the first round but this one we decided to do the supplemental too. Once we got going, we decided we’d keep going and do the second round too. Each pick has a report and our reasoning. I can’t wait till Monday comes and we see teams surprise everyone, going against all the mock drafts. Enjoy.
1. Astros (Mike): Byron Buxton (OF – Georgia HS) Part of me wants to go pitching here but I think that the Astros end up taking the best player available here and that remains to be Buxton. He puts big time superstar potential into this rebuilding system and I don’t think the Astros pass up on his talent. He’ll take some time but Buxton has five tool potential and a big time ceiling.
2. Twins (Jonathan): Mark Appel (RHP – Stanford) Appel’s most recent start solidified his status as one of the top, if not the top, arms in the draft. His fastball can touch the upper-90s and his change-up already flashes plus with an at least average breaking ball. He has good control and an ideal pitcher’s frame. I have take LSU pitcher Kevin Gausman in this spot previously and I could still see his name being called here over Appel. I do not see Zimmer going here with his velocity down in his last few starts since the injury.
3. Mariners (M): Carlos Correa (SS – Puerto Rico HS) Zunino has been a popular pick here and I really considered but I think that the Mariners go for the guy with the higher ceiling. I have been reading lately that the Mariners have been scouting Correa hard. Conor Glassey of BaseballAmerica reported that they had 6 scouts at the Excellence Tournament where Correa put on a show. I think he eventually slides to third but he has big time offensive potential there.
4. Orioles (J): Kevin Gausman (RHP –LouisianaState) The Orioles are likely going with the best player available and that is where I will go with this pick. Gausman has ace potential with a fastball that has been clocked at 99 mph, a potentially plus change-up, and a breaking ball that can be above-average. He has an ideal frame and could move fast throughBaltimore’s system with Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado. I simply do not see Zunino as an option here and I think the Orioles would love for one of Buxton or Correa to fall to them here.
5. Royals (M): Mike Zunino (C -Florida) As much as the Royals want pitching here, I don’t think they pass on Zunino’s talent as he is the best player available. He’s the complete package as a catching prospect and I think Zunino would move pretty quickly and fit in with the young core that the Royals have. I also considered Kyle Zimmer and Max Fried for the pick.
6. Cubs (J): Albert Almora (OF – Florida HS) I had the Cubs taking Almora in out latest Mock and I am sticking with him. The Cubs will likely take the best player with the highest ceiling and that might be Almora. He is a plus defender in center with that chance to develop into a 5-tool player and has been climbing draft boards like crazy of late. Max Fried and Kyle Zimmer are also potential picks here.
7. Padres (M): Max Fried (LHP – California HS) I think the Padres go for the BPA here and I believe Fried is the guy. He is the top left handed pitcher in the draft and he has exceptional polish for a prep pitcher. He has top of the rotation potential with 3 potential plus pitches. I also considered Kyle Zimmer for the pick.
8. Pirates (J): Deven Marrero (SS –ArizonaState) I’m sticking with the same pick in our last two Mocks. The Pirates might be tempted to add another arm like Zimmer or Fried (if available) to their system here butMarrero looks to be the pick here.Marrero is a plus defender at short and has an above-average hit tool and plays the game the right way. He should be up when the likes of Gerrit Cole, Starling Marte, Robbie Grossman, and Kyle McPherson are ready with Jameson Taillon right behind. He fills a void in the organization without reaching and the Pirates should have no problems signing him and maybe save a few dollars to spend on later picks.
9. Marlins (M): Courtney Hawkins (3B – Texas HS) I think that the Marlins go with a high ceiling prep player here and with Fried and Almora off the board, Hawkins is the guy. He has some of the best power in the entire draft with excellent bat speed. I think he eventually moves to right field but his arm and speed will fit there nicely. I also considered McCullers and Giolito.
10. Rockies (J): David Dahl (OF – Alabama HS) Dahl has not faced the best competition and has looked a little bored at time but he has loads of tools and the athleticism to stay, and be very good in center field. He also has the chance to have at least average tools across the board and he will get the “5-tool” from some scouts. The Rockies will likely look for upside here and I think they would like Almora, Fried, or Hawkins to fall here.
11. Athletics (M): Kyle Zimmer (RHP -San Francisco) Despite a slipping stock due to a hamstring injury and inconsistent velocity, Zimmer remains one of the top pitchers in the draft. I don’t think he falls pastOakland here. He has just good all around stuff and top of the rotation potential. He will take a little longer to reach the majors compared to the other college arms but he has one of the highest ceilings.
