2016 MLB Draft: Team-by-team tracker for the first 10 rounds – CBSSports.com
The first two days of baseball’s annual three-day amateur draft are now in the books. Rounds 1-2 of the 2016 draft took place Thursday night while rounds 3-10 took place Friday afternoon. The draft concludes with rounds 11-40 on Saturday. Yes, 40 rounds. The draft used to be 100 rounds, you know.
For the purposes of information and entertainment, below is a recap of each club’s draft haul to date. Keep in mind the bonus pool often dictates picks. Teams can not spend freely. They have a set bonus pool for the top 10 rounds — picks after the 10th round are capped at $100,000 bonuses, with any overages counting against the pool — and if they exceed the pool, they have to start forfeiting future first-round picks. No one wants to do that.
So, without further delay, here’s a quick overview of each team’s draft classes through the first 10 rounds.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Bonus Pool: $5,419,900
First pick: OF Anferee Greer, Auburn. Greer was a 39th-round pick out of high school and he improved his game tremendously in college. He has good bat speed and some power from the right side, though there are concerns about his propensity to swing and miss. Greer is a very good runner who is a ballhawk in center field. He has 30-30 potential if everything clicks, especially the ability to get the bat on the ball.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
Lot A | 39 | Anfernee Grier | OF | Auburn | AL |
2 | 52 | Andy Yerzy | C | York Mills Collegiate Institute, Toronto | ON |
3 | 89 | Jon Duplantier | RHP | Rice | TX |
4 | 119 | Curtis Taylor | RHP | British Columbia | BC |
5 | 149 | Joey Rose | 3B | Toms River (N.J.) North HS | NJ |
6 | 179 | Mack Lemieux | LHP | Palm Beach State (Fla.) JC | FL |
7 | 209 | Jordan Watson | LHP | Science and Arts of Oklahoma | OK |
8 | 239 | Ryan January | C | San Jacinto (Texas) JC | TX |
9 | 269 | Tommy Eveld | RHP | South Florida | FL |
10 | 299 | Stephen Smith | OF | Texas Tech | TX |
Analysis: The D-Backs did not have a first-round pick after signing Zack Greinke, though they did well by adding Greer’s upside and a potential bat-missing starter in Duplantier. Lemieux and Watson both have a history of racking up strikeouts — Lemieux is a power pitcher, Watson does it with a curve — and Eveld might be the most interesting player taken in the ninth round. He started playing baseball last year only after a knee injury ended his football career. He’s already up to 94 mph with a promising changeup despite his inexperience. Arizona went very heavy on college players for the second consecutive draft.
Atlanta Braves
Bonus Pool: $13,224,100
First pick: RHP Ian Anderson, Shenendehowa HS (NY). Missing a few weeks with an oblique injury this spring was not enough to keep Anderson out of the first round, though it did limit how often scouts could get their eyes on him. Anderson sits in the low-90s with his heater and folks expect him to eventually settle into the mid-90s once he adds some meat to his 6-foot-3, 170 lb. frame. His breaking ball is inconsistent and it’s at its best when he throws it hard like a slider. Anderson has a changeup as well, and he’s drawn raves for his aggressiveness and pitching know how. He’s committed to Vanderbilt.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 3 | Ian Anderson | RHP | Shenendehowa HS, Clifton Park | NY |
Lot A | 40 | Joey Wentz | LHP | Shawnee Mission East HS, Prairie Village | KS |
2 | 44 | Kyle Muller | LHP | Dallas Jesuit Prep | TX |
Lot B | 76 | Brett Cumberland | C | California | CA |
3 | 80 | Drew Harrington | LHP | Louisville | KY |
4 | 109 | Bryse Wilson | RHP | Orange HS, Hillsborough | NC |
5 | 139 | Jeremy Walker | RHP | Gardner-Webb | NC |
6 | 169 | Matt Gonzalez | 2B | Georgia Tech | GA |
7 | 199 | J.B. Moss | OF | Texas A&M | TX |
8 | 229 | Taylor Hyssong | LHP | UNC Wilmington | NC |
9 | 259 | Tyler Neslony | OF | Texas Tech | TX |
10 | 289 | Marcus Mooney | SS | South Carolina | SC |
Analysis: In Anderson, Wentz, and Muller, the Braves landed three of the best and highest-upside prep starters in the entire draft. They have a big bonus pool and they’re definitely using it to their advantage. Wilson also has a lot of potential, though he doesn’t offer much behind high-end velocity. Cumberland is rather interesting as a catcher who can rake. The question is whether he can catch.
