Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In this final MLB mock draft, Call to the Pen writer Benjamin Chase reviews as if he was the GM of each organization.
We at Call to the Pen have been offering plenty of MLB draft coverage over the last week. In this final edition, contributor Benjamin Chase covers two rounds of selections as if he were in the GM chair for each organization, based on what he has heard on each prospect over the course of the spring.
These will be who Ben would select, not who he believes the team would select. Therefore, there will be players that may go much earlier on Monday or Tuesday that will not be picked here for other reasons.
Monday evening there will be a live post on the draft where Ben will post analysis on each pick made. He'll also be offering coverage on Tuesday and Wednesday on the draft. Let's get started with this final mock!
1. Minnesota Twins
1
Hunter Greene
RHP/SS, Notre Dame HS (CA)
The Twins brought in a new leader of the ship, but as far as the scouting department goes, it's primarily the same crew that's working the deck of that ship. I am picking Greene in this spot as a pitcher, of course, and the Twins have developed some depth in their upper level pitching in their system, so there is no rush to get any certain type of player here. With the rarity of a pitcher of not just Greene's arm strength but also his athleticism, he is the certain selection here.
2. Cincinnati Reds
2
Kyle Wright
RHP, Vanderbilt University
While the real Reds may choose McKay, I'm going to go for the guy who I can see with a more definite high-ceiling role. Wright doesn't actually project as an "ace", but he could be an excellent frontline starter that heads up a rotation or works well as a #2 for many teams with his balance of stuff and the ability to manipulate hitters. While the Reds system is loaded in high-upside bats that I really like, the arms with a legit chance to be high-upside as a starter are limited.
3. San Diego Padres
3
MacKenzie Gore
LHP, Whiteville HS (NC)
There are plenty who believe Gore is not only the best athlete in the draft, but also the best pitcher in the draft. Some are concerned about his high leg kick and believe it is something that will throw him off going forward, but on the contrary, I actually think it seems to help set Gore on a direct path for the plate. His raw stuff is incredible, with mid-90s velocity that he can manipulate, feel for multiple off speed pitches that he can control, and he's also handy with a bat as well, though he won't be doing that as a pro.
4. Tampa Bay Rays
4
Royce Lewis
IF/OF, JSerra Catholic HS (CA)
Lewis has arguably the most upside of any player in the draft. He's able to run at a ridiculously high rate along with the frame that should develop some legit power as well. Lewis has good bat to ball skills that should allow him to have a very solid offensive profile across the board. He's been discussed as possibly working at shortstop as a pro, after that was in question early in the spring. Regardless, he will be able to stick up the middle defensively, so his offensive profile will be a huge asset for an up-the-middle position.
5. Atlanta Braves
5
Jordon Adell
OF, Ballard HS (KY)
If I'm sitting in the Atlanta Braves GM spot, I'm staring down the top system in the game, flush with international signings and draft picks from 2016 and not a lot of room to put rookies this year. I'm going to load up with a few big-time potential guys early and/or injury guys, and then I'm cashing in on the senior sign crop, likely leaving little money for overslot deals in the 11-40 rounds. Adell fits that strategy well. He's an incredible athlete, also one of the most impressive workers of the draft. 80-grade makeup with elite athleticism is a combination that I'd want to sign up for any day of the week.Next: Picks 6-15
6. Oakland Athletics
6
Brendan McKay
1B/LHP, University of Louisville
McKay is a guy that really confuses me. I'm not sold on him as an elite talent off the mound as I truly think a guy like Peterson or Canning has equal or better stuff as a pitcher, and as a hitter, I think he's behind a number of guys, but somehow being a top 5 type of guy in both ways has him much higher on other boards. His depth of pitches fits recent focus at the MLB level for the Oakland club, but I think his bat would actually be more appealing in the A's system as a legit Sean Casey bat.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks
7
Keston Hiura
IF/OF, University of California at Irvine
The Diamondbacks system is one of the two to three worst in all of baseball, so getting an impact player should be the absolute stress here. Many mocks have the Diamondbacks grabbing a high-ceiling hitter or high-ceiling arm, typically a high school guy. To me, Hiura would be the ideal fit here as he's a guy that I see as being a high impact hitter as a professional. He will hit for a high average with solid power.
8. Philadelphia Phillies
8
J.B. Bukauskas
RHP, University of North Carolina
Bukauskas is likely going to be a good example of the recency bias in the draft. He struggled in his last two starts, and I've seen him dipping up to a dozen spots in mock drafts since those starts, which is ridiculous. Within the Phillies system, there are a lot of guys who are high-ceiling pitchers but also have pretty low floors. Bukauskas would be the type of guy who would offer the high ceiling with a high floor as an absolutely dominant reliever.