12. Mets (J): Gavin Cecchini (SS – Louisiana HS) I spoke to a team scout who said Cecchini absolutely can stay at shortstop but he does not have his brother’s (Garin Cecchini) potential with the bat. He does have the ability to hit for a high average with potential double-digit power. The Mets would love if Almora or Hawkins fell here but I still think Cecchini has a lot of upside and the Mets would be happy to take him at 12. I could also see Michael Wacha or Lucas Giolito (depending on health) going here.
13. White Sox (M): Michael Wacha (RHP – Texas A&M) People are throwing rumors around that the White Sox are in on college pitching and Wacha is the best available here. He has a great arm, his fastball reaching the upper 90s, and a plus changeup to go with. He has a durable build and I think he would be really nice value here at pick 13. I also considered McCullers and Stroman.
14. Reds (J): Chris Stratton (RHP – Mississippi State) Stratton has performed extremely well in the tough SEC thanks to a fastball that is low-to-mid-90s nothing in his repertoire below-average, including his command and control. Stratton may not have the same ceiling as the other college arms but he has a mid-rotation floor and should reach the Majors in short time. I also considered Marcus Stroman and Andrew Heaney here.
15. Indians (M): Andrew Heaney (LHP -OklahomaState) There is a lot of solid pitching available here and I have a feeling thatCleveland goes with an arm. Heaney is the best college left hander in the draft.. He does not huge upside but he is a pretty sure bet to become a middle of the rotation starer and he shouldn’t take long to reach the majors either. He has a plus fastball sitting in the lows 90s with nice sinking movement. His changeup and breaking ball need work but have shown flashes of being above average pitches. I also considered Stroman, McCullers, and Eflin.
16. Nationals (M): Marcus Stroman (RHP – Duke) The Nationals seem to be linked to pitching, especially college pitching, and Stroman is the best available in this slot. The Nationals have a perfect window of opportunity to win now and Stroman can be ready for the Majors rather quickly. The Nationals also have the 8th lowest amount to spend on its picks in the top 10 rounds and Stroman should not be a tough sign. Lance McCullers is a guy I really want to take here and the only thing keeping me from doing that is his signabilty concern at this spot with the Nationals not having a whole lot of money to work with. Lucas Sims is also another option here.
17. Blue Jays (M): Lucas Giolito (RHP – California HS) Giolito is such a wildcard at this point because we really have no idea on the status of his health. I think the Blue Jays though are the perfect team to take a chance. They have two picks in the 1st round so they could spend big on Giolito here and go cheaper later. He has some of the highest potential in the entire draft, and if healthy he would be an easy top 3 pick. He has three plus pitches in his fastball, curve, and changeup and all the makings to one day be an ace. Lance McCullers makes a lot of sense here too.
18. Dodgers (M): Lance McCullers (RHP – Florida HS) I have no idea which direction the Dodgers are going but with their record of taking high upside arms in the first round I could see them going with the high upside arm of McCullers. There were some doubts about his ability to remain as a starter in pro ball, doubts that had some warrant but was far from the consensus amongTampa area scouts I spoke with, but those doubts seem to have faded away. McCullers has a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and a plus slider. He can also handle the bat quite well with gap power, something of small value that might be useful to a National League team. Could see Hensley, Eflin, or Virant here as well.
19. Cardinals (M): Richie Shaffer (3B – Clemson) Shaffer is the second best college bat in the draft behind Zunino and I don’t see the Cardinals passing on him especially since they are known for taking college guys. Shaffer is a polished hitter with some of the quickest hands in the draft. He has good raw power and the defense to stick at third base in the long run. I think he would be great value for the Cardinals here.
20. Giants (J): Ty Hensley (RHP – Oklahoma HS) Because it isSan Francisco I really want to take a college player here but Hensley has a plus fastball/curveball combo and some projection left in his frame. I could also see Eflin, Virant, Sims, or any college arm that might fall this far go here. I also wouldn’t rule out a college bat like Piscotty or Shaffer if he fell here.
21. Braves (M): Tanner Rahier (SS – California HS) I have seen Rahier linked to the Braves a lot now and the pick makes sense. Rahier has one of the most polished bats among high schoolers in the entire draft. He has the ability to hit for a good average and with some power potential to go with. The big question is whether or not he can stick at short stop but I think he will. If not he’ll have to slide to third but I think that that the bat will be able to play there.
