Here is the first edition of my 2020 NBA Mock Draft.
1. Golden State Warriors- LaMelo Ball, Point Guard, USA: It's more likely than not that the Warriors will trade this pick to try to become a title contender yet again. If they kept this selection, Ball would be an odd fit here with Klay Thompson back from his torn ACL and Stephen Curry already at the point. On another team, Ball has All-Star potential with his playmaking ability, but doesn't shoot well.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers- Obi Toppin, Power Forward, Dayton: No player improved his draft stock during the shortened season more than Tobbin. The fit here with the Cavs is not great because they have three overpaid big men in Kevin Love, Tristian Thompson, and Andre Drummond, but maybe they'll trade one of them. Tobbin is super athletic and someone that could be an elite stretch five due to his ability to shoot.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Anthony Edwards, Shooting Guard, Georgia: This would be a great selection for the Timberwolves, who would get themselves a third scorer along with Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell. Edwards is someone that had shown a ton of potential in college, although inefficient.
4. Atlanta Hawks- James Weismann, Center, USA: The Hawks land one of the more fascinating players in the draft. Weismann was someone that withdrew from college after a money scandal with his former coach Penny Hardaway. He is someone that can protect the rim and is the perfect small ball big and would fit nicely alongside John Collins.
5. Detroit Pistons- Onyeka Okongwu, Power Forward/Center, USC: Okongwu is someone that flew under the radar due to being on the west coast and not coming from a school known to be a college basketball powerhouse. He is dominant in the paint with his shot blocking and ability to get buckets. The league is growing in terms of undersized bigs and that should not stop a team from taking a chance with Okongwu.
6. New York Knicks- Deni Avdija, Small Forward, Israel: The Knicks land a decent constellation prize here with a fast rising international star in Avdija. He's tall enough to play power forward, but skilled enough to play the wing. Avdija's shooting has also improved dramatically throughout the season and he and RJ Barrett would complement well.
7. Chicago Bulls- Isaac Okoro, Small Forward, Auburn: Okoro is someone else who's stock rose after the shortened college hoops season. He showed that he could be a solid three-and-D guy and that's what NBA teams love. The Bulls are a team that is in desperation for three-and-D players and Okoro would be a great pick here.
8. Charlotte Hornets- Patrick Williams, Small Forward, Florida State: The Hornets land themselves a fine player here with Williams. He is someone that is versatile and could defend multiple positions, but his offensive game is a work in progress. He and Miles Bridges together would be a fun combination to watch.
9. Washington Wizards- Killian Hayes, Point Guard, France: The Wizards are a sneaky candidate to trade their pick, but I doubt they will pull the trigger. Hayes is someone that is explosive but cannot shoot. He can come in and learn from John Wall and could potentially take over after Wall's hideous contract expires, unless they flat out cut him.
10. Phoenix Suns- Saddiq Bey, Small Forward, Villanova: Bey is someone that many tams like and could be a steal here at ten or if he falls further than this. Bey is versatile both offensively and defensively and that just fits the perfect player for today's NBA. He, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, and Kelly Oubre is a very nice foursome to have.
11. San Antonio Spurs- Cole Anthony, Point Guard, North Carolina: I am much higher on Anthony then most people, mainly due to the fact he was playing at a high level in college before his knee injury that forced him to have surgery. He could have possibly gone first overall had not been for that knee injury and he'll be a steal for whomever drafts him, especially past the top five.
12. Sacramento Kings- Precious Achiuwa, Power Forward, Memphis: This would be a solid need pick for the Kings as they need another big alongside Marvin Bagley as he's someone that averaged a double-double in college after James Weismann left school. He's not a great shooter, but is effective around the rim and in transition.
13. New Orleans Pelicans- RJ Hampton, Shooting Guard, New Zealand: This could be a steal for the Pelicans as Hampton was more highly regarded before the basketball season started. Hampton is someone that is versatile and is a solid shooter and would be yet another building block to go with Zion Williamson.
14. Portland Trail Blazers- Aaron Nesmith, Small Forward, Vanderbilt: This would be a solid pick for the Blazers, who still need help on the wing. Although a small sample size before a foot injury, he shot incredibly well in the midst of what looked to be a breakout season, especially from three point land.