9. Milwaukee Brewers
9
Austin Beck
OF, North Davidson HS (NC)
After missing most of the summer showcase season last summer after a knee injury his junior year, Beck has been a guy who has been highly variable. However, the amount of talent is undeniable. The Brewers will be looking for the best player available at each slot, and at this spot, Beck would make an extremely athletic pick, capable of turning into an elite player down the road if all develops well.
10. Los Angeles Angels
10
Adam Haseley
OF, University of Virginia
Originally known for his arm at Virginia, Haseley has been impressive his entire collegiate career. This spring, he's made a huge leap forward with his bat. He's had a good reputation as a defender all three seasons, but this year he's shown above-average tools across the board offensively. Haseley's a guy with very good eye at the plate, and the combination could allow him to access what is really more of an average power tool better to play up for above average power.
11. Chicago White Sox
11
Nick Pratto
1B, Huntington Beach HS (CA)
I'll openly admit to my fandom of Nick Pratto. He has a very impressive swing from the left side and really is a guy that I could see being an elite hitter down the road. The White Sox could move Pratto into the outfield or put him at first base. Pratto's an elite defender at first base, but he has been reported by scouts to be able to handle a corner position. In summer showcases, Pratto was certainly a contact over power guy, but this spring, his power has shown up in droves.
12. Pittsburgh Pirates
12
Shane Baz
RHP, Concordia Lutheran HS (TX)
In a system known for handling excellent fastball guys and really getting the most out of them, taking Baz in Pittsburgh would seem an odd fit. Baz has 5 legit pitches and shows good feel on all 5, but there is where the Pirates organization could come into play, working with Baz to refine his repertoire to either drop a pitch or focus more on 3 pitches while 1-2 become more "show me" type of pitches.
13. Miami Marlins
13
Nate Pearson
RHP, Central Florida Junior College
I honestly would not be surprised if Pearson comes off the board this early or even earlier on Monday. One of my favorite arms in the draft, Pearson has not just the blazing fastball that can bump triple digits and has a ton of life, but he also shows very good feel on his change and throws an average curve and slider. I really like the slider to have projection left to be a plus pitch. The Marlins right now could simply use legit prospects, and Pearson staying in state would give them a certain legit arm.
14. Kansas City Royals
14
Alex Faedo
RHP, University of Florida
Facing the prospect of losing significant pieces in either a big tear down this summer or in free agency over the offseason, I would be looking for players who could impact fairly quick out of this season's draft in the Royals' shoes. Faedo should do exactly that. He's taken some time to get rolling this spring after some minor knee work in the fall, but once he truly got going, he's been an ace and throwing extremely well. His fastball/slider combination could move him quickly, whether as a starter with his improved change, or as a power reliever, providing quick impact for the Royals.
15. Houston Astros
15
Jeren Kendall
OF, Vanderbilt University
Houston is a team with plenty of depth at the major league level and upper minors, so taking a guy, even a college guy, who may be a project works for them. Kendall is not the typical college hitting prospect in that he has plenty of work left to do in his profile to become a viable pro at the plate, but the Astros could be patient with him and reap the rewards of his incredibly loud tools when they do come together.Next: Picks 16-25
16. New York Yankees
16
Pavin Smith
1B, University of Virginia
The Yankees are certainly targeting more high school talent over collegiate talent, but the opportunity to get Smith's bat into the system and develop him defensively in the outfield or at first base would certainly intrigue New York. Smith may have the best eye in the entire draft at the plate, and his power would play well in Yankee Stadium, even with his all fields approach at the plate.
17. Seattle Mariners
17
Evan White
1B, University of Kentucky
A guy who has jumped up a lot of draft boards this spring, White is the rare college first base type that could slip into center field and be a quality defender at the position. He's an elite defender at first, which is why he was left there by Kentucky in college, but his future home defensively as a pro is up for debate because he is a premium athlete. White is certainly a hit over power guy, with excellent contact skills, but some question whether his power even grades out to an average level, but he does spray line drives around the field at present, leading to some thought that there could be future 15-20 home run power at peak.
18. Detroit Tigers
18
DL Hall
LHP, Valdosta HS (GA)
Considered by some as the best lefty arm in the HS class, even over Gore, Hall had an impressive summer on the showcase circuit, flashing velocity that can reach in the 96-97 range, an impressive change, and arguably the best lefty curve in the entire draft. Hall struggled with inconsistency this spring, which took him from a possible top 10 pick down the board this far, but his skills are simply too loud to drop any further.