The Braves have emphasized pitching during their rebuild and they’ve added even more through the first two days of the draft. They had the third-overall selection plus two extra lottery-round picks and they made them count. No team added as much high-upside pitching as Atlanta in the draft. The pitching rich got much richer.
Baltimore Orioles
Bonus Pool: $6,706,900
First pick: RHP Cody Sedlock, Illinois. A converted reliever, Sedlock is expected to become a professional starter. He projects to have four average or better pitches, led by a heavy sinker. Sedlock has the frame and delivery to handle a starter’s workload as well, and might benefit from the belief that he has a fresh arm. Whether you buy that or not, it’s not a surprise he didn’t go earlier than former teammate Tyler Jay, who went sixth overall in 2015.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 27 | Cody Sedlock | RHP | Illinois | IL |
2 | 54 | Keegan Akin | LHP | Western Michigan | MI |
2 | 69 | Matthias Dietz | RHP | John A. Logan (Ill.) JC | IL |
3 | 91 | Austin Hays | OF | Jacksonville | FL |
4 | 121 | Brenan Hanifee | RHP | Turner Ashby HS, Bridgewater | VA |
5 | 151 | Alexis Torres | SS | Angel David HS, San Juan, P.R. | |
6 | 181 | Tobias Myers | RHP | Winter Haven (Fla.) HS | FL |
7 | 211 | Preston Palmeiro | 1B | North Carolina State | NC |
8 | 241 | Ryan Moseley | RHP | Texas Tech | TX |
9 | 271 | Lucas Humpal | RHP | Texas State | TX |
10 | 301 | Cody Dube | RHP | Keene State (N.H.) | NH |
Analysis: The O’s did not have a first–round pick after signing Yovani Gallardo but they were still able to get a first round-caliber arm in Sedlock with a compensation pick at the end of the first. They followed with two other quality college arms in Akin and Dietz, and those three will help replenish a farm system that has been thinned out by injuries in recent years. Hays is an excellent sleeper as a well-rounded outfielder with power and defensive skills. Signing Torres would be a major coup as well since athletic shortstops are always in demand. Considering they didn’t have a high pick, the O’s should be pretty thrilled with the way the top 10 rounds shook out.
Boston Red Sox
Bonus Pool: $6,997,400
First pick: LHP Jason Groome, Barnegat HS (NJ). A short suspension for violating state transfer rules did not stop Groome from emerging as arguably the top high school pitcher in the draft this spring. He struck out 19 of 21 batters during an April no-hitter — those stats were wiped from the record books as a result of the transfer violation, though the game still happened — and showed a lively mid-90s fastball and a tight bat-missing curveball all season. His changeup lags behind his other two pitches. Groome is a big kid (6-foot-6, 220 lbs.) with a clean delivery and good athleticism, so he has true top of the rotation potential. He’s committed to Vanderbilt.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 12 | Jason Groome | LHP | Barnegat (N.J.) HS | NJ |
2 | 51 | C.J. Chatham | SS | Florida Atlantic | FL |
3 | 88 | Shaun Anderson | RHP | Florida | FL |
4 | 118 | Bobby Dalbec | 3B | Arizona | AZ |
5 | 148 | Mike Shawaryn | RHP | Maryland | MD |
6 | 178 | Steve Nogosek | RHP | Oregon | OR |
7 | 208 | Ryan Scott | OF | Arkansas-Little Rock | AR |
8 | 238 | Alan Marrero | C | International Baseball Academy, Ceiba, P.R. | |
9 | 268 | Matt McLean | OF | Texas-Arlington | TX |
10 | 298 | Santiago Espinal | SS | Miami-Dade JC | FL |
Analysis: Pretty much the entire draft is based on Groome. The southpaw was arguably the best player in the draft class, but bonus demands and some off-the-field concerns caused him to fall to the Red Sox at No. 12. He’s said to be seeking upwards of $6 million, so with a bonus pool that size, the BoSox had to go cheap with their other picks and get players they know they can sign below slow. They landed a quality college hitters in Chatham and an effective reliever in Anderson, but this draft is all about Groome. The Red Sox did what they had to do to free up money to sign him.