22. Blue Jays (J): D.J. Davis (OF – Mississippi HS) An extremely gifted athlete who has plus-plus speed and should have no problem sticking in center field due to his speed and range. He does come with some risk with a with a below-average arm and little to no power (after seeing video of his swing I changed my stance on his future power potential) but the upside is tremendous and he should be an easy sign for the Blue Jays who are taking Giolito in our Mock and need money to sign him.
23. Cardinals (M): Nick Travieso (RHP – Florida HS) After going with a college bat in their previous pick, I think they go with a prep arm now in Travieso. He has some of the best velocity in the entire draft, with a fastball sitting in the upper 90s. He has made huge strides this year, including the development of his secondary pitches. His change up needs some work but Travieso has the making to be a front of the rotation pitcher but will take some time.
24. Red Sox (J): Pierce Johnson (RHP -MissouriState) Johnson should be an easy sign and open up some more money for the Red Sox who pick again at 31. Johnson does, though, have great stuff with a low-to-mid-90s fastball with good movement in the lower range and has a breaking ball, cutter, and below-average change-up that need work. He also needs to work on his control and command but the stuff is legit. He has battled multiple injuries and could carry the “injury prone” tag with him.
25. Rays (M): Zach Eflin: (RHP – Florida HS) I think the Rays go with a high upside guy here and Eflin is one of the best available and is a local guy too. He has a great frame and a fastball sitting in the low to mid 90s. It has the chance to be a plus pitch moving forward. His changeup also has the makings to be a plus pitch and has shown great improvements this year. The curve needs work and could be an average to above average pitch but Eflin has the potential to be a number two or three starter.
26. Diamondbacks (M): Stephen Piscotty (3B – Stanford) I do not know which direction they are looking but with Piscotty available here I find it hard for them to pass. Piscotty lead theCape Cod league in hitting last fall. Piscotty has an above-average arm that plays well at third base but his footwork is shaky although he could be an average to slightly above-average defender there. But Stanford moved him to the outfield, a place where some scouts feel he is best suited, and should have no problems profiling in a corner outfield spot. Scouts like his makeup and work ethic and he is simply one of the best, if not the best bat among college players.
27. Brewers (M): Victor Roache (OF –Georgia Southern) I picked Roache last time here and I’m sticking with it. If healthy he has some of the best power in the entire draft. He suffered a wrist injury earlier in the year so that is where the risk comes with Roache but I like the high reward if the wrist heals up fine. He has some of the best bat speed in the entire draft. His swing is a bit raw but I could see him developing into a future .270 guy and could his 30 homeruns. I think he’ll stick in right field but the defense or speed is nothing to rave about.
28. Brewers (M): Clint Coulter (C – Washington HS) Keith Law at the four-letter states that the industry consensus seems to be that the Brewers will take Coulter with one of their back-to-back picks. Coulter has huge power potential and a canon of an arm. He has a chance to stay behind the plate but his bat with play in RF or 3B if/when he is moved. The Brewers should not have a hard time signing him.
29. Rangers (M): Carson Kelly (3B – Oregon HS) Kelly is a legit two way player but I see him being drafted for his bat. He has a nice level, smooth swing with great mechanics. He has great bat speed and shows plus power potential. He has good defense at third, including a plus arm. He should hit for a good average as a gap to gap hitter and if the power really comes around, he’d be a force at third.
30. Yankees (J): Duane Underwood (RHP – Georgia HS) Underwood has yet to turn 18 and comes armed with a fastball that has been clocked in the upper 90s but he has erractic command and a below-average breaking ball. His change-up is his next best pitch and might be average at best right now. Underwood is a serious project but one that has time and potential on his side. Could also see Mitchell Gueller, Joey Gallo, or Addison Russell.
31. Red Sox (M): Joey Gallo (OF – Nevada HS) This was the same pick I made last time and I’m sticking with it. I don’t think the Red Sox can pass up on the plus plus power that Gallo brings to the table here despite the high risk that comes with. He has potential 80 power and if that doesn’t work out, he is a power arm on the mound, sitting in the mid to upper 90s. I also considered Stryker Trahan.
32. Twins (J): Stryker Trahan (C – Louisiana HS) This would be a steal if Trahan fell to the Twins here. He possesses a plus arm and big power potential down the road. He is very athletic for a catcher and has the ability to stay behind the plate with some more coaching. I could also see Sims, Virant, or any other upside pick going here. The Twins need more upside picks like this in their system and they have the most to spend in the first 10 rounds.