19. San Francisco Giants
19
Tanner Houck
RHP, University of Missouri
Houck was one of the top starters in the SEC since he walked onto campus, featuring a sinker/slider combo that has many making reference to pitchers like Derek Lowe and Brandon Webb for his ability to be effective while essentially using only two pitches. Some see that approach as a detriment that will likely end up moving Houck to the bullpen, but many guys in his same profile eat up a ton of innings in the middle of the rotation, and while he may never get to be an ace like Webb or a staff leader like Lowe, he could offer plenty of value here simply by taking the ball every 5 days and giving his team a chance to win.
20. New York Mets
20
Sam Carlson
RHP, Burnsville HS (MN)
Carlson might be my biggest personal cheese ball in this draft, and as someone who cheers for a divisional rival, I would be sad to see him end up on the Mets, but at the same time, he's the type of pitcher that their development program would absolutely turn into an ace, with an electric fastball and breaking ball already along with tremendous feel for his change. Carlson, to me, is the guy I'd put money on being a future ace among the high school righties if I were forced to pick one name.
21. Baltimore Orioles
21
Logan Warmoth
SS, University of North Carolina
Warmoth has really charged up draft boards in a weak college middle infield class this season. Warmoth has always worked well defensively up the middle, but he's taken another step this season in that respect to a true plus defender at the position in projection. Warmoth has also shown the ability to be a saber-darling at the plate, with good contact skills and working counts well while getting good contact on seemingly everything he hits.
22. Toronto Blue Jays
22
David Peterson
LHP, University of Oregon
Peterson mixes some of the best composure on the mound in this class with four above-average pitches that can each flash plus in different spots. He's 6'6″, and that often is a detriment to consistency in delivery, but that is not the case with Peterson, who works very consistently in the zone and can dial it up a notch to sequence hitters and earn plenty of swing and miss. He'd be the perfect fit to a Toronto system begging for an arm that can definitely profile into the rotation.
23. Los Angeles Dodgers
23
Heliot Ramos
OF, Leadership Christian Academy HS (PR)
The Dodgers will certainly be looking for athleticism, and they've been tied with a few different guys in this spot, but Ramos is the guy I'd want in their shoes as he's the type of raw bat that seems to absolutely thrive in the Dodgers' development system. Ramos flashed double-plus power this past summer as he drove balls out of the park in showcases, but he struggled to replicate that production outside of the cage. Physically gifted, Ramos is really not too different from an international signee. He's not going to be 18 until December, and his tools are very raw, but the right organization could end up with a future star here.
24. Boston Red Sox
24
Bubba Thompson
OF, McGill-Thoolen Catholic HS (AL)
Thompson was a two-sport star in high school, and like Boston did with Jason Groome last season, this scenario has the Red Sox getting what would appear a big value based on pre-draft discussions and mock drafts, as Thompson has been a guy flying up boards recently, as high as the top 10 in projections. He is a plus athlete, but I would imagine his path to the majors will take a bit longer than some. He'd be essentially a one-for-one replacement of Luis Alexander Basabe athletically, though a much different player, but certainly that type of athletic skillset.
25. Washington Nationals
25
Griffin Canning
RHP, University of California at Los Angeles
Canning was projecting much higher this spring, but some word on a possible injury has come around, but I've had good conversation with some scouts who say any "new" injury report is bunk and simply relates to teams going through the medicals on his previous stress fracture in his back. Canning has fully recovered from this and done well this season, pitching as UCLA's ace. The Nationals, looking hard for impact arms, wouldn't get an ace upside type here, but Canning is a guy who should slot in quickly in the majors as a #3 pitcher.Next: Picks 26-35
26. Texas Rangers
26
Drew Waters
OF, Etowah HS (GA)
Moving up boards all spring, Waters has moved into the top 20 on a number of draft prospect lists as he has a tremendous amount of raw tools. Waters has raw plus power from both sides of the plate along with plus speed. One area Waters has shown refinement is in his defense, showing advanced feel in center field, reading the ball tremendously well off the bat, along with a plus arm in center as well. For a team like the Rangers, that combination of tools is simply too loud to pass up.
27. Chicago Cubs
27
Clarke Schmidt
RHP, University of South Carolina
The Cubs are looking to add some impact arms into their farm system as they look ahead to losing a couple of their rotation pieces in the next few seasons. Schmidt may not pitch in 2017 or for a bit of 2018, but he's absolutely an impact starter as a guy who was on his way to a top 10 selection this spring before his elbow popped. The Cubs would also use this selection to manipulate some money into other draft slots down the board.