Chicago Cubs
Bonus Pool: $2,245,100
First pick: RHP Tom Hatch, Oklahoma State. Hatch missed the entire 2015 season with an elbow sprain and returned with no issues in 2016. He holds his low-90s velocity deep into starts and his hard slider will occasionally look like a put-away pitch. Hatch also has a changeup and fairly good command, making him a candidate to remain in the rotation long-term.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
3 | 104 | Tom Hatch | RHP | Oklahoma State | OK |
4 | 134 | Tyson Miller | RHP | California Baptist | CA |
5 | 164 | Bailey Clark | RHP | Duke | NC |
6 | 194 | Chad Hockin | RHP | Cal State Fullerton | CA |
7 | 224 | Michael Cruz | C | Bethune-Cookman | FL |
8 | 254 | Stephen Ridings | RHP | Haverford (Pa.) | PA |
9 | 284 | Duncan Robinson | RHP | Dartmouth | NH |
10 | 314 | Dakota Mekkes | RHP | Michigan State | MI |
Analysis: Because they sign John Lackey and Jason Heyward as free agents, the Cubs did not have a first or second round pick, and they have the smallest bonus pool in baseball. They did the best they could with the picks they had and went with a parade of risky arms with more upside than the typical college hurler. Hatch had the elbow injury, Miller is still growing into velocity, Clark has good stuff but an unorthodox delivery, and Hocken missed time with elbow soreness and academic issues. Chicago’s hands were tied this draft, so they did the best they could do and took some risks.
Chicago White Sox
Bonus Pool: $9,354,000
First pick: C Zack Collins, Miami. This draft class is light on impact college bats aside from Kyle Lewis and Corey Ray, and Collins just might be the next best hitter after those two. He’s a lefty hitter with an ultra-advanced approach, so he’ll take his walks if he doesn’t get something to hit. Collins has power, especially to the pull side, but he’s equally adept at taking a pitch the other way. Behind the plate Collins is a rough defender who doesn’t move or throw well. He’s either going to have to improve his receiving considerably to stick behind the plate, or move to first base. Either way, he’s a bat first player.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 10 | Zack Collins | C | Miami | FL |
1 | 26 | Zack Burdi | RHP | Louisville | KY |
2 | 49 | Alec Hansen | RHP | Oklahoma | OK |
3 | 86 | Alex Call | OF | Ball State | IN |
4 | 116 | Jameson Fisher | OF | Southeastern Louisiana | LA |
5 | 146 | Jimmy Lambert | RHP | Fresno State | CA |
6 | 176 | Luis Curbelo | SS | Cocoa (Fla.) HS | FL |
7 | 206 | Bernardo Flores | LHP | Southern California | CA |
8 | 236 | Nate Nolan | C | St. Mary’s | CA |
9 | 266 | Max Dutto | SS | Menlo (Calif.) | CA |
10 | 296 | Zach Remillard | 3B | Coastal Carolina | SC |
Analysis: The ChiSox had a very interesting draft. Collins was one of the best hitters available, and it seems he’ll be given every opportunity to remain behind the plate. Burdi is a hard-throwing reliever and could find his way to Chicago before the end of the season. Hansen was considered a possible No. 1 pick candidate but a lack of command and a forearm issue sabotaged his spring. They didn’t mess around. They went for talent that will move quickly. Keep an eye on Curbelo. He might not be a shortstop long-term, but he has power and a chance to be an excellent third base defender. Sixth-round picks rarely offer the kind of ability Curbelo brings to the table.