33. Padres (M): Matt Smoral (LHP – Ohio HS) I don’t think the Padres can pass up on Smoral’s high ceiling arm here. He is a big guy at 6’8” 225lb and sits around 95 with great movement. He has a potential plus slider to go with and has good control. Smoarl experience a leg injury this year and I don’t expect it having any affect on him long term. He has front of the rotation potential and is pretty polished for a high school arm.
34. Athletics (J): Addison Russell (SS – Florida HS) The Athletics would love to add a potential position prospect with upside and plus power and Russell is just that. A powerful shortstop with huge power potential and might be able to stay at the position but has plenty of arm if he has to move to third base where his bat will play and glove would be well above-average. Russell has a strong commitment toAuburn so he could be a tough sign but the A’s have 6th most money to spend and adding Russell to their system here makes a lot of sense.
35. Mets (M): Lucas Sims: Sims has seen his stock almost rollercoaster over the course of the year. He saw it rise at the start of the year, then drop a little, and now it looks to be on the rise again. He has a powerful arm, sitting in the mid 90s but he needs to work on holding the velocity over the course of the game. His curve is an above average pitch with nice late break. He also has a nice changeup with late fade and I think he has the potential to have three above average pitches. He has a good clean delivery and I think the Mets could use a high upside arm like his in the system.
36. Cardinals (J): Hunter Virant (LHP – California HS) I think it would be hard to pass on Virant here especially given the the Cardinals potential to take him much earlier in the draft. Viratn is super projectable with a 6’3″ 170 pound frame and already has a good feel for pitching. He is one of my favorite prospects in this draft.
37. Red Sox (M): Mitchell Gueller (RHP – Washington HS) Gueller has received a lot of late buzz and he is an interesting two way player. I think he will be drafted as a pitcher but we cannot count him out as an outfielder either. Coming into the year, I think most saw him as an outfielder but he has really come around this year as a pitcher. His fastball sits in the mid 90s and is a fantastic athlete. He has an advanced changeup that could be a plus pitcher later on. His breaking ball is a bit slurvy but looks to be a solid pitch. In the field he has had the five tool player tag put on him and that is accurate. I like the upside pick here though for the Red Sox.
38. Brewers (J): Tyler Naquin (OF – Texas A&M) I spoke with a team scout who has been in Texas all spring and has seen a lot of Naquin and he said he might be the best hitter for average in the draft and has good gap power. Naquin has one of the best arms in the outfield and the same scout told me although he has not played much center field for Texas A&M he does have the speed and arm for the position and profiles there the best. He could add some muscle to his 6’1” 175 pound frame but I think his best role is to play center field so the added muscle may not be a good idea but a team who wants to profile him in a corner may ask him to do so
39. Rangers (M): Cory Seager (3B – North Carolina HS) Seager has been a guy that I have seen drafted in the middle of the first round in mocks and I think he’d be a big steal for the Rangers here. He is an athletic third baseman with a great bat. He has a plus hit tool and plus power to go with. He is an above average defender at third but he’ll take some time to develop.
40. Phillies (J): Lewis Brinson (OF – Florida HS) This is Philadelphia’s first pick of the draft and they will likely take the best available player and that could be Brinson who has more upside than anyone left on the board. He is a plus defender with plus speed and actually beat Buxton in the Underarmor Games HR derby. He has a commitment toFlorida so he might be a tough sign. I could see Shane Watson, Ty Buttrey, or Walker Weickel going here as well.
41. Astros (M): Daniel Robertson (3B/SS – California HS) Robertson could be a tough sign here but he has big time potential with that bat. He has a great hit tool with a quick bat and should hit for a high average. There is raw future power potential and if it comes around, he’ll really be a complete hitter. He also has an advanced approach at the plate. The consensus is that he moves from short to third but the bat is good enough to play there.
42. Twins (J): Brian Johnson (LHP -Florida) The Twins might go the safe route and take the low-ceiling/high probability arm of Johnson here and he should be an easy sign. He has a fantastic feel for pitching and just seems like a pitcher the Twins would like. If the Twins go for upside here I would likely have them take Buttrey or Watson.