28. Toronto Blue Jays
28
Jake Burger
3B, Missouri State University
With Josh Donaldson considering his future options and Edwin Encarnacion now gone, the Blue Jays are seeing a very different future at the corners than what they enjoyed the last few seasons. Bringing in a legit power bat like Burger's, even if he has to move across the infield to first base, would be a big thing for their system as he should move quickly with an advanced approach. He may never hit for a high average, but the power is legit, and he's shown it with a wood bat against good competition in his past.
29. Texas Rangers
29
Blayne Enlow
RHP, St. Amant HS (LA)
Looking at pure upside in an arm option for the Rangers, it's hard to make a case better than Enlow here. It's quite likely that the single best pitch grade left on the board at this point is Enlow's curve, which has received raw 70 grades, and there are some who compare his easy delivery and approach on hitters to elite pitchers like Clayton Kershaw. Big names that are likely 0.00001% comps, but certainly if there's a tie at all with a second first round pick to Kershaw, you pull the trigger.
30. Chicago Cubs
30
Nick Allen
SS, Francis Parker School (CA)
Probably my favorite player to watch because I'm a big fan of defense, Allen is very possibly the best defensive shortstop in the entire draft, regardless of college or high school. His height concerns some, but his legit double-plus speed should allow his bat to play as his body fills in to develop power, something that has shown some already in gap power. I don't see Allen ever being a 30-homer guy, but if he could get to 10-15 home runs on top of what should be excellent speed and good gap power, he could be almost as valuable on offense as he is on defense.
31. Tampa Bay Rays
31
Tristen Lutz
OF, Martin HS (TX)
Arguably the most powerful high school bat in the draft, Lutz is athletic enough to handle center field, so he's not just a power-only brute by any means. Lutz is a physically impressive at 6'3″ and 220 pounds that could project for legit double-plus power as he develops. Lutz's hit tool is behind his power and probably behind his above-average speed as well, but he has excellent bat speed and should develop into a plus defender in a corner with excellent athleticism, in the mold of Adam Duvall.
32. Cincinnati Reds
32
Mark Vientos
3B, American Heritage HS (FL)
If I'm the Reds, I'm looking for the best player I can get my hands on at this pick, not worrying at all about finances. In this spot, Vientos is clearly that guy. With the ability to handle short and possibly be elite defensively at third base, Vientos has the bat skills that are arguably the top of the high school class, with the chance to be a legit high-average, gap power star, and the chance to develop home run power as well. He's also one of the youngest players in the entire high school draft class, so he'll have plenty of development left in his frame for the Reds to tap into.
33. Oakland Athletics
33
Matt Sauer
RHP, Ernest Righetti HS (CA)
A righty with dynamite stuff that has been jumping up the draft boards all spring, Sauer would be the type of guy that would quickly be among the elite arm talents in the Athletics system, and the system could use some elite "stuff" arms. As he develops his change, Sauer could leap forward as a prospect to a frontline starter prospect.
34. Milwaukee Brewers
34
Trevor Rogers
LHP, Carlsbad HS (NM)
The Brewers really put together a strong group of collegiate and advanced arms in 2015-2016 that now populate their high-A and AA rosters. This year's draft is a good one to get developmental pitchers that could become elite but also have low floors. At 6'6″ tall and quite lean, Rogers has a projection frame that many believe could tick up his velocity as he fills out from already reaching 93-94. He also has an exceptional sweeping slider.
35. Minnesota Twins
35
Alex Lange
RHP, Louisiana State University
After coming out as a brilliant freshman, Lange has never really matched that level of production the rest of his LSU career. He has the talent and the pitches that would intrigue the Twins as a pitcher that could move quickly in their system, whether as a starter or as a dynamite reliever if he just focuses on his electric fastball and curve. The quality of his arm is simply too good to pass up at this spot.Next: Picks 36-45
36. Miami Marlins
36
Brendon Little
LHP, State Junior College of Florida
Second Round
37. Minnesota Twins
37
Brent Rooker
1B, Mississippi State University
After selecting Rooker and not signing him last season, the Twins have seen Rooker simply have one of the most incredibly dynamic offensive seasons in SEC history. While the defensive limitations and strikeout tendencies could scare off some teams, I'm looking at Rooker here as the best bat available to impact my system quickly.