15. Orlando Magic- Tyrese Maxey, Shooting Guard, Kentucky: The Magic's biggest weakness is a scoring guard, and this selection would help address the issue. Maxey is someone that did not live up to expectations as a freshman for John Calipari's team, although he showed flashes with his creativity in the paint and is a better shooter than perceived.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Brooklyn Nets)- Devin Vassell, Small Forward, Florida State: Vassell at this point for the Timberwolves would be a steal as many people think he could go in the lottery. Vassell is your classic three-and-D player who shoots above average from beyond the arc. He and Anthony Edwards would be a great draft for the Wolves.
17. Boston Celtics (from Memphis Grizzlies)- Theo Maledon, Point Guard, France: The Celtics have this pick courtesy of the Jeff Green trade from five years ago. Maledon showed some potential for a young age, but was mostly underwhelming due to injury issues. This could very well be a draft-and-stash prospect for the Celtics.
18. Dallas Mavericks- Isaiah Stewart, Center, Washington: This is a classic need pick as Dallas lacks a big to put alongside Kristaps Porzingis. Stewart is someone that some people have doubts about due to spacing issues but did bring solid production to the table for a lousy Washington Huskies team last season.
19. Milwaukee Bucks (from Indiana Pacers)- Tyrese Haliburton, Point Guard, Iowa State: This would be a major steal for the Bucks, who could conceivably replace Malcolm Brogdon with the pick they acquired from the Pacers in the sign and trade last summer. Haliburton's season was cut short last year due to injury and he showed an ability to consistently hit shots and he is a solid rebounder and passer too.
20. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia 76ers)- Kira Lewis Jr, Point Guard, Alabama: Lewis is someone that came in to college with expectations, but returned to school last year and performed better then he did as a Freshman. He's a solid perimeter shooter and could be a steal at this point in the draft.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (from Oklahoma City Thunder)- Jalen Smith, Center, Maryland: Now the draft gets a little unpredictable. The Sixers go with value here with Smith, who could come in and backup Joel Embiid. Smith is another player who improved as a Sophomore and showed some versatility along the way.
22. Denver Nuggets (from Houston Rockets)- Jahmi'us Ramsey, Shooting Guard, Texas Tech: Ramsey is someone that was solid as a Freshman for Chris Beard's squad. He's someone that screams high energy guy off the bench for a contender. Those reasons are why this would be a great pick for the Nuggets, who fit that bill.
23. Miami Heat- Nico Mannion, Point Guard, Arizona: This would be a possible steal for the Heat, who need some youth at the position as they keep on reloading on the fly. Mannion is not someone that has great athleticism or can shoot well, but he has other qualities that could make him a solid player in the league.
24. Utah Jazz- Jaden McDaniels, Power Forward, Washington: McDaniels was super disappointing in college a year ago on what was the most disappointing team in the sport as he lead the Pac-12 in fouls per game. The one thing that could get McDaniels picked in the first round is upside.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Denver Nuggets)- Josh Green, Shooting Guard, Arizona: This would be a solid pick for a team that has a good mix of younger guys and veterans like the Thunder. Green is someone that is a great defensive player, but limited offensively although better than current Thunder player Andre Roberson.
26. Boston Celtics- Xavier Tillman, Power Forward, Michigan State: The Celtics have a lot of bigs now, although they don't have one that jumps right out at you. Tillman is someone that was one of the better bigs in the country with his strength and size, although not a great perimeter shooter despite averaging a double-double.
27. New York Knicks (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Vernon Carey Jr, Power Forward/Center, Duke: This would be a steal for the Knicks, who grab someone who I thought could have been a possibly lottery pick at this time six months ago. He has good skills, but is not explosive or length.
28. Toronto Raptors- Mamadi Diakite, Power Forward, Virginia: Diakite is someone that lands in a great situation in Toronto. He's a glue guy that always made big plays and was under-appreciated in college. Diakite was always a solid defender in college and his three-point shot was coming along this season.
29. Los Angeles Lakers- Cassius Winston, Point Guard, Michigan State: This would be a steal for the Lakers, who grab someone who many thought would be a lottery pick before the college basketball season. Personal issues really were a distraction for Winston, who isn't a great athlete but is smart and is a solid shooter.
