Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
With the draft less than a week away, a sixth look at the upcoming MLB draft is in order.
Before we get started with this MLB mock draft, a few things:
– Next week on Monday is the draft. We will have a live thread during the draft with "instant" analysis on picks from Call to the Pen's Benjamin Chase as the draft works through the first night.
-This will be the last mock draft looking at "how the teams will act". On Sunday will be the last mock before the draft, one where Ben will look at each team as if he were the GM and make each selection in that role.
1. Minnesota Twins
1
Kyle Wright
RHP, Vanderbilt University
Impressively, Wright could end up being a guy who did not get selected at all coming out of high school to being the top overall selection in the draft coming out of college. Wright has been a tremendous pitcher for Vanderbilt from the time he stepped on campus, and he's developed into the top collegiate starter in the nation. Wright is a work out warrior that can impress with his power lifting abilities, and he attempted to "air it out" a bit too much this spring initially, leading to his stuff flattening out. Instead, he found as he was willing to pitch within himself, he could maintain 97 at the top end of his fastball velocity deep into games along with his unique ability to manipulate each of his pitches in multiple ways, really giving his three-pitch off-speed mix dozens of true looks that batters will see over the course of a game. Wright has an ability to profile as a top of the rotation starter who may not be among MLB's aces, but certainly could be a top starter for any team in the game, akin to peak James Shields.
2. Cincinnati Reds
2
Brendan McKay
1B/LHP, University of Louisville
After a struggle to end his season on the mound that saw him dip in velocity, McKay had a tremendous showing in the regionals this past weekend for Louisville. Whether off the mound as a mid-rotation type with a legit bat that could be a Sean Casey type.as a first baseman. McKay even posted a video this past week discussing being selected by the nearby Reds, and he was quite open to the idea. His willingness could lead to some level of a deal for the Reds to stock up in later picks.
3. San Diego Padres
3
Hunter Greene
RHP/SS, Notre Dame HS (CA)
The Padres would absolutely love Greene and probably would sacrifice going even above #3 slot just to get him they like the player so much. He is frequently the top-rated prospect on draft boards, and his talent level has brought out comparisons to some of the all time great high school pitchers in the draft. Greene will almost certainly stick with pitching, though he is a legit first round talent as a shortstop as well.
4. Tampa Bay Rays
4
Royce Lewis
IF/OF, JSerra Catholic HS (CA)
Tampa Bay is in the spot where they are taking the guy they like best, and that has been a number of guys this spring, depending on who you trust. From the word out of Rays camp, they'd prefer a college arm if they go pitching, but would go either college or high school after a bat. In Lewis, the Rays would be getting arguably the most gifted player in the draft with a chance to have five above-average tools playing up the middle.
5. Atlanta Braves
5
MacKenzie Gore
LHP, Whiteville HS (NC)
The Braves have been stockpiling pitching, and many see this draft's depth in hitting as a chance to grab someone, and the Braves are definitely in on a number of players, likely doing some financial discussions to see where guys sit as far as their signing number. Gore could go as high as #2 with one of the most athletic frames in the entire draft. The Gatorade national play of the year, and I knew that they werrying out!Next: Picks 6-10
6. Oakland Athletics
6
Alex Faedo
RHP, University of Florida
Oakland went with a Florida pitcher last season with their first pick, but a very different type of pitcher. Faedo is a guy who will likely need less development time than A.J. Puk before the A's can make the decision on whether to move him to the bullpen, and Faedo woudl be an absolutely lights-out option in the bullpen, but his pitching has only gotten better as the spring has worn on this spring with Florida.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks
7
Austin Beck
OF, North Davidson HS (NC)
Beck represents a guy who could end up as high as #3 to the Padres and fall as low as the 20s due to the different opinion of teams on his overall package of tools. Beck did miss a lot of the showcases last summer due to an injury, and that has left a lot of teams having to project more than usual with a top high school player due to a lack of experience against high school talent. The Diamondbacks are looking to plug raw talent into their system, and if they're willing to be patient on Beck, there's not a lot more raw talent in a package in this draft than in Austin Beck.