38. Cincinnati Reds
38
Wil Crowe
RHP, University of South Carolina
After locking down Wright, I wanted to go for the highest upside arm. Seeing plenty of high school upside, it's hard to pass on Crowe here. Crowe was selected last year even though he was healing from Tommy John surgery because teams had such a high opinion of his stuff. He came back with some expected "feel" issues after the surgery, but his stuff frequently flashed elite. Crowe is one of the truly elite arms of the entire draft.
39. San Diego Padres
39
Kevin Merrill
SS, University of South Florida
Quite possibly the fastest player in the entire draft, Merrill is a fun player to watch in the field once he's on base or once he's tracking down a ball in play. Some have said he may need to move to center field rather than shortstop as a pro, a sort of Billy Hamilton defensive conundrum. Merrill has a nice swing from the left side that many have said would allow him to have a Dee Gordon-esque offensive profile.
40. Tampa Bay Rays
40
Hans Crouse
RHP, Dana Hills HS (CA)
Possibly my favorite pitcher to watch on the mound, Crouse is an incredible competitor, considered by many as a "bull dog" on the mound. That by no means is due to a lack of stuff – in fact, in many of the tournaments and showcases where he's displayed his bulldog mentality, Crouse could be argued to have the best raw stuff in the entire tournament/showcase. He has a legit plus fastball that can flash double plus with movement along with that velocity. His delivery and his secondary stuff haven't been the most consistent this year. He'll need some early work in those areas, but he could rocket up the system once he figures that out or is determined to be a reliever.
41. Atlanta Braves
41
Tristan Beck
RHP, Stanford University
I mentioned the strategy for the Braves, getting a number of high-level athletes and/or injured players. Beck fits the latter mold. Interesting enough, there's a crazy amount of connection between Beck and the Braves, with rumors that Beck hasn't pitched this spring due to a deal that he made early on with the Braves to save stress on his injured back and then have surgery and recover under the Braves' watch, something they did successfully with 2015 first rounder Kolby Allard. Beck has tremendous talent off the mound and would have been a top 15ish pick this spring had he not suffered a stress fracture to his back.
42. Pittsburgh Pirates
42
Stuart Fairchild
OF, Wake Forest University
In a system ripe with up the middle prospects, it would seem odd to pursue Fairchild as he's a center field guy, but Fairchild's defensive skills are absolutely elite and would work well in in a system suddenly light on legit outfield prospects. Fairchild has average tools across the board offensively, though certainly gets plus grades for his speed. His power really came around in 2017, and carrying that over to the pro game could make this a steal of a pick.
43. Oakland Athletics
43
Drew Ellis
3B, University of Louisville
After getting his Louisville teammate with the first selection, bringing in Ellis along with McKay would give the A's the heart of the order for one of the best offenses in college baseball. While McKay is more contact over power, Ellis is certainly the opposite. He may not stick at third as a pro, but he has enough arm and athleticism to handle an outfield corner, and his power will certainly play in any corner.
44. Arizona Diamondbacks
44
Michael Mercado
RHP, Westview HS (CA)
Repeating the goal to get high impact players, Mercado is a guy who may not have ace upside, but he's got a tremendous cerebral approach to the game along with some very impressive stuff on the mound. He should be a guy who can move quickly as a high school arm and should work as a #2/#3 starter for a long time in a big league rotation, which is very good impact.
45. Philadelphia Phillies
45
Brady McConnell
SS, Merritt Island HS (FL)
A guy who many thought would be taken in the early first round based on his summer performance. The Phillies are looking for up the middle talent as their elite guys are struggling to be fully there on both sides of the ball (outside of the impressive performance of Scott Kingery this season). McConnell has elite speed and has impressive defensive skills. He's got a tough sign, but after getting Bukauskas, who would likely be a bit under slot, McConnell would be a guy the Phillies could open the pocket book for.Next: Picks 46-55
46. Milwaukee Brewers
46
Tanner Burns
RHP, Decatur HS (AL)
Continuing to get more high-upside arms, the Brewers would jump on the chance to get Burns, one of the top arms in the entire draft this season. He can run his fastball up to 96 and features a slider that is certainly plus and has been seen at plus-plus. He does need some work on his change, but he has repeatable mechanics that should allow him to control his pitches well as he works up the Brewers system.