30. Boston Celtics (from Milwaukee Bucks)- Cassius Stanley, Shooting Guard, Duke: Stanley is someone else that could be a steal in the late first round or early second round. He is someone that is a solid shooter from three and is great in the transition game.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
2020 MLB Mock Draft: Final Edition
Here is the final edition of my 2020 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Max Meyer, RHP, Minnesota: The Blue Jays pull off a little surprise to some as they go with Meyer over Emerson Hancock. The risk here with Meyer is that he was a former closer that doesn't have much starting experience.
6. Seattle Mariners- Nick Gonzales, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, he has the make up and work ethic of being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: If Hancock makes it here, the Pirates should be doing backflips. There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres could go in a number of directions here and they go for the prep player in Hassell. He is someone that could go higher than this due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Angels, who badly need pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good, which is on all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Angels are a bit of a wild card with this selection, but they should pounce on Kjerstad, who would be a steal with this selection. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
11. Chicago White Sox- Garrett Crochet, RHP, Tennessee: The White Sox go with the talented college arm with Crochet here. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Reds throw a curveball here and take a chance here with Cavalli. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
13. San Francisco Giants- Tyler Sodestrom, Catcher. Turlock HS (CA): The Giants could go in a number of directions here with this selection, but they pull of a upset here with Sodestrom being taken before Patrick Bailey. Soderstrom is one of the best all-around high school bats in the country and could go higher than this since he is very well rounded.
14. Texas Rangers- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, North Carolina State: The Rangers are a bit of a wild card with this selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is someone that is curiously slipping as we are here on draft day. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
16. Chicago Cubs- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts and could drop further than this on draft night. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
17. Boston Red Sox- Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season falls here to the Red Sox. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could possibly go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Mets would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Ohio State: The Brewers farm system is perhaps the worst in baseball so they are under pressure to get this pick right. Catchers who can stay behind the plate are hard to find and Dingler is athletic with excellent defensive skills and he could possibly go a few picks earlier.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick could really turn out to be a steal for the Cardinals. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
22. Washington Nationals- Bryce Jarvis, RHP, Duke: The Nationals are a team that is somewhat predictable with their draft choices, but this one that people may be surprised by. Jarvis is someone who people in the industry believe he can blow through the minor leagues and could be pitching in the big leagues this season.
23. Cleveland Indians- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Indians get themselves a steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Rays could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are a team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Justin Foscue, Second Baseman, Mississippi State: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Foscue. He is someone that has a chance to be an impact hitter, but he is limited defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Aaron Sabato, First Baseman, North Carolina: Sabato is someone that is a last minute fast riser as the draft is approaching this week. He is not a great defensive player, but he has the bat from a power and plate discipline standpoint for him to be taken in the first round.
28. New York Yankees- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: Word on the street is that the Yankees will likely head for a college position player and they grab one here with Loftin. He is someone a lot of people feel can go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami: The Dodgers could go in any direction they'd like to due to their loaded farm system, so here I have them taking the college arm in Cecconi. Many people project Cecconi to be a reliever in the future and his pure stuff measures up against a lot of other college arms.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Max Meyer, RHP, Minnesota: The Blue Jays pull off a little surprise to some as they go with Meyer over Emerson Hancock. The risk here with Meyer is that he was a former closer that doesn't have much starting experience.
6. Seattle Mariners- Nick Gonzales, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, he has the make up and work ethic of being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: If Hancock makes it here, the Pirates should be doing backflips. There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres could go in a number of directions here and they go for the prep player in Hassell. He is someone that could go higher than this due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Angels, who badly need pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good, which is on all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Angels are a bit of a wild card with this selection, but they should pounce on Kjerstad, who would be a steal with this selection. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
11. Chicago White Sox- Garrett Crochet, RHP, Tennessee: The White Sox go with the talented college arm with Crochet here. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Reds throw a curveball here and take a chance here with Cavalli. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
13. San Francisco Giants- Tyler Sodestrom, Catcher. Turlock HS (CA): The Giants could go in a number of directions here with this selection, but they pull of a upset here with Sodestrom being taken before Patrick Bailey. Soderstrom is one of the best all-around high school bats in the country and could go higher than this since he is very well rounded.