Cincinnati Reds
Bonus Pool: $13,923,700
First pick: 3B Nick Senzel, Tennessee. After going undrafted out of high school, Senzel is the highest drafted player in Tennessee history. (Todd Helton went eighth overall in 1995.) Senzel is a classic “safe” college bat with great stats — he hit .325/.456/.595 with eight homers, 25 steals, 40 walks, and 21 strikeouts in 57 games this spring — and solid tools. He’s a patient right-handed hitter who knows how to hammer mistakes, and his dominant showing in the Cape Cod League last summer (led the league with a .976 OPS) showed he can handle high-end pitching with a wood bat. The only real question is Senzel’s ultimate position. He’s played all over the infield for the Volunteers and has the arm for third, but he’s not particularly quick or smooth in the field, leading some to believe he’ll wind up at first base down the road.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 2 | Nick Senzel | 3B | Tennessee | TN |
Lot A | 35 | Taylor Trammell | OF | Mount Paran Christian School, Kennesaw | GA |
2 | 43 | Chris Okey | C | Clemson | SC |
3 | 79 | Nick Hanson | RHP | Prior Lake HS, Savage | MN |
4 | 108 | Scott Moss | LHP | Florida | FL |
5 | 138 | Ryan Hendrix | RHP | Texas A&M | TX |
6 | 168 | Tyler Mondile | RHP | Gloucester Catholic HS, Gloucester City | NJ |
7 | 198 | Andy Cox | LHP | Tennessee | TN |
8 | 228 | John Sansone | 2B | Florida State | FL |
9 | 258 | Alex Webb | RHP | British Columbia | BC |
10 | 288 | Lucas Benenati | RHP | Kansas State | KS |
Analysis: No team had a larger bonus pool than the Reds, and boy are they going to spread it around. Senzel, Trammell, and Okey were all considered first-round talents, and late-rounders like Hanson and Mondile offer plenty of upside. Mondile was one of the hardest throwers in the draft. Cincinnati used their final five picks on college seniors to save money for other picks, yet they still landed three premium talents and plenty of depth. The Reds are in the middle of a deep rebuild and they landed themselves a heck of a lot of talent in the first two days of the draft.
Cleveland Indians
Bonus Pool: $7,343,000
First pick: OF Will Benson, The Westminster Schools (GA). A 6-foot-6, 220-pound outfielder who still hasn’t even turned 18, Benson is already a massive presence in the batter’s box. He’s left-handed and Baseball America has pegged him as having “arguably the best bat speed in the class.” They further offer up a Jason Heyward comp, though there are reportedly concerns about Benson’s hit tool. As for his power, speed and arm, he grades out very well and is hailed as an excellent all-around athlete. He’s committed to Duke, but is seen as signable.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 14 | Will Benson | OF | The Westminster Schools, Atlanta | GA |
2 | 55 | Nolan Jones | SS | Holy Ghost Prep, Bensalem | PA |
Lot B | 72 | Logan Ice | C | Oregon State | OR |
3 | 92 | Aaron Civale | RHP | Northeastern | MA |
4 | 122 | Shane Bieber | RHP | UC Santa Barbara | CA |
5 | 152 | Connor Capel | OF | Seven Lakes HS, Katy | TX |
6 | 182 | Ulysses Cantu | 3B | Boswell HS, Fort Worth | TX |
7 | 212 | Michael Tinsley | C | Kansas | KS |
8 | 242 | Andrew Lantrip | LHP | Houston | TX |
9 | 272 | Hosea Nelson | OF | Clarendon (Texas) JC | TX |
10 | 302 | Samad Taylor | SS | Corona (Calif.) HS | CA |
Analysis: The Indians are consistently one of the best drafting teams in baseball. Their best pick was not their first pick, as Jones has big time offensive upside and at one point was considered a candidate to go in the top 15 picks. They also landed two polished college arms (Civale and Bieber), two well-rounded players with A+ makeup (Capel and Tinsley), and one of the best second-tier high school hitters (Cantu). They get impact talent and quality depth, year after year after year. Cleveland drafts as well as any team in the game.
Colorado Rockies
Bonus Pool: $11,153,400
First pick: RHP Riley Pint, St. Thomas Aquinas HS (KS). Pint is the first Kansas high school pitcher to be selected in the first round since the Expos selected Brian Holman with the 16th-overall pick in 1983. Pint, an LSU commit, has topped 100 mph several times this spring and will usually live in the 95-98 mph range with his fastball. His hard curveball is a legitimate strikeout pitch. There is some effort in Pint’s delivery, which leads to concerns about his long-term command. The pure upside is enormous.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 4 | Riley Pint | RHP | St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Overland Park | KS |
Lot A | 38 | Robert Tyler | RHP | Georgia | GA |
2 | 45 | Ben Bowden | LHP | Vanderbilt | TN |
3 | 81 | Garrett Hampson | SS | Long Beach State | CA |
4 | 110 | Colton Welker | 3B | Douglas HS, Parkland | FL |
5 | 140 | Brian Serven | C | Arizona State | AZ |
6 | 170 | Willie Abreu | OF | Miami | FL |
7 | 200 | Reid Humphreys | RHP | Mississippi State | MS |
8 | 230 | Ty Culbreth | LHP | Texas | TX |
9 | 260 | Justin Calomeni | RHP | Cal Poly | CA |
10 | 290 | Vince Fernandez | OF | UC Riverside | CA |
Analysis: The Rockies are still trying to solve the mystery of pitching in Coors Field. This year the theme was big velocity. Pint was the hardest thrower in the draft class — he hit 102 mph several times this spring — Tyler routinely sits in the mid-90s, and Bowden is up to 95 mph with an extreme downhill plane. Humphreys is another one to watch. He works in the 93-95 mph range regularly.
