MLB teams are looking to cut deals in the first rounds that will enable them to sign extra first round talent with their second round picks and perhaps woo a strong commit or two away from college. With strong rumors coming out of draft camps, we now have an idea of which teams will throw a wrench in initial mock drafts and give us all kinds of moving pieces. Let’s take a look at where my mock draft now stands with only hours until the first name is announced.
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1.1 Minnesota Twins: Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS (CA)
Apparently, signability is going to play a big role in who they take first overall between Hunter Greene, Brendan McKay, Royce Lewis and Kyle Wright. At this point, all indications are that Lewis will slip out of the top five picks if he doesn’t go #1. This would mean he would be expected to take 2.5 million less if he goes #7 as opposed to #1, so it makes sense that he would just take that same money in agreement to be the first player selected.
1.2 Cincinnati Reds: Hunter Greene, RHP, HS (CA)
McKay is an option here if the Twins pass him up, but Greene’s upside will prove to be too tantalizing for new Reds’ GM, Dick Williams, who is gearing up to get his fingerprints all over his farm system. Greene has touched 102 MPH and has true ace upside.
1.3 San Diego Padres: Mackenzie Gore, LHP, HS (NC)
In a draft with plenty of question marks, it seems odd for A.J. Preller’s selection to be the most projectable, but that’s exactly what we have here. Gore is oozing with upside and virtually everyone tabs the Padres as ending up with him.
1.4 Tampa Bay Rays: Adam Haseley, OF, Virginia
This is the biggest question mark of all, as they haven’t given much indication as to who they will select. Some outlets have them reaching for a toolsy prep outfielder, Bubba Thompson. Other’s have them thrilled to snatch Brendan McKay if he falls. I’ve still got them with NCAA outfielder, Adam Haseley who should sign under slot value.
1.5 Atlanta Braves: Kyle Wright, RHP, Vanderbilt
Although the Braves would be happy to save some cash for the remainder of the draft, seeing Wright fall to #5 would be a dream. The Braves are prepared to compete in two years and Wright could be a staple in the rotation by then seeing that he may be the most polished arm in the draft.
1.6 Oakland A’s: Brendan McKay, 1B/LHP, Louisville
Like Tampa Bay, the A’s have been linked to names from all tiers within the first round. J.B. Buskauskas would make sense here as a Billy Beane pick, but his stock has been rumored to be tumbling this week. Keston Hiura and Jaren Kendall have been linked to them as well, but if McKay is on the board, Oakland will race to make their selection.
1.7 Arizona Diamondbacks: Pavin Smith, 1B, Virginia
Apparently, Adam Haseley would be the pick here, had Tampa not crashed Arizona’s party. With the top pitchers off the board, Arizona would likely turn to Haseley’s Virginia teammate, Pavin Smith, who is also polished and could be mashing in their lineup within 24 months.
1.8 Philadelphia Phillies: Alex Faedo, RHP, Florida
With both Pavin Smith and Adam Haseley off the board, the Phillies would be pulling out their hair, as it was safe to assume one or the other would be here. They are almost certain to go with a college player with this pick, so it seems likely that they would turn to Faedo, whom they are reportedly high on as well.
1.9 Milwaukee Brewers: Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS (NM)
Jordon Adell has seems like the pick here for a while, but with a hefty price tag, Milwaukee will end up looking elsewhere to save a million bucks. They will be considering Austin Beck here as well, but expect one of the lefty high schoolers to cut a deal and end up in the Top 10.
1.10 Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels: Evan White, 1B, Kentucky
The first big surprise in the draft may come from the Angels, as has become a custom. With other top college options off the board, look for them to grab Pujols’ long-term replacement, Evan White. He plays superb defense and is a solid all-around hitter that will be ready to get into the lineup in no time.
The Rest of the First Round
11) White Sox: Jeren Kendall, OF, Vanderbilt
12) Pirates: Tristen Lutz, OF, HS (TX)
13) Marlins: David Peterson, LHP, Oregon
14) Royals: D.L. Hall, LHP, HS (GA)
15) Astros: J.B. Bukauskas, RHP, North Carolina
16) Yankees: Jordon Adell, OF, HS (KY)
17) Mariners: Keston Hiura, 2B/OF, UC Irvine
18) Tigers: Logan Warmoth, SS, North Carolina
19) Giants: Luis Campusano, C, HS (GA)
20) Mets: Austin Beck, OF, HS (NC)
21) Orioles: Tanner Houck, RHP, Missouri
22) Blue Jays: Jake Burger, 3B, Missouri St.
23) Dodgers: Bubba Thompson, OF, HS (AL)
24) Red Sox: Heliot Ramos, OF, HS (PR)
25) Nationals: Alex Lange, RHP, LSU
26) Rangers: Nate Pearson, RHP, Central Florida JC
27) Cubs: Nick Allen, SS, HS (CA)
28) Blue Jays: Nick Pratto, 1B, HS (CA)
29) Rangers: Hans Crouse, HS (CA)
30) Cubs: Clarke Schmidt, RHP, South Carolina
Here is a look at my first mock draft from a week ago, plus rankings of the most polished, highest upside, exciting players who will be there after the first round, and where everyone should end up in prospect rankings:
Thanks for reading and enjoy the draft tonight!
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