14. Texas Rangers- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, North Carolina State: The Rangers are a bit of a wild card with this selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is someone that is curiously slipping as we are here on draft day. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
16. Chicago Cubs- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts and could drop further than this on draft night. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
17. Boston Red Sox- Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season falls here to the Red Sox. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could possibly go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Mets would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Ohio State: The Brewers farm system is perhaps the worst in baseball so they are under pressure to get this pick right. Catchers who can stay behind the plate are hard to find and Dingler is athletic with excellent defensive skills and he could possibly go a few picks earlier.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick could really turn out to be a steal for the Cardinals. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
22. Washington Nationals- Bryce Jarvis, RHP, Duke: The Nationals are a team that is somewhat predictable with their draft choices, but this one that people may be surprised by. Jarvis is someone who people in the industry believe he can blow through the minor leagues and could be pitching in the big leagues this season.
23. Cleveland Indians- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Indians get themselves a steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Rays could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are a team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Justin Foscue, Second Baseman, Mississippi State: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Foscue. He is someone that has a chance to be an impact hitter, but he is limited defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Aaron Sabato, First Baseman, North Carolina: Sabato is someone that is a last minute fast riser as the draft is approaching this week. He is not a great defensive player, but he has the bat from a power and plate discipline standpoint for him to be taken in the first round.
28. New York Yankees- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: Word on the street is that the Yankees will likely head for a college position player and they grab one here with Loftin. He is someone a lot of people feel can go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami: The Dodgers could go in any direction they'd like to due to their loaded farm system, so here I have them taking the college arm in Cecconi. Many people project Cecconi to be a reliever in the future and his pure stuff measures up against a lot of other college arms.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
2020 MLB Mock Draft: Sixth Edition
Here is the sixth edition of my 2020 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, he has the make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Max Meyer, RHP, Minnesota: This would be an interesting selection for the Pirates as they should be targeting a pitcher with this selection. The risk here with Meyer is that he was a former closer that doesn't have much starting experience.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres could go in a number of directions here and they go for the prep player in Hassell. He is someone that could go higher than this due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Rockies are a team that really should be going with a pitcher with this pick, but there's rumors that they don't love the high end pitchers in a pitching rich draft. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Angels, who badly need pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good, which is on all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
11. Chicago White Sox- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, North Carolina State: The White Sox are a bit of a wild card with this selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts and could drop further than this on draft night. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
14. Texas Rangers- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Rangers get themselves a potential front line starter here with Kelley. He's hard throwing and has solid command as well as a plus changeup that sits 82-84 to keep hitters uncomfortable at the plate.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Tyler Soderstrom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Phillies could go in a number of directions here with this selection. Soderstrom is one of the best all-around high school bats in the country and could go higher than this since he is very well rounded.
16. Chicago Cubs- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a steal for the Cubs as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
17. Boston Red Sox- Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season falls here to the Red Sox. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could possibly go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: This would be a possible steal here for the Mets as they land someone who can conceivably go as high as 13. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: The Brewers are a team that has perhaps the worst farm system in baseball and they go with the talented college arm in Burns here. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command. Burns also has great pitching history in the SEC, which matters to a lot of scouts.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Cardinals would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
22. Washington Nationals- JT Ginn, RHP, Mississippi State: Ginn was someone that was drafted a few years ago, but opted to go back to school. Blowing out his elbow and getting Tommy John Surgery is what perhaps cost Ginn to go in the top 10. The Nationals are a team that has a history of taking players with risks, so they continue that track record here.
23. Cleveland Indians- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Indians could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Jordan Westburg, Third Baseman/Shortstop, Mississippi State: The Rays are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Westburg is super versatile and possesses above average power and speed, with a decent shot to stick at shortstop defensively to boot.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Loftin. He is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Twins should be going for a pitcher with this selection and I have them snagging one here with Beeter. He could very well go higher than this due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
28. New York Yankees- Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Ohio State: The Yankees farm system is not what it was three-four years ago, so they should go with whom they feel is the best player available, despite rumors of them linked to college bats. Catchers who can stay behind the plate are hard to find and Dingler is athletic with excellent defensive skills and he could possibly go a few picks earlier.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Bobby Miller, RHP, Louisville: The Dodgers could go in a number of directions here and they're farm system is loaded so there a team that can afford that. Miller could go higher than this or not go in the first round at all and he's someone that is very solid and improved each season in college.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, he has the make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Max Meyer, RHP, Minnesota: This would be an interesting selection for the Pirates as they should be targeting a pitcher with this selection. The risk here with Meyer is that he was a former closer that doesn't have much starting experience.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres could go in a number of directions here and they go for the prep player in Hassell. He is someone that could go higher than this due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Rockies are a team that really should be going with a pitcher with this pick, but there's rumors that they don't love the high end pitchers in a pitching rich draft. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Angels, who badly need pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good, which is on all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
11. Chicago White Sox- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, North Carolina State: The White Sox are a bit of a wild card with this selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts and could drop further than this on draft night. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
14. Texas Rangers- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Rangers get themselves a potential front line starter here with Kelley. He's hard throwing and has solid command as well as a plus changeup that sits 82-84 to keep hitters uncomfortable at the plate.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Tyler Soderstrom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Phillies could go in a number of directions here with this selection. Soderstrom is one of the best all-around high school bats in the country and could go higher than this since he is very well rounded.