Colorado also nabbed some premium position player talent thanks to their large draft pool. Hampson has great speed and projects to stick at shortstop, and Abreu combined enormous raw power with strong right field defense. The Rockies know how to develop position players. They’re still trying to figure out the arms, and the 2016 draft led them to a bunch of hard-throwers.
Detroit Tigers
Bonus Pool: $5,424,300
First pick: RHP Matt Manning, Sheldon HS (CA). At 6-foot-6 and 185 lbs., Manning is a classic high school projection pick. He has “now” stuff — low-to-mid-90s fastball and a hard curveball with feel for a changeup — and the hope is he will add velocity and power as he fills out that big frame. He’s a very good athlete with an advanced feel for pitching. Manning is the son of former NBA player Rich Manning, and he got a late start to his high school season this year because he’s a star basketball player as well. He’s committed to Loyola Marymount.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 9 | Matt Manning | RHP | Sheldon HS, Sacramento | CA |
4 | 115 | Kyle Funkhouser | RHP | Louisville | KY |
5 | 145 | Mark Ecker | RHP | Texas A&M | TX |
6 | 175 | Bryan Garcia | RHP | Miami | FL |
7 | 205 | Austin Sodders | LHP | UC Riverside | CA |
8 | 235 | Jacob Robson | OF | Mississippi State | MS |
9 | 265 | Daniel Pinero | SS | Virginia | VA |
10 | 295 | Sam Machonis | OF | Florida Southern | FL |
Analysis: It’s no surprise the Tigers went for a hard-thower who has the kind of frame that suggests he could throw even harder down the road. That’s been their thing for a long-time now. Detroit forfeited their second- and third-rounders to sign Jordan Zimmermann and Justin Upton — their first-round pick was protected from free agent compensation — though they were able to add a big name prospect in Funkhouser. He turned the Dodgers down as the 35th pick last year and had trouble with his command as a senior this spring, but the raw stuff is still there. There’s not much else to see here, but if Detroit can get Funkhouser back on track, he and Manning will give the team two first round talents from a draft in which they didn’t have a second or third round selection. Best case scenario for them.
Houston Astros
Bonus Pool: $3,293,006
First pick: RHP Forrest Whitley, Alamo Heights HS (TX). Whitley has everything you want to see in a high school pitching prospect. Size? Check. He’s 6-foot-7 and 225 lbs. Big fastball? Yep. He lives in the 93-97 mph range and can cut his fastball too. Out-pitch breaking ball? You bet. Whitley spins a tight low-80s curveball. Third pitch? He has that too in his changeup. Whitley checks just about every box. The only concerns here are body control and command. Like most pitchers his size, Whitley struggles to repeat his delivery and it prevents him from throwing strikes consistently. Everything else is top notch. Whitley is a Florida State recruit.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 17 | Forrest Whitley | RHP | Alamo Heights HS, San Antonio | TX |
2 | 61 | Ronnie Dawson | OF | Ohio State | OH |
3 | 97 | Jake Rogers | C | Tulane | LA |
4 | 127 | Brett Adcock | LHP | Michigan | MI |
5 | 157 | Abraham Toro | 3B | Seminole State (Okla.) JC | OK |
6 | 187 | Stephen Wrenn | OF | Georgia | GA |
7 | 217 | Tyler Buffet | RHP | Oklahoma State | OK |
8 | 247 | Nick Hernandez | RHP | Houston | TX |
9 | 277 | Ryan Hartman | LHP | Tennessee Wesleyan | TN |
10 | 307 | Dustin Hunt | RHP | Northeastern | MA |
Analysis: The Astros picked outside the top two for the first time since 2011, so I was curious to see how they would approach the draft. They landed a premium prep arm in Whitley before targeting elite tools; Dawson has huge power and Rogers was the best defensive catcher in the draft. He was arguably the best defender at any position, in fact. The late rounds brought mostly depth players. Whitley is a high-end talent. Houston’s ability to develop Dawson’s hit tool and Rogers’ bat will determine whether this draft goes down as good or great.