8. Philadelphia Phillies
8
Adam Haseley
OF, University of Virginia
One of the biggest jumpers this spring in the college ranks, Haseley has benefitted from a less-than-stellar college hitting crop, and he's definitely shown well at the end of the season as well to help bump up his stock. Philadelphia is strong on college prospects, whether pitching or hitting, this season, and with the top three guys they'd probably prefer off the mound in the college class off the board, they'll go with a college bat that can help in what is a fairly weak point in their system.
9. Milwaukee Brewers
9
Jordon Adell
OF, Ballard HS (KY)
While Beck has been highly variable, Adell's had a seeming issue with his strikeout ability since last summer when he showed his first real issues with swing-and-miss. He did make adjustments mid-summer after those initial struggles and finished on a high note, but the reports for many were already written. Adell's tools are impressive, with legit double plus arm, speed, power, and defense. His contact has even flashed at that level at the end of the summer, and there are a number of scouts who believe he could be the top overall high school prospect when all is said and done in this year's high school class. Getting him at #9 would be a coup for the Brewers, who got an equally toolsy outfielder last season out of college in Corey Ray and have another toolsy outfielder in Lewis Brinson on the brink of the major leagues.
10. Los Angeles Angels
10
Keston Hiura
IF/OF, University of California at Irvine
Hiura in the preseason was considered a sure-fire top 10 selection before concerns about his defensive position came up due to his elbow injury that has limited him to DH this spring. Hiura profiles very similar to the Chicago Cubs' Ian Happ, albeit more of a hit over power profile, though plenty of both. Hiura should be able to handle second base once his elbow is healthy, and that would be a big addition into a depleted Angels system.Next: Picks 11-15
11. Chicago White Sox
11
Jeren Kendall
OF, Vanderbilt University
The White Sox have always loved athletic outfielders, and there's really not much more raw athleticism than Kendall in the draft class. The problem is that Kendall is a collegiate outfielder, so one would expect him to be more polished than he is both defensively and offensively. He has elite defensive tools and should profile as a center field going forward. He does have double plus speed and power that could also be double plus, but his contact ability has been in high question this season as he's shown heavy contact concerns.
12. Pittsburgh Pirates
12
Pavin Smith
1B, University of Virginia
Pittsburgh loves getting in a pitcher with raw tools and one elite pitch, so don't be surprised if he's still on the board if Bukauskas is actually the pick, but the Pirates have focused on college hitting this spring fairly heavy in their scouting travels. Smith would give the Pirates very possibly the most mature bat in the entire draft class with a very advanced approach.
13. Miami Marlins
13
Shane Baz
RHP, Concordia Lutheran HS (TX)
Baz really has come into play from about #2 on to this spot in doing this particular mock draft. The Marlins would be getting an elite arm in Baz, with a fastball that can reach the upper 90s with good movement along with four secondary pitches – and that doesn't include that he's turned his four-seam fastball in his hand to offer a two-seam fastball on top of the cutter, change, slider, and curve he already throws with above-average command for a high school arm. Many have compared Baz to 2016 Atlanta Braves draft selection Kyle Muller in that he has tremendous ability as a two-way Texan high school pitcher that would be a legit hitter in college if he isn't signed. The Braves paid over slot to get Muller in 2016, but this would be about where Baz would expect to likely be paid to forego his TCU commitment.
14. Kansas City Royals
14
Evan White
1B, University of Kentucky
White has jumped up the board significantly this spring in the eyes of many teams. He's a rare player who is playing first base now and can play that at an elite level defensively but is athletic enough that he can handle center field in the outfield as well. White is definitely a hit over power guy, and many see him as a guy who is more likely to retire with a career major league .300 batting average than having ever hit 30 home runs in a single season. There is the raw build to develop more power, but how much that would affect his natural contact swing could come into play. Either way, he'd be a very good selection for the Royals here, who are staring at the departures of many players from their major league roster in the offseason and could use a guy who would be a fast mover through the system.