43. Cubs (M): Ty Buttery (RHP – North Carolina HS) He is a tall projectable right hander with a nice repeatable delivery. His fastball is in the lows 90s, touching the mid 90s but is a little straight. His curveball is a potential plus pitch with lots of tight, sharp movement. His changeup has shown potential as it has some late sink but he needs to work on his consistency with it. He has nice upside and I think is a great pick here for the Cubs.
44. Padres (J): Barrett Barnes (OF – Texas Tech) Barnes is a plus runner with above-average power potential in his 6’1″ 210 pound frame. He has all the tools to stay in center field and has solid plate discipline. He could be a bargain here and should not be a tough sign.
45. Pirates (M): Mitch Brown (RHP – Minnesota HS) I think the Pirates add another arm to the system and Brown has had a great spring to raise his stock. He has an above average fastball sitting in the low 90s and has been touching 95. His breaking ball and changeup are both improving pitches and have good potential. One of the best high school arms available here.
46. Rockies (J): Shane Watson (RHP – California HS) Watson has a low-90s fastball that he can dial up to the mid-90s fastball and a potentially plus curveball. He also has a change-up that is below-average but has flashed above-average. He has a solid 6’4″ frame with room for projection.
47. Athletics (M): Dylan Baker (RHP – Western Nevada CC) Baker has emerged as possibly the top Juco player in the draft and he should not be a tough sign. He has a great fastball, sitting in the mid 90s. His curve and slider could both become above average pitches. His command will need some work but he could develop into a nice middle of the rotation starter.
48. White Sox (J): Walker Weickel (RHP – Florida HS) There is a lot of projection here thanks to a 6’6″ frame with room to add muscle and velocity. He currently sits 89-92 with a curveball and change-up that project to be above-average. He has a commitment toMiami but I am not sure about his signability.
49. Reds (M): Adam Brett Walker (1B/OF –Jacksonville) He has a big time build with plus raw power. The swing will defiantly need some work as well as his pitch recognition but he has big time power and shouldn’t be a tough sign. I don’t think he has the arm to play in the outfield so his best fit is at first.
50. Blue Jays (J): Nolan Fontana (SS -Florida) He is an above-average defender who should be able to stick at shortstop and he has good gap power to go with an excellent approach at the plate that leads to a lot of walks. He has well above-average speed as well. He should not take too long to be Major League ready and should be a quick sign.
51. Dodgers (M): Kyle Twomey (LHP – California HS) The Dodgers love their high school arms and they have the opportunity to take one from their own backyard in Twomey here. He is projectable with a nice smooth delivery. His fastball sits in the high 80s, touching the low 90s but I think he could add velocity as he develops. His secondary pitches have potential to be above average pitches with a tight slider, a big curve, and a solid change. I like the polish and command here and think he’s a great pick.
52. Cardinals (J): Travis Jankowski (OF – Stony Brook) This is a safe pick and one that will possibly sign for under slot which might be needed with the Cardinals already having three prior picks and another at 59. Jankowski is a plus defender in center field and there is no doubt he can play the position in pro ball. But there is doubt about his hitting ability and his power is limited so he will rely on getting on base and using his speed but he has the ability to be an above-average regular.
53. Rangers (M): Chris Beck (RHP -Georgia Southern) Beck was a mid first round talent heading into the year but has seen his stock drop big time. He has a great build and could still develop into a potential number 2 or 3 starter. He has a plus fastball sitting in the lower to mid 90s and flashes some late sink. His curve has above average potential but he needs to be more consistent with it. Beck has some raw stuff but should be a bargain here.
54. Phillies (J): Mitch Nay (3B/OF – Arizona HS) Nay had a bade spring and his stock fell but he finished strongly and he has plus raw power and a great arm that will play in right field if he is moved off of third base. Power like his likely will not fall into the second round.
55. Padres (M): Jeff Gelalich (OF – UCLA) The Padres have had a lot of picks thus far and Gelalich is a guy who should be an easy sign. His stock has really risen this year thanks to a great spring. He is a great athlete, has a solid left handed swing, and some power potential. He profiles best in left field but he’s a solid all around player
56. Cubs (J): Wyatt Mathisen (C/SS – Texas HS) He has a strong commitment toTexas but Theo Epstein and the Cubs can lure him away. Mathisen has a rocket of an arm and will most certainly be moved to catcher in pro ball where he profiles as a potential above-average regular or star with his line-drive stroke that could produce good average and moderate power and ability to throw out runners. He is a project but there is loads of potential that can be tapped thanks to his great makeup and work ethic.