Kansas City Royals
Bonus Pool: $3,225,300
First pick: RHP A.J. Puckett, Pepperdine. Puckett has gone through some majority adversity in his life. He spent two weeks in a medically induced coma in high school following a car accident, yet his been able to overcome that and become a very good pitching prospect. Puckett can get his fastball into the mid-90s on occasion and he owns one of the best changeups in the draft class. His curveball is a nice third pitch as well.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
2 | 67 | A.J. Puckett | RHP | Pepperdine | CA |
3 | 103 | Khalil Lee | OF | Flint Hill School, Oakton | VA |
4 | 133 | Jace Vines | RHP | Texas A&M | TX |
5 | 163 | Nicky Lopez | SS | Creighton | NE |
6 | 193 | Cal Jones | OF | Dadeville (Ala.) HS | AL |
7 | 223 | Travis Eckert | RHP | Oregon State | OR |
8 | 253 | Chris DeVito | 1B | New Mexico | NM |
9 | 283 | Walker Sheller | RHP | Stetson | FL |
10 | 313 | Richard Lovelady | LHP | Kennesaw State | GA |
Analysis: The defending World Series champions had the second-smallest bonus pool in the draft after forfeiting their first-rounder to sign Ian Kennedy. Puckett is a solid prospect who is a bit of a project, and Lee has upside as a high-contact hitter with tremendous athleticism. Kansas City wasn’t in position to add much impact talent in the later rounds, so this draft will depend on Puckett improving his curve and Lee turning his raw tools into baseball skills.
Los Angeles Angels
Bonus Pool: $5,963,900
First pick: C Matt Thaiss, Virginia. Thaiss is one of the top collegiate hitters and backstops available, but that doesn’t mean he’s flawless. Both his arm and receiving skills are considered substandard, and that prompts concerns about his long-term viability behind the plate. Fortunately for Thaiss, his bat makes him an interesting prospect anyway. He’s excelled in a tough hitting environment throughout his collegiate career, and while he isn’t Kyle Schwarber, he could well hit enough to be valuable at another position, provided his defense doesn’t improve with pro instruction.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 16 | Matt Thaiss | C | Virginia | VA |
2 | 60 | Brandon Marsh | OF | Buford (Ga.) HS | GA |
3 | 96 | Nolan Williams | SS | Kansas City (no school) | KS |
4 | 126 | Chris Rodriguez | RHP | Pace (Fla.) HS | FL |
5 | 156 | Connor Justus | SS | Georgia Tech | GA |
6 | 186 | Cole Duensing | RHP | Blue Valley Northwest HS, Overland Park | KS |
7 | 216 | Jordan Zimmerman | 2B | Michigan State | MI |
8 | 246 | Troy Montgomery | OF | Ohio State | OH |
9 | 276 | Michael Barash | C | Texas A&M | TX |
10 | 306 | Andrew Vinson | RHP | Texas A&M | TX |
Analysis: A new GM means a shift in philosophy for the Angels. They took four high-school players with their first six picks after taking 17 total high-schoolers in four drafts under ex-GM Jerry Dipoto. Thaiss and Marsh, a potential five-tool player, instantly become the team’s two best prospects. Williams, Justus, and Zimmerman are all big-time up-the-middle athletes while Montgomery, Barash, and Vinson represent potential quick-to-the-majors talent. The Halos have the worst farm system in baseball by no small margin. They needed upside and talent, and they were able to add a little of both in the first two days of the 2016 draft.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Bonus Pool: $9,273,900