15. Houston Astros
15
J.B. Bukauskas
RHP, University of North Carolina
The Astros might do a "happy dance" to see Bukauskas fall to this spot. They would love to get their hands on one of the top 4 college pitchers (Wright, McKay, Faedo, JB), and with a rough finish to the season, especially a tough regional start, Bukauskas has been rumored to be a guy who could slip some on draft day from a possible top 3 selection at points this spring. The Astros would love to get his elite fastball/slider combo into their system.Next: Picks 16-20
16. New York Yankees
16
Nick Pratto
1B, Huntington Beach HS (CA)
The Yankees and Pratto have had a connection for some time, really since many teams viewed Pratto as more of a pitching prospect than a hitting prospect. Pratto is in play as an underslot option for teams in the top 10, but if he gets out of the top 10, the Yankees would love to gobble him up with his advanced contact skills and raw power. While he played 1B in high school, Pratto has been reported to have had workouts for some teams in a corner outfield and showed the ability to handle the outfield well.
17. Seattle Mariners
17
Drew Waters
OF, Etowah HS (GA)
Waters is a guy who is starting to gain helium in the way that a fellow Georgian outfielder, Will Benson, did last season that ended up with Benson going from a guy who was considered a comp round pick to the Indians' pick at #14 overall. Waters has good overall tools, as a rare guy who has raw plus power and speed both with a possible double plus arm in the outfield. His hit tool and recognition of offspeed stuff has been the question, but he has been noted to have made strides in that area this spring, so he certainly could jump even higher than this spot.
18. Detroit Tigers
18
Sam Carlson
RHP, Burnsville HS (MN)
While some discount Carlson due to his lack of competition in the Minnesota high school ranks and lack of reps this spring, that's also a benefit to him in that his arm does not have anywhere near the wear of many of the other arms in the class, yet he's shown equal or better overall stuff. Carlson has been up to 97 this spring with his fastball, and many consider his change his best pitch overall. A curve that can flash plus and a projectable frame that would be a two-way player if he holds to his collegiate commitment to Florida should allow the athletic Carlson to develop into an excellent starter.
19. San Francisco Giants
19
Griffin Canning
RHP, University of California at Los Angeles
While the Giants may be more interested in a college bat, in this scenario, the guys they truly want in the first are all off the board, as are the high school bats that would also be of Giants interest. In that case, it'd be a matter of choosing between the likely faster-moving Canning and the possible higher upside Peterson. Either would be a solid selection, but Canning's ability to likely move quickly to the majors as a #3 starter and stay there for quite some time would attract Canning heavily to the Giants.
20. New York Mets
20
DL Hall
LHP, Valdosta HS (GA)
Hall is considered by many as the draft's top lefty arm, even over highly-regarded MacKenzie Gore, and the Mets would love to be able to bring in his talented arm in this spot. Hall is a guy who can tough 96-97 but usually sits lower 90s with very good movement. His curve is an elite pitch, already drawing plus grades and future double-plus grades. Hall has also shown the ability to handle a change. He is one of the older prospects in the class, which has bumped him down some boards, but he'd be a big get for the Mets this late in the draft.Next: Picks 21-25
21. Baltimore Orioles
21
Tanner Houck
RHP, University of Missouri
The Orioles have been strongly desiring college arms in their spot, and in many mocks, I've had trouble seeing guys of value available to them in this spot without reaching. However, the way Houck finished the season after being a consistent performer for his first two seasons at Missouri has led to him moving back in a positive direction in the eyes of many teams, and while he may not profile as an "ace", he has a sinker/slider combination that should move quickly and eat innings for quite a while as a pro.