16. Chicago Cubs- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a steal for the Cubs as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
17. Boston Red Sox- Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season falls here to the Red Sox. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could possibly go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: This would be a possible steal here for the Mets as they land someone who can conceivably go as high as 13. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: The Brewers are a team that has perhaps the worst farm system in baseball and they go with the talented college arm in Burns here. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command. Burns also has great pitching history in the SEC, which matters to a lot of scouts.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Cardinals would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
22. Washington Nationals- JT Ginn, RHP, Mississippi State: Ginn was someone that was drafted a few years ago, but opted to go back to school. Blowing out his elbow and getting Tommy John Surgery is what perhaps cost Ginn to go in the top 10. The Nationals are a team that has a history of taking players with risks, so they continue that track record here.
23. Cleveland Indians- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Indians could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Jordan Westburg, Third Baseman/Shortstop, Mississippi State: The Rays are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Westburg is super versatile and possesses above average power and speed, with a decent shot to stick at shortstop defensively to boot.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Loftin. He is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Twins should be going for a pitcher with this selection and I have them snagging one here with Beeter. He could very well go higher than this due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
28. New York Yankees- Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Ohio State: The Yankees farm system is not what it was three-four years ago, so they should go with whom they feel is the best player available, despite rumors of them linked to college bats. Catchers who can stay behind the plate are hard to find and Dingler is athletic with excellent defensive skills and he could possibly go a few picks earlier.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Bobby Miller, RHP, Louisville: The Dodgers could go in a number of directions here and they're farm system is loaded so there a team that can afford that. Miller could go higher than this or not go in the first round at all and he's someone that is very solid and improved each season in college.
Monday, June 8, 2020
2020 MLB Mock Draft: Fifth Edition
Here is the fifth edition of my 2020 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Mariners have options with this selection and here I have them taking a risk with Meyer. The risk here with Meyer is that he was a former closer that doesn't have much starting experience. The Mariners are a team that can somewhat afford to take the risk due to their loaded farm system.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: The Pirates land a steal here with this selection. Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition and some people think he won't be able to stick at second base.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres could go in a number of directions here and they go for the prep player in Hassell. He is someone that could go higher than this due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Rockies are a team that really should be going with a pitcher with this pick, but there's rumors that they don't love the high end pitchers in a pitching rich draft. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Angels, who badly need pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good, which is on all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
11. Chicago White Sox- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, North Carolina State: The White Sox are a bit of a wild card with this selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a nice pick for the Giants as they land a very good college arm with this selection, who has drawn comparison to Madison Bumgarner. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts and could drop further than this on draft night. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Tyler Soderstrom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Phillies could go in a number of directions here with this selection. Soderstrom is one of the best all-around high school bats in the country and could go higher than this since he is very well rounded.
16. Chicago Cubs- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Cubs land a possible steal with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
17. Boston Red Sox- Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season falls here to the Red Sox. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could possibly go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Mets could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Brewers have perhaps the worst farm system in baseball and they need to nail this pick. Beeter is rising up draft boards due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Cardinals would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
22. Washington Nationals- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Nationals get themselves a
steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
23. Cleveland Indians- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick could really turn out to be a steal for the Indians. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Ohio State: The Rays are in good shape in terms of their farm system, so there's no pressure on them to make a certain selection. Catchers who can stay behind the plate are hard to find and Dingler is athletic with excellent defensive skills and he could possibly go a few picks earlier.