57. Reds (M): Adrian Sampson (RHP – Bellevue CC WA) I saw Sampson pitch twice this year and he impressed me. He has a fastball in the lows 90s and it has touched 95. It was nice late tail and is an above average pitch. His best pitch is his curve which has nice tight break. It’s a little slurvy and sometimes almost looks like a slider. He has a changeup that has a potential and a cutter that he has started to develop. Should be an easy sign and could be a solid mid rotation starter.
58. Blue Jays (J): Damien Magnifico (RHP -Oklahoma) Magnifico comes armed with a true 80 fastball that has put triple digits on scouts guns this spring but has no secondary offerings that are even average at the moment and his command and control are both fringe-average at best. An arm like this is hard to pass up even though the strikeout numbers have not been great and he has some leverage as a draft eligible sophomore.
59. Cardinals (M): Brandon Kline (RHP -Virginia) Kline has a great power arm and a durable build on the mound. He has an above average fastball sitting in the low 90s and I could see him adding some velocity. He has a good curve and plus slider to go with. The changeup is also improving and he has the makings of a mid rotation starter with a good four pitch mix.
60. Blue Jays (J): Stephen Johnson (RHP – St. Edwards) This is the 5th pick before the 2nd round for the Blue Jays and we already have them taking two tough signs. Johnson should be an easy sign as a college reliever but he comes with two plus pitches and could be in the Jays bullpen very soon. His fastball reaches the upper 90s and his slider is death on right-handers.
61. Astros (M): Pat Light (RHP – Monmouth) I’ve gone two high upside high school picks now with the Astros so I think they look for a cheaper sign here and Light is just that. He has a good fastball sitting in the mid 90s and has a great build at 6’6″. He has great command and a smooth delivery but he’s going to have to improve his secondary pitches.
62. Athletics (J): Mitch Haniger (OF – Cal Poly) Haniger has plus power and a close to a plus arm that will play in right field. He has a solid approach at the plate with good patience but his hit tool is only average at best. He could be a three-true-out-come bat with a good arm in right field.
63. Twins (M): Kolby Copeland (OF – Louisiana HS) Copeland has a fantastic hit tool and I think would be a great pick here for the Twins. The rest of his tools are all around good but the bat is defiantly his best. He’s athletic and shouldn’t be the toughest sign as a high schooler since he is off to a community college next year.
64. Mariners (J): Anthony Alford (OF – Mississippi HS) This is a major gamble of a pick with Alford heading to Southern Miss to play football and baseball and his high school football coach was hired by Southern Miss. He is a plus runner with a plus arm and chance for plus power down the road but there are concerns about his hit tool and lack of competition he faced. This is going to be a very difficult sign but the tools are first round worthy.
65. Orioles (M): Alex Bregman (C/2B – New Mexico HS) Bregman is one of my favorite guys in the draft. He has a great hit tool, is versatile, and athletic. He is very advanced at the plate and has some power potential. Bregman plays second but many think he will move over to catcher. There are some concerns though because he has had an injury plagued spring and he could be a tough sign away from LSU. I think he’s worth the chance here though
66. Royals (J): J.O. Berrios (RHP – Puerto Rico HS) He added muscle in the offseason and saw his fastball jump into the mid-90s to go with his breaking ball and change-up, both offerings that are average with the chance for more. His repertoire and ability to keep the ball down should keep him in the rotation in pro ball despite his short stature.
67. Cubs (M): Brandon Thomas (OF – Georgia Tech) The Cubs have gone with three prep guys so far so I think they’ll need to go college here. Thomas is a switch hitter with great athleticism and solid tools. He can hit well and has good power potential as well. He has above average speed and is a good defender but I think his size will make him move to left field.
68. Padres (J): Chase DeJong (RHP – California HS) DeJong has a good feel for pitching and at 6’5″ could add some velocity to his 88-92 mph fastball. He goes right after hitters and also offers a potentially plus curveball and potentially above-average change-up. He is committed to USC but should be signable here.
69. Pirates (M): Tom Murphy (C -Buffalo) Murphy is a solid all around catcher and shouldn’t take long to move through the system or be hard to sign. He is a strong right hander and I really like the raw power that he brings. He is solid behind the plate with a pretty good arm and does well at calling the game
70. Padres (J): Kenny Diekroeger (SS – Stanford) Yes, Stanford has messed his swing up but a pro club will work to get it back to where it was when he has the potential to be an above-average regular at short thanks to his bat. He has soft hands and a good arm but range is limited due to his average speed. He has a chance to stick at short, though, and if his swing gets back to where it was he could be a steal here.