47. Los Angeles Angels
47
Drew Rasmussen
RHP, Oregon State University
Returning from Tommy John surgery in April, Rasmussen has been incredibly impressive. He could be viewed as a reliever by some teams, but I'm taking him as a starter for the Angels in this spot. He has a very good fastball with movement as it runs 92-95. Rasmussen works with an average slider and change, but he sequences very well as a starter, and if he can get some more feel for his offspeed stuff, he could be an impressive starter. He'd have a floor as a very impressive reliever for the Angels
48. Colorado Rockies
48
Hagen Danner
RHP/C, Huntington Beach HS (CA)
Certainly a guy who could find himself in the first round, for the Rockies to get Danner with their first pick would feel like not losing a first round selection at all. Danner's a legit pick in this range off the mound or as a hitter. The question of whether he profiles better as a catcher or on the dirt as an infielder has been asked this spring, and some teams prefer him as a pure arm. The Rockies will have the flexibility to let him develop some in their system and find the best fit for his tools, whether it be on the mound, behind the plate, or on the dirt.
49. Chicago White Sox
49
Corbin Martin
RHP, Texas A&M University
Seemingly overlooked in the crop of college starters at the back of the first round, Martin is a guy that made a transition from the bullpen to the rotation this year in college, and his stuff is still playing up as the season goes on. Martin works in the low-90s with his fastball with excellent movement and control, but he can dial it up to 96-97. He also offers a change, curve, and slider. While none is a consistent plus pitch, but each is at least average and can flash plus.
50. Pittsburgh Pirates
50
Alex Scherff
RHP, Colleyville Heritage HS (TX)
Fitting the profile of the typical "Texas high school arm", Scherff is known for a big fastball with one offspeed pitch that works well, in his case his change. There are some off field things that have whispered around with Scherff that seemed to come from a few different teams that bumped him from a likely mid-first round guy to here, along with the fact that he's one of the oldest high school players this season. He'd work very well with the Pirates organization.
51. Miami Marlins
51
M.J. Melendez
C, Westminster Christian School (FL)
A third in-state prospect because this season's Florida draft class has some excellent talent, Melendez and Miami have been linked multiple times this spring, as Melendez would like to go to play for his father, who coaches with Florida International, but he'd also like to play for his home state Marlins as well. Advanced defensively and a heady player, Melendez could move quicker than a typical high school catcher, especially if the improvement with his bat this season is legit and he's going to be able to put together consistent contact to go with certain present power.
52. Kansas City Royals
52
Brian Miller
OF, University of North Carolina
Miller's blazing speed is certainly the first thing noted on a scouting report about him, but he's also uses that speed well to be a legit plus defender in center field, which could help him move quickly. Miller does not project for a ton of power in his game, which is his biggest hole in his game, but he does offer a good line drive stroke that, in combination with his speed, should provide plenty of extra base hits, even if he's not tallying home runs.
53. Houston Astros
53
Steven Jennings
RHP, Dekalb County HS (TN)
One of the dangers of playing two sports in high school is that you could get injured playing the one that doesn't lead you to pro prospects, which is what happened with Jennings, otherwise, you'd be hearing his name called much earlier. Jennings tore his ACL in the fall playing football and hasn't been 100% this spring, but he's still shown a fastball with easy velocity into the mid-90s and good life, two breaking pitches that flash plus, and a change that he's rarely used but seemingly always got swing and miss on when he did – all shown on one knee this spring. Jennings could decide to risk his draft profile and go to college, but a big enough number here could bring one of the more underrated arms in the draft to the Astros system.
54. New York Yankees
54
Jeter Downs
SS, Monsignor Edward Pace HS (FL)
Call me a sucker for team tie-ins, but when a player is named after your most notable recent superstar, and he's arguably the best player on the board at your pick, it'd have to be hard to let him pass. Downs has an easy swing that produces pop with ease, but the word used most about his game, offensively and defensively, is smooth. He may not have elite raw defensive skills, but he has the ability to move with ease to balls and make all the plays at short. Even if he has to move to second base, he should be a quality defender at the position.
55. Seattle Mariners
55
Matt Tabor
RHP, Milton Academy (MA)
The Northeast's big arm this spring, Tabor is a guy who has developed a mid-90s fastball with a change up that many see as plus already and projecting to double-plus. Some concerns about his delivery will have him down the draft board from where his natural fit would be with his stuff and size to this point, but the Mariners would love to get his arm into their system with plenty of development yet to do.Next: Picks 56-65
56. Houston Astros
56
Cole Brannen
OF, The Westfield School (GA)
There are plenty in the scouting community that have mentioned to me this spring that Brannen could be an even better player than fellow Georgian Drew Waters. Brannen was graded with excellent future value grades, but due to an injury this spring, he didn't really show for a lot of teams. Once again, he'd fit with the Astros ability to think long-term and let a talented player develop, however, and they could reap the rewards of a legit center field defender who has above-average to plus power to go along with excellent bat skills and speed.