22. Toronto Blue Jays
22
Logan Warmoth
SS, University of North Carolina
Warmoth was known as a high school player, but he was committed to his college time at North Carolina, and that has been a wise decision on his part as he's shown to be the top shortstop in a weak college middle infield class. Warmoth profiles strongly in the mold of J.J. Hardy as a very steady guy defensively that has the ability to handle staying at short but could be elite if he moved over to second or third base. Warmoth has very solid offensive skills that fit a sabermetric darling that could be an all contact and patience guy, but he does have some raw power and instincts on the bases that could lead to fantasy stats as well.
23. Los Angeles Dodgers
23
Bubba Thompson
OF, McGill-Thoolen Catholic HS (AL)
Thompson is one of the most elite athletes in the draft, and the Dodgers are big fans of raw athleticism. Thompson was committed to Auburn coming into his senior season, but he pulled his commitment when he had very heavy football interest as a two-way quarterback. After entertaining offers from a number of schools to play D1 ball in both sports, he chose to commit to Alabama. In the meantime, he showed well at showcases and put himself firmly into the first round with his raw athleticism, elite speed, and tremendous power potential. When asked who in this draft could someday put together a 30/30 season, one scout answered that only one player in the class possessed that skill set, and that was Thompson.
24. Boston Red Sox
24
Nate Pearson
RHP, Central Florida Junior College
Pearson is a good example of velocity not being everything as he was able to throw 93 as a very projectable high school senior, but he had no functional off speed stuff, and therefore didn't have a ton of interest in the draft or from major college programs. After a freshman year at Florida International, he transferred to junior college, and he's seen his fastball tick up to triple digits, but more importantly, he now features a plus change along with both a slider and a curve. For the Red Sox, this would be an example of getting the absolute best talent on the board in their draft slot, along with a guy who could be used in a bullpen role quickly to get him experience.
25. Washington Nationals
25
David Peterson
LHP, University of Oregon
Peterson is a guy who has developed plenty of interest this spring as he's shown tremendous ability to command all four of his pitches. He really doesn't feature any pitch that anyone would consider double-plus, but each pitch works as above-average and will flash plus on its best days, and he knews well how to mix up all four. Peterson is a rare guy who has consistent mechanics at 6'6″ tall, and he has the size at roughly 235-245 pounds to handle the rigors of pitching. The Nationals are looking heavily for pitching this spring or college hitting, and while they may like Burger, Fairchild, Miller, or another bat on the board, Peterson would fill a huge hold in the Nationals system created by their offseason trades.Next: Picks 26-30
26. Texas Rangers
26
Trevor Rogers
LHP, Carlsbad HS (NM)
Rogers has received plenty of notice this spring for his projectable size at 6'6″ tall. He has a wide frame that is lean right now, but he should certainly fill out as he ages. He already shows mid-90s head with an impressive slider. Though he's old for the class, his loose arm reminds many of Andrew Miller, and if he can get with a team that can work with his effective change, he could be a very impressive option for a team from the left side, and the Rangers are a team that would love to work with his projectability.
27. Chicago Cubs
27
Brendon Little
LHP, State Junior College of Florida
While they've shuffled some to begin 2017, the Cubs certainly have the team that should allow them to be playing in the postseason. Little is the type of guy that could move quickly to the major leagues and make an impact as a bullpen pitcher immediately due to his elite fastball and curve. His fastball could be reaching triple digits out of the bullpen, and the curve is a wicked pitch that gets swing and miss. He's shown more feel for a change that would allow Little to return to the minors and work as a starter after helping the Cubs to the playoffs, but he could definitely be one of the few 2017 draftees to make an impact this season.
28. Toronto Blue Jays
28
Matt Sauer
RHP, Ernest Righetti HS (CA)
Sauer has filled out in the last year, and his fastball is showing the effects, going from sitting around 90 in the summer showcase circuit to sitting more 93 and touching 96-98 this spring with much more movement on the fastball. Sauer already offered an effective slider and curve and works his arm angle to vary the spin on all three of his pitches. The Blue Jays have been looking into collegiate arms, but to have a talent like Sauer fall into their laps would be tough to pass up.