71. Mets (M): James Ramsey (OF -FloridaStateUniversity) We’ve had the Mets go with two prep guys now and they have another pick at 75 so they may need a cheaper sign here. He is a solid all around left handed college hitter with some surprising power potential. None of his tools really stand out but he is solid across the board with a great approach at the plate.
72. Twins (J): Alec Rash (RHP – Iowa HS) There are concerns about his commitment to Missouri and how little be played this spring but there is a lot of potential in this arm with a fastball that has touched 95 mph and a 6’5” frame that can add muscle. He has two secondary offerings that are both below-average but have flashed plus and his command is well below-average. He is a project but one that might be worth trying to sign away from college andMinnesota has the most money to spend in the first ten rounds of the draft.
73. Rockies (M): Alex Wood (LHP – Georgia) I think he has nice value here and is one of the best players available for theRockies to chose from. He has already had Tommy John Surgery but has came back and recovered. He has great velocity as a lefty, sitting in the mid 90s. He has a good changeup to go with but his curve needs some work. Has a funky delivery but I think it could be fixed/worked on with some professional coaching. He shouldn’t be tough to sign and he could move quickly in the bullpen but I think you have to try him as a starter first.
74. Athletics (J): Rio Ruiz (3B – California HS) Ruiz missed a lot of the season to a blood clot surgery but scouts were already talking about his first round talent and smooth left-handed swing. He owns a plus arm, good instincts, and should have no problem staying at third base in pro ball. He also has great makeup but a commitment to USC could make him hard to sign.
75. Mets (M): Nolan Sanburn (RHP -Arkansas) Sanburn is best suited for the bullpen but I think he has one of the best fastballs in the entire draft, sitting in the upper 90s. To go with his heater, he has a potential plus breaking ball. He struggles with his changeup and if he can’t figure it out, I think he will end up in the pen but if he can develop the pitch he could be tried as a starter. I like his upside as a starter, if the secondary pitches come around.
76. White Sox (J): Kevin Plawecki (C – Purdue) A contact oriented catcher who focuses on going up the middle but could develop moderate power due to his frame. His arm is only average for a catcher but his receiving skills are excellent and he has been calling his own game from behind the plate, something not that common at the amateur ranks.
77. Phillies (M): Jake Barrett (RHP -ArizonaState) Barrett has power stuff and could move pretty quickly as a reliever. He has a big build and his fastball sits in the mid 90s. His curve flashes plus potential and it has some sharp break. He has a change that he uses occasionally but it needs work. He could be tried as a starter and be a useful back of the rotation innings eater. His mechanics are pretty violent/max effort though and I think his best fit is in the bullpen.
78. Reds (J): Trey Williams (3B – California HS) Williams comes from strong baseball bloodlines but he also has makeup concerns and needs better pitch recognition. He projects to have above-average to plus power with quick hands and should have no problems becoming at least an average defender, if not better, at third.
79. Indians (M): Walker Buehler (RHP – Kentucky HS) This will be a tough sign as Buehler is a Vanderbilt commit but I think the Indians take a chance. We have them going with a college guy in round 1 and this is only their second pick so they could spend some money here. Buehler has a good lows 90s fastball that he commands well. His best pitch his is breaking ball which is a plus pitch and has nasty movement. He needs to work on the change but he has mid rotation potential.
80. Nationals (J): Austin Barr (C – Washington HS) Barr has a very strong commitment to Stanford and has said he has wanted to go there since he was a child. But he has the tools and approach to the game a team like the Nationals, who would have some money here if they took Stroman in the first, would love to take a chance on. He has good power and the potential for above-average power and patience at the plate and has a near plus arm behind it
81. Blue Jays (M): Jesse Winker (OF – Florida HS) Winker’s stock has been rising and he is a high upside pick guy that I think the Blue Jays would like. He has a great hit tool with good patience and a solid approach at the plate. He is a good gap to gap left handed hitter and he has some power potential. He has a good arm and fits best in right field.
82. Dodgers (J): Preston Beck (OF – Texas-Arlington) Beck is an above-average hitter with above-average power and proved it in the Cape Cod League last year. He also has a plus arm that profiles well in right field but is only an average runner. Other notable draftees from this college are Michael Choice and Hunter Pence.