57. Detroit Tigers
57
Quentin Holmes
OF, Monsignor McClancy Memorial HS (NY)
The top position player in the Northeast this season, Holmes is an exceptional athlete with truly gifted speed. Holmes has added some significant strength in the last aseason as well, and he now his flashes of raw power are showing more consistently in games, allowing him to project with plus power and speed. He does have a bit of cleaning up to do in his swing, but a lot of that has to do with a lack of reps due to his location in a cold-weather state.
58. San Francisco Giants
58
Chris Seise
SS, West Orange HS (FL)
One of the rare guys who will flash double plus defensive grades at shortstop, yet also at the same time get 50 grades in speed, Seise reminds me a lot of the pre-draft profile of current Giants rookie Christian Arroyo. Seise should stick at shortstop better, with his glove being ahead of his bat.
59. New York Mets
59
Garrett Mitchell
OF, Orange Lutheran HS (CA)
If Mitchell wasn't a type 1 diabetic, I'd wager to say that he may be a top 30 pick. He has tools that match or surpass any high school outfielder that is being considered in that area. Mitchell has double plus speed, good defensive reads in center, plus contact skills at present due to his incredible bat speed, and the frame and body to project future power, though some are not in love with his swing as far as future development of that power. Mitchell has tremendous character and will be an asset for years in the Mets system, very feasibly moving quickly in their system.
60. Baltimore Orioles
60
Jacob Heatherly
LHP, Cullman HS (AL)
I had trouble placing Heatherly, simply due to the high possibility that he ends up a reliever, as I'm not incredibly sold on his ability to develop a third pitch, and he's one of the older players in the draft, so there's less development window than most. However, the Orioles are a team that have taken similar profiles and found the way to utilize them previously. The other end of things is that Heatherly would fit the way the Orioles have developed elite bullpen arms lately, and Heatherly may be a risk they're willing to take for that reason.
61. Toronto Blue Jays
61
Luis Campusano
C, Cross Creek HS (GA)
While picking a high school catcher is always more risky than a college one, this season's catching crop is certainly more high school heavy than college heavy, whereas last season's crop was thick with quality college receivers. Campusano has the chance to be the best of the bunch with legit skills both behind the plate and at the plate. He's really improved his body in the least year, and that has allowed his tools to really play up both at the plate and behind it.
62. Los Angeles Dodgers
62
Jake Eder
LHP, Calvary Christian Academy HS (FL)
If you were designing a pitcher in the lab, Eder would resemble what the final product would be physically. He is 6'4″ with a wide shoulder base and good arm/leg length to allow for consistency in his delivery. His fastball has really played up as he's filled into his frame and found that consistency in his delivery, pounding the zone with a fastball that moves well. His slow curve is his best off speed pitch, and he sometimes loses the feel for the pitch, which will be the big issue for him as a pro. He could be a tough sign as a Vanderbilt commit, but that's why I projected the Dodgers to pop him off the board here as they've shown a willingness to take a chance on signability recently.
63. Boston Red Sox
63
Ryan Vilade
3B, Stillwater HS (OK)
Vilade has grown up in major league clubhouses, with a father who was a minor league coach, and he has very high baseball IQ. While his body isn't elite, Vilade has the raw skills to project as an above-average third baseman. Where he should be excellent is his bat. His swing can get long, but often that's due to attempting to access what is big raw power. He shortened up the swing this spring and has produced better contact and also seems to access the power better right now with a shortened leg kick. His baseball feel could allow him to take quickly to adjustments in the pro game and move faster than the typical high schooler.
64. Cleveland Indians
64
Conner Uselton
OF, Southmoore HS (OK)
Oklahoma has a very solid prep class this season, and back to back picks from the Sooner State emphasizes that. Uselton is a guy who likely projects in a corner but has the athleticism to handle center in short spurts. He has an above-average arm that would work in right field. Offensively, Uselton offers power and above-average speed, but there are some significant questions about his hit tool and whether he'll even be able to be a .250 sort of guy at the plate, but the power has the chance to develop into double-plus type of power, which would make the batting average nearly moot.