25. Atlanta Braves- Bryce Jarvis, RHP, Duke: The Braves are another team that's in great shape in terms of their farm system. Here I have them selecting Jarvis, who some people in the industry believe he can blow through the minor leagues and could be pitching in the big leagues this season.
26. Oakland Athletics- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Athetics have a recent history of taking college players and they take one here with Loftin. He is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami: The Twins should be going for a pitcher with this selection and I have them snagging one here with Cecconi. Many people project Cecconi to be a reliever in the future and his pure stuff measures up against a lot of other college arms.
28. New York Yankees- Aaron Sabato, First Baseman, North Carolina: Sabato is someone that is a last minute fast riser as the draft is approaching this week. He is not a great defensive player, but he has the bat from a power and plate discipline standpoint for him to be taken in the first round.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Twins should be looking at pitching with this selection and they land a solid one here in McMahon. He flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Mariners have options with this selection and here I have them taking a risk with Meyer. The risk here with Meyer is that he was a former closer that doesn't have much starting experience. The Mariners are a team that can somewhat afford to take the risk due to their loaded farm system.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: The Pirates land a steal here with this selection. Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition and some people think he won't be able to stick at second base.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres could go in a number of directions here and they go for the prep player in Hassell. He is someone that could go higher than this due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Rockies are a team that really should be going with a pitcher with this pick, but there's rumors that they don't love the high end pitchers in a pitching rich draft. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Angels, who badly need pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good, which is on all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
11. Chicago White Sox- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, North Carolina State: The White Sox are a bit of a wild card with this selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a nice pick for the Giants as they land a very good college arm with this selection, who has drawn comparison to Madison Bumgarner. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts and could drop further than this on draft night. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Tyler Soderstrom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Phillies could go in a number of directions here with this selection. Soderstrom is one of the best all-around high school bats in the country and could go higher than this since he is very well rounded.
16. Chicago Cubs- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Cubs land a possible steal with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
17. Boston Red Sox- Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season falls here to the Red Sox. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could possibly go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Mets could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Brewers have perhaps the worst farm system in baseball and they need to nail this pick. Beeter is rising up draft boards due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Cardinals would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
22. Washington Nationals- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Nationals get themselves a
steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
23. Cleveland Indians- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick could really turn out to be a steal for the Indians. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Ohio State: The Rays are in good shape in terms of their farm system, so there's no pressure on them to make a certain selection. Catchers who can stay behind the plate are hard to find and Dingler is athletic with excellent defensive skills and he could possibly go a few picks earlier.
25. Atlanta Braves- Bryce Jarvis, RHP, Duke: The Braves are another team that's in great shape in terms of their farm system. Here I have them selecting Jarvis, who some people in the industry believe he can blow through the minor leagues and could be pitching in the big leagues this season.
26. Oakland Athletics- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Athetics have a recent history of taking college players and they take one here with Loftin. He is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami: The Twins should be going for a pitcher with this selection and I have them snagging one here with Cecconi. Many people project Cecconi to be a reliever in the future and his pure stuff measures up against a lot of other college arms.
28. New York Yankees- Aaron Sabato, First Baseman, North Carolina: Sabato is someone that is a last minute fast riser as the draft is approaching this week. He is not a great defensive player, but he has the bat from a power and plate discipline standpoint for him to be taken in the first round.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Twins should be looking at pitching with this selection and they land a solid one here in McMahon. He flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
Friday, June 5, 2020
2020 MLB Mock Draft: Fourth Edition
Here is the fourth edition of my 2020 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, he has the make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Pirates are a team that should simply go with the best player available and you can make a case for Kjerstad at this point. He is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
8. San Diego Padres- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Padres are a wild card in this draft considering their farm system is in good shape, so there's no pressure on them to go in a certain direction. Meyer used to be a closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
9. Colorado Rockies- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Rockies, who badly need pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good, which is on all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Angels could go in a number of directions here and they go for the prep player in Hassell. He is someone that could go higher than this due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
11. Chicago White Sox- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, North Carolina State: The White Sox are a bit of a wild card with this selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Giants are an interesting team here with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts and could drop further than this on draft night. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Tyler Soderstrom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Phillies could go in a number of directions here with this selection. Soderstrom is one of the best all-around high school bats in the country and could go higher than this since he is very well rounded.