83. Rangers (M): Paul Blackburn (RHP – California HS)Blackburn is an a little bit under looked when it comes to high school arms. He has a nice fastball in the low 90s and I think there is room for him to add more. He has an above average curve and change to go with and he could have three potential above average pitches. I’ve read that he shouldn’t be a tough sign and he has good value here.
84. Giants (J): Tyler Pike (LHP – Florida HS) Pike is getting a lot of comparisons to Giants big money starter Barry Zito with an 88-91 mph fastball, above-average curveball and change-up. He has a good feel for pitching and can handle the bat fairly well, something of use to a National League ballclub. He has aFloridaState commitment but I think he can be lured away here.
85. Braves (M): Martin Agosta (RHP – St. Mary’s) Braves like their college arms and Agosta is one of the best available here. Agosta has had a strong spring and his stock is on the rise. His fastball sits in the low to mid 90s and he has good command. He has a solid mid 80s cutter, a sweeping curve, and a changeup. The change and curve need work but he could move quickly and be a mid rotation starter.
86. Cardinals (J): Steve Bean (C – Texas HS) I feel the Cardinals are aiming for one of the top high school catching prospects in the draft and Bean is definitely in that class with little doubt the stays behind the plate with his plus arm and athleticism back there. He has room to add muscle in his frame for more power at the plate as well.
87. Red Sox (M) Peter O’brien (C -Miami) He’s defiantly seen his stock take a hit due to a wrist injury but with college bats at a premium this year, I don’t think he falls anymore. He has big time power and the hit tool is average. There are mixed opinions on whether he can stay at catcher. He has a strong arm back there but he does not move the best.
88. Rays (J): Kieran Lovegrove (LHP – California HS) Lovegrove has a projectable frame at 6’4″ 180 pounds and already sits 89-93 with good life on his fastball and an out-pitch slider that has plus potential. He can add muscle to his frame and increase his velocity and hold it better through games but he needs work on his change-up and command. He is a project but one worth taking here and one the Rays developmental staff would likely love to draft.
89. Yankees (M): Edwin Diaz (RHP – Puerto Rico HS) Diaz is a nice upside pick and shouldn’t be a tough sign with him going to a junior college. He is a projectable lanky right hander with a smooth easy arm action. He has a mid 90s fastball and could add more velocity but his command of the pitch needs to be improved. His change and curve show promise but will need work. He’ll take some time to develop.
90. Diamondbacks (J): Brett Phillips (OF – Florida HS) Phillips has plus speed and a plus arm so staying in center field should not be a problem. He has a swing that helps him hit the ball to all fields but has limited power and may never hit double digits in that category. He has good makeup and with some coaching he could be an above-average regular.
91. Tigers: Brett Mooneyham (LHP – Stanford) This is the Tigers first pick and part of me wants to go high upside but then I also see them going with the safer bet in a college guy. Mooneyham is almost like a combo of both. He is a big lefty with good velocity, sitting in the low 90s. He has been impressive this year but also very inconsistent which is why his stock has dropped. He has some upside and could be a good mid rotation starter or be a good bullpen guy.
92. Brewers (J): Jorge Fernandez (OF – Puerto Rico HS) Fernandez is an extremely athletic player with enough speed and arm to play center and should have no problem profiling there in pro ball. He is a switch-hitter who is better from the right side and his overall game needs a lot of coaching. He is a long term prospect but has above-average regular potential.
93. Rangers (M): Nick Williams (OF – Texas HS) This is going to be a gamble here because Williams will be a tough sign this far down but he has big time upside. He has five tool potential but is very raw and will take time. He has great bat speed from the left side but the swing needs to be leveled out. Has all the makings to be a superstar and I think the Rangers take a chance here
94. Yankees (J): D’Vone McClure (OF – Arkansas HS) He is an excellent athlete with above-average speed and enough arm to play center field although some scouts are torn on his ability to handle the position in pro ball. He has a big swing and although his current power is below-average he has the potential for above-average power. He is a major project with a commitment toArkansas but the Yankees player development team can work with McClure and tap into his potential.
95. Phillies (M): Fernando Perez (3B – Central Arizona CC) Perez has seen his stock rise and I like him as a nice sleeper pick. He is a smooth hitting left hander with great athleticism at third. He is only 18 years old and should not be a tough sign. Solid all around bat with power potential and there is no doubt he’ll stick at third.