65. Washington Nationals
65
Landon Leach
RHP, Pickering HS (Canada)
The Nationals should do backflips and sing happy songs if Leach is still on the board at this point in the draft. A Canadian that didn't get a ton of views, he's really impressed scouts this spring as his fastball has showed mid-90s velocity with tremendous sink from his long limbs along with a tremendous feel for his other pitches. Many have positively compared Leach to fellow Canadian Mike Soroka, who was raw but able to mold quickly in the Braves system, and while Leach doesn't have the same level of polish as Soroka as a draftee.Next: Picks 66-75
66. Texas Rangers
66
Greg Deichmann
OF, Louisiana State University
While he seems ageless, the injuries this season have perhaps begun to show the first kinks in the armor of future Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre. While you would never draft for need, Deichmann has shown enough this season to perhaps profile even higher in the draft. Deichmann may not project with a future .300 average, but he has incredible raw power that could project to a 30 home run hitter. Deichmann handled third base quite capably this season, showing surprising instincts at the position, though he was understandably raw after working at first base and the outfield his first two seasons at LSU. He should be an above-average defender whether it's a corner infield or corner outfield spot.
67. Chicago Cubs
67
Chris McMahon
RHP, West Chester Rustin HS (PA)
A two-sport guy in a cold weather state meant a shorter season for McMahon, but it also has left his arm more fresh than the average high schooler, with plenty projection left in his arm. He has a tremendously athletic frame that can show mid-90s fastballs with two excellent off speed pitches. He could be a guy that requires some extra money to sign, but if the Cubs like his ability off the mound, he'd be a good get this late.
68. Arizona Diamondbacks
68
Calvin Mitchell
OF, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA)
After getting Mercado, they get another San Diego high school prospect, but in Mitchell, they aren't getting a guy with a large array of skills. On the contrary, there is a good possibility that he will end up a 1B only eventually. What Mitchell offers is a ridiculously good bat, one that should hit for both average and power. He's worked some to be willing to pull inside pitches after working a contact-first approach lately, and the impact on the ball he made in that change was incredible to note.
69. San Diego Padres
69
Caden Lemons
RHP, Vestavia Hills HS (AL)
Extremely lean in his 6'6″ frame, Lemons is a guy who fits the Padres long view in their current development model. He has an exceptionally high ceiling with the ability to touch 96 now and many scouts believing he could be a guy to sit in that range and frequently top triple digits. Lemons has shown excellent improvement in his delivery this year, allowing him to command the fastball better as well. His secondary pitches are behind the fastball, but he shows some level of feel for a slider and change. While he'll likely be a guy to move a level at a year and may repeat levels as he develops that feel, the upside for Lemons is as high as nearly anyone outside of the top 3-5 high school arms in this draft.
70. Colorado Rockies
70
Jacob Pearson
OF, West Monroe HS (LA)
Coming into his senior year, Pearson was considered a contact over power guy with questionable defensive skills in center. He's cleaned up some of his defensive routes to at least allow one to believe he could be a plus defender in a corner if he doesn't stick in center. He's also shown some excellent power this spring after a change in his follow through in his swing provided for more loft in the ball. He's a solid athlete that is an above-average runner as well and should be an asset in Colorado's big outfield.
71. Cleveland Indians
71
James Marinan
RHP, Park Vista HS (FL)
While considered a "pop up" prospect, Marinan is only new on the scene as a pitcher-primary, as he was a legit prospect as a third base prospect previously. He then came out this spring flashing excellent life on a mid-90s fastball with a sharp slider. He has excellent athleticism and should be a guy that handles instruction well due to his excellent mechanics and good work ethic.
72. Pittsburgh Pirates
72
K.J. Harrison
1B, Oregon State University
Listed as a first baseman here, the Pirates would certainly have interest if Harrison was forced to stay at 1B long term, but they're drafting the legit option that he could return back to catcher as an above average defender. Harrison was considered such coming out of high school before deferring to Logan Ice at the position his first two seasons. He's only taken a few reps behind the plate the last few years, but he's shown quite well in those glimpses.
73. Kansas City Royals
73
J.J. Matijevic
1B, University of Arizona
Certainly a guy who looks the part, Matijevic has been simply hurting baseballs this spring, leading the nation for a significant part of the season in hitting while also providing plenty of gap power. While he currently uses an all-fields approach, tapping into his pull side would certainly allow his natural raw plus power to play up to a 20+ home run guy along with the type of bat that could annually produce 35+ doubles and a solid average.
74. Baltimore Orioles
74
Kyle Hurt
RHP, Torrey Pines (CA)
One of my favorite last names in the draft, Hurt hasn't been able to show his best this spring due to a knee injury, and that's backed a lot of teams off of him, where he was once an early 2nd round projection to even a late 1st projection, he may now make the 3rd round. The moving fastball that worked in the mid-90s before his injury along with a plus change and average breaking ball with plenty of projection is an excellent profile to plug into a system desperate for high-upside arms.
75. Houston Astros
75
Daniel Tillo
LHP, Iowa Western Junior College
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Drop a note in the comments!
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