16. Chicago Cubs- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a steal for the Cubs as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
17. Boston Red Sox- Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season falls here to the Red Sox. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Diamondbacks get themselves a possible steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
19. New York Mets- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick would make sense for the Mets, who have a recent history of selecting prep arms. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Brewers go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Cardinals would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
22. Washington Nationals- Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami: The Nationals have been heavily linked to college arms and I have them snagging one here with Cecconi. Many people project Cecconi to be a reliever in the future and his pure stuff measures up against a lot of other college arms.
23. Cleveland Indians- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Indians could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Ohio State: The Rays are in good shape in terms of their farm system, so there's no pressure on them to make a certain selection. Catchers who can stay behind the plate are hard to find and Dingler is athletic with excellent defensive skills and he could possibly go a few picks earlier.
25. Atlanta Braves- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Braves are another team that's in good shape farm system wise so they could go in a number of directions. Beeter is rising up draft boards and could go higher than this due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
26. Oakland Athletics- Justin Foscue, Second Baseman, Mississippi State: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Foscue. He is someone that has a chance to be an impact hitter, but he is limited defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Twins should be looking at pitching with this selection and they land a solid one here in McMahon. He flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
28. New York Yankees- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Yankees have been heavily linked to college position players in these mock drafts and they take one here with Loftin. He is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Bobby Miller, RHP, Louisville: The Dodgers could go in a number of directions here and they're farm system is loaded so there a team that can afford that. Miller could go higher than this or not go in the first round at all and he's someone that is very solid and improved each season in college.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, he has the make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Pirates are a team that should simply go with the best player available and you can make a case for Kjerstad at this point. He is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
8. San Diego Padres- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Padres are a wild card in this draft considering their farm system is in good shape, so there's no pressure on them to go in a certain direction. Meyer used to be a closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
9. Colorado Rockies- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Rockies, who badly need pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good, which is on all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Angels could go in a number of directions here and they go for the prep player in Hassell. He is someone that could go higher than this due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
11. Chicago White Sox- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, North Carolina State: The White Sox are a bit of a wild card with this selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Giants are an interesting team here with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts and could drop further than this on draft night. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Tyler Soderstrom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Phillies could go in a number of directions here with this selection. Soderstrom is one of the best all-around high school bats in the country and could go higher than this since he is very well rounded.
16. Chicago Cubs- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a steal for the Cubs as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
17. Boston Red Sox- Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season falls here to the Red Sox. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Diamondbacks get themselves a possible steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
19. New York Mets- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick would make sense for the Mets, who have a recent history of selecting prep arms. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Brewers go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Cardinals would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
22. Washington Nationals- Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami: The Nationals have been heavily linked to college arms and I have them snagging one here with Cecconi. Many people project Cecconi to be a reliever in the future and his pure stuff measures up against a lot of other college arms.
23. Cleveland Indians- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Indians could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Ohio State: The Rays are in good shape in terms of their farm system, so there's no pressure on them to make a certain selection. Catchers who can stay behind the plate are hard to find and Dingler is athletic with excellent defensive skills and he could possibly go a few picks earlier.
25. Atlanta Braves- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Braves are another team that's in good shape farm system wise so they could go in a number of directions. Beeter is rising up draft boards and could go higher than this due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
26. Oakland Athletics- Justin Foscue, Second Baseman, Mississippi State: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Foscue. He is someone that has a chance to be an impact hitter, but he is limited defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Twins should be looking at pitching with this selection and they land a solid one here in McMahon. He flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
28. New York Yankees- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Yankees have been heavily linked to college position players in these mock drafts and they take one here with Loftin. He is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Bobby Miller, RHP, Louisville: The Dodgers could go in a number of directions here and they're farm system is loaded so there a team that can afford that. Miller could go higher than this or not go in the first round at all and he's someone that is very solid and improved each season in college.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
2020 MLB Mock Draft: Third Edition
Here is the third edition of my 2020 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Mariners as they could use more young pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good when it’s on, and that’s all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, but I see his make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres are in good shape in terms of their farm system, so they can conceivably go in any direction they'd like. Hassell is someone flying up draft boards due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, NC State: The Rockies could go in a number of directions here with their selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Angels land a possible steal here with Meyer. A former closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
11. Chicago White Sox- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The White Sox are a team that's a bit of an unknown in terms of what direction they'll likely go, but here I have them taking the talented college outfielder with Kjerstad. He is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Giants are an interesting team here with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a win for the Rangers as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick would make sense for the Phillies, who could use some young arms in their system and this is a local kid as well. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
16. Chicago Cubs- Mike Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): Another top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season is off the board here to the Cubs. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
17. Boston Red Sox- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: The Mets go with the talented college arm in Burns here. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command. Burns also has great pitching history in the SEC, which matters to a lot of scouts.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Brewers have perhaps the worst farm system in baseball and they need to nail this pick. Beeter is rising up draft boards due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Cardinals could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
22. Washington Nationals- JT Ginn, RHP, Mississippi State: Ginn was someone that was drafted a few years ago, but opted to go back to school. Blowing out his elbow and getting Tommy John Surgery is what perhaps cost Ginn to go in the top 10. The Nationals are a team that has a history of taking players with risks, so they continue that track record here.