First pick: SS Gavin Lux, Indian Trail Academy (WI). Here’s a rare sight: a Wisconsin-born player who went in the first round. Lux has bloodlines going in his favor, as his uncle (Augie Schmidt) is a former No. 2 overall pick who currently serves as a collegiate coach. There’s more here than connections to a famous name, however. Lux can run and throw and field, and is expected to remain at shortstop for the long haul. If his bat can play average (or near it), then he’s a potential starter.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 20 | Gavin Lux | SS | Indian Trail HS, Kenosha | WI |
1 | 32 | Will Smith | C | Louisville | KY |
Lot A | 36 | Jordan Sheffield | RHP | Vanderbilt | TN |
2 | 65 | Mitchell White | RHP | Santa Clara | CA |
3 | 101 | Dustin May | RHP | Northwest HS, Justin | TX |
4 | 131 | D.J. Peters | OF | Western Nevada CC | NV |
5 | 161 | Devin Smeltzer | LHP | San Jacinto (Texas) JC | TX |
6 | 191 | Errol Robinson | SS | Mississippi | MS |
7 | 221 | Luke Raley | OF | Lake Erie (Ohio) | OH |
8 | 251 | Andre Scrubb | RHP | High Point | NC |
9 | 281 | Anthony Gonsolin | RHP | St. Mary’s | CA |
10 | 311 | Kevin LaChance | SS | Maryland-Baltimore County | MD |
Analysis: The Dodgers had two extra picks — one was compensation for failing to sign Kyle Funkhouser last year, the other was compensation for losing Zack Greinke — and one of the largest draft pools this year. Lux was one of the few long-term shortstops available and Smith was arguably the best two-way catcher in the class. Sheffield had the nastiest stuff among college arms too. Any extra pool savings figure to go to May, who registered off the charts fastball and curveball spin rates per PitchFX at the World Wood Bat Association World Championship last fall. I thought the Dodgers would try to spread their money around. Instead they went big with their top three picks and added some depth late.
Miami Marlins
Bonus Pool: $6,445,900
First pick: LHP Braxton Garrett, Florence HS (AL). Owner of one of the best breaking balls in the draft class, Garrett spins a devastating upper-70s curveball that seems allergic to bats. He can throw it for strikes or bury it in the dirt for a swing and miss too. Garrett sits anywhere from 88-95 mph with his fastball. He has a changeup but it is underdeveloped simply because he hasn’t needed it a whole lot. Garrett has good size (6-foot-3 and 190 lbs.) and a clean delivery, so he’s expected to add some velocity as he matures. As you might expect, he can fall in love with his curveball at times, which won’t fly at the next level. He’s one of the many impressive arms committed to Vanderbilt.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 7 | Braxton Garrett | LHP | Florence (Ala.) HS | AL |
3 | 84 | Thomas Jones | OF | Laurens (S.C.) HS | SC |
4 | 113 | Sean Reynolds | OF | Redondo Union HS, Redondo Beach | CA |
5 | 143 | Sam Perez | RHP | Missouri State | MO |
6 | 173 | Remey Reed | RHP | Oklahoma State | OK |
7 | 203 | Corey Bird | OF | Marshall | WV |
8 | 233 | Aaron Knapp | OF | California | CA |
9 | 263 | Jarrett Rindfleisch | C | Ball State | IN |
10 | 293 | Dylan Lee | LHP | Fresno State | CA |
Analysis: The Marlins are pretty darn good at developing arms, and Garrett was arguably the second-best lefty in the draft class behind Groome. Jones has top-of-the-line speed and quick-twitch athleticism, plus there is some power in his bat. Miami added some nice arms in Perez and Reed, the kind that could help before long. Reynolds has some great power potential too. Pretty typical Marlins draft haul. An electric arm (Garrett), an elite tool (Jones’ speed), and decent depth pieces.