29. Texas Rangers
29
Jake Burger
3B, Missouri State University
The Rangers are looking at a near future without Adrian Beltre and seem to always be seeking thump in the lineup that can also get on base. After waiting on Joey Gallo to do the latter for multiple seasons, getting a powerful bat like Burger would be a good hedge for the Rangers, as he has legit big power with wood and has shown a good eye at the plate as well. Burger may profile at first base in the end rather than third, but his bat should play at the position.
30. Chicago Cubs
30
Mark Vientos
3B, American Heritage HS (FL)
The Cubs may have a tough choice between Vientos and Nick Allen here as both would be incredibly intriguing. Vientos is a guy that has fallen this spring due to some inconsistencies, but even at the NHSI tournament this spring, he stepped up with a very good showing. Vientos has an excellent contact ability, and moving to third from short should allow him to show as a plus defender as well, allowing his good instincts to work better and hide his long strides that affect some of his range at short. Vientos has been compared offensively to a young Manny Machado, with excellent gap power and 15-25 home run power projection. If he could develop into even 2/3 of Machado, he'd be a huge get for the Cubs.Next: Picks 31-36
31. Tampa Bay Rays
31
Alex Lange
RHP, Louisiana State University
Lange was an elite pitcher his freshman year at LSU, but hs'e struggled to repeat that success since. A solid finish to the season this year has encouraged scouts, but he's done it on the back of his fastball and curve primarily, rarely using his change, which also makes it more difficult to project his future as a pro prospect. He has been able to handle workload well, and he'll be able to be a solid performer if even in the bullpen.
32. Cincinnati Reds
32
Tristen Lutz
OF, Martin HS (TX)
There may not be a more powerful high school bat in the 2017 draft than Lutz. While he may not stick in center field as a pro, he has the athleticism to play there initially, which leads to just how well he should handle defense at the corner when he does move there. Lutz does have the traditional right field profile with a power arm and power bat. At 6'3″ and 220 pounds, he looks like he has been working with professional training for years already, and adding that pro coaching to his possible double-plus future power could allow him to be a very special bat indeed.
33. Oakland Athletics
33
Stuart Fairchild
OF, Wake Forest University
Oakland has been heavy into the college hitting market, and after getting a college arm with their first pick, they'd certainly take a bat here. Some have begun to tie Oakland to Mississippi State slugger Brent Rooker, and this could be the first spot he goes, likely more of an early second round pick, but the A's will certainly take a long look at the Wake Forest center fielder, who offers a blend of tools across the board that gives him a fairly high floor.
34. Milwaukee Brewers
34
Blayne Enlow
RHP, St. Amant HS (LA)
There are guys with elite fastballs in the high school class, but when you have a guy who is best known for an elite off speed offering, it's a definite attention-grabber. Enlow in high school can get passed over for his "lack" of velocity as he sits in the low-90s, touching into the mid-90s, but he has an easy delivery, a tremendous curve ball that has been considered the best in the class, and a feel for command and control of all of his pitches that is beyond a typical high school pitcher. He could be a very fast mover, but he may not come cheap to buy out of his LSU commitment.
35. Minnesota Twins
35
Nick Allen
SS, Francis Parker School (CA)
The Twins would be very pleased to see the dynamite defender Allen available in this spot. While he may not have offensive projections that are the stuff of dreams, his defense has been called major league ready right now as a high school player. Allen is a small guy, but he has a good swing path and uses his tools well offensively, reminding me plenty of a guy like Jimmy Rollins, who used exceptional speed at 5'8″ and developed power in his career. Many seem to forget that a guy like Joe Morgan was 5'7″, so being short doesn't have to mean "scrappy"!
36. Miami Marlins
36
Heliot Ramos
OF, Leadership Christian Academy HS (PR)
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Drop a note in the comments!
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