23. Cleveland Indians- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Indians get themselves a steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Rays are in great shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Loftin is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Justin Foscue, Second Baseman, Mississippi State: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Foscue. He is someone that has a chance to be an impact hitter, but he is limited defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina: The Twins have options, but they go with a fascinating pitching prospect in Mlodzinski, who looked amazing in the Cape Cod league, but spotty versus better competition. He has shown flashes with a few good pitches in college, but this is what makes him a wild card in the draft.
28. New York Yankees- Austin Wells, Catcher/Outfielder, Arizona: The Yankees have been linked to college bats this draft season and here I have them snagging a versatile one in Wells. He shows good qualities as a backstop with a big arm and great leadership, but he struggles with breaking balls and doesn’t move particularly well.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Jordan Westburg, Third Baseman/Shortstop, Mississippi State: The Dodgers are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Westburg is super versatile and possesses above average power and speed, with a decent shot to stick at shortstop defensively to boot.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Mariners as they could use more young pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good when it’s on, and that’s all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, but I see his make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres are in good shape in terms of their farm system, so they can conceivably go in any direction they'd like. Hassell is someone flying up draft boards due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, NC State: The Rockies could go in a number of directions here with their selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Angels land a possible steal here with Meyer. A former closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
11. Chicago White Sox- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The White Sox are a team that's a bit of an unknown in terms of what direction they'll likely go, but here I have them taking the talented college outfielder with Kjerstad. He is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Giants are an interesting team here with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a win for the Rangers as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick would make sense for the Phillies, who could use some young arms in their system and this is a local kid as well. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
16. Chicago Cubs- Mike Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): Another top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season is off the board here to the Cubs. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
17. Boston Red Sox- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: The Mets go with the talented college arm in Burns here. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command. Burns also has great pitching history in the SEC, which matters to a lot of scouts.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Brewers have perhaps the worst farm system in baseball and they need to nail this pick. Beeter is rising up draft boards due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Cardinals could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
22. Washington Nationals- JT Ginn, RHP, Mississippi State: Ginn was someone that was drafted a few years ago, but opted to go back to school. Blowing out his elbow and getting Tommy John Surgery is what perhaps cost Ginn to go in the top 10. The Nationals are a team that has a history of taking players with risks, so they continue that track record here.
23. Cleveland Indians- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Indians get themselves a steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Rays are in great shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Loftin is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Justin Foscue, Second Baseman, Mississippi State: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Foscue. He is someone that has a chance to be an impact hitter, but he is limited defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina: The Twins have options, but they go with a fascinating pitching prospect in Mlodzinski, who looked amazing in the Cape Cod league, but spotty versus better competition. He has shown flashes with a few good pitches in college, but this is what makes him a wild card in the draft.
28. New York Yankees- Austin Wells, Catcher/Outfielder, Arizona: The Yankees have been linked to college bats this draft season and here I have them snagging a versatile one in Wells. He shows good qualities as a backstop with a big arm and great leadership, but he struggles with breaking balls and doesn’t move particularly well.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Jordan Westburg, Third Baseman/Shortstop, Mississippi State: The Dodgers are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Westburg is super versatile and possesses above average power and speed, with a decent shot to stick at shortstop defensively to boot.
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