Milwaukee Brewers
Bonus Pool: $9,364,300
First pick: OF Corey Ray, Louisville. Ray is the highest-drafted player in Louisville history, surpassing teammate Kyle Funkhouser, who did not sign with the Dodgers as the 35th overall pick in 2015. Ray has the draft’s best combination of hitting ability and athleticism. He sprays the ball to all fields with a sweet left-handed swing, though he has the most power when he pulls the ball to right. Add in a strong arm, above-average speed, and solid defensive chops in center and right fields, and you have an extremely well-rounded player who can hit almost anywhere in the lineup.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 5 | Corey Ray | OF | Louisville | KY |
2 | 46 | Lucas Erceg | 3B | Menlo (Calif.) | CA |
Lot B | 75 | Mario Feliciano | C | Beltran Baseball Academy, Florida, P.R. | |
3 | 82 | Braden Webb | RHP | South Carolina | SC |
4 | 111 | Corbin Burnes | RHP | St. Mary’s | CA |
5 | 141 | Zack Brown | RHP | Kentucky | KY |
6 | 171 | Payton Henry | C | Pleasant Grove (Utah) HS | UT |
7 | 201 | Daniel Brown | LHP | Mississippi State | MS |
8 | 231 | Francisco Thomas | SS | Osceola HS, Kissimmee | FL |
9 | 261 | Trey York | 2B | East Tennessee State | TN |
10 | 291 | Blake Fox | LHP | Rice | TX |
Analysis: Boy, did the Brewers have themselves a nice draft. Ray was the best power-speed player in the entire draft class and both Erceg and Feliciano are potential middle-of-the-order bats. Webb, Burnes, and Brown all have power stuff and the potential to miss bats as a starter. Brown could also have an impact soon out of the bullpen. The rebuilding Brew Crew adding a top notch talent in Ray and lots and lots of quality depth. They were able to balance risk with probability while going heavy on college players.
Minnesota Twins
Bonus Pool: $7,997,200
First pick: OF Alex Kirilloff, Plum HS (PA). Kirilloff is the highest-drafted high school player from the Pittsburgh area since the Pirates selected Neil Walker with the 11th pick in 2003. He’s a bat-first prospect with considerable raw power from the left side of the plate, though he has some swing and miss in his game and needs help refining his approach. Kirilloff is a good athlete who will likely settle into right field long-term, where his arm is well-suited. He’s committed to Liberty University.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 15 | Alex Kirilloff | OF | Plum HS, Pittsburgh | PA |
2 | 56 | Ben Rortvedt | C | Verona (Wis.) HS | WI |
Lot B | 73 | Jose Miranda | SS | Leadership Christian Academy, Guaynabo, P.R. | |
Lot B | 74 | Akil Baddoo | OF | Salem HS, Conyers | GA |
3 | 93 | Griffin Jax | RHP | Air Force | CO |
4 | 123 | Tom Hackimer | RHP | St. John’s | NY |
5 | 153 | Jordan Balazovic | RHP | St. Martin SS, Mississauga, Ont. | |
6 | 183 | Alex Schick | RHP | California | CA |
7 | 213 | Matt Albanese | OF | Bryant | RI |
8 | 243 | Shane Carrier | OF | Fullerton (Calif.) JC | CA |
9 | 273 | Mitchell Kranson | C | California | CA |
10 | 303 | Brandon Lopez | SS | Miami | FL |
Analysis: The Twins had some extra picks and they made some off-the-board selections in Rortvedt, Miranda, and Baddoo. Minnesota seemed to value their up-the-middle skills. Balazovic was a very interesting fifth-round pick because he already sits in the low-90s and has lots of room to fill out. The Twins have always prioritized up the middle players in the draft and they went very heavy on them early in the draft this year.
New York Mets
Bonus Pool: $7,578,000
First pick: RHP Justin Dunn, Boston College. Formerly a reliever, Dunn enjoyed a good enough run in the Eagles’ rotation to convince many he’s a long-term starter. His best assets are his lively fastball and, when he’s on, a surprisingly deep arsenal that could feature multiple average or better secondary offerings. Dunn still needs to improve his command and changeup, and it would be nice if one of his breaking balls turned into a legitimate out-pitch. Alas, the other big knock on Dunn is something he can’t improve: he’s listed at a slight 6-foot-2, 170 pounds. Nonetheless, expect whoever drafts him to give him plenty of opportunities to start.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 19 | Justin Dunn | RHP | Boston College | MA |
1 | 31 | Anthony Kay | LHP | Connecticut | CT |
2 | 64 | Peter Alonso | 1B | Florida | FL |
3 | 100 | Blake Tiberi | 3B | Louisville | KY |
4 | 130 | Michael Paez | SS | Coastal Carolina | SC |
5 | 160 | Colby Woodmansee | SS | Arizona State | AZ |
6 | 190 | Chris Viall | RHP | Stanford | CA |
7 | 220 | Austin McGeorge | RHP | Long Beach State | CA |
8 | 250 | Placido Torres | LHP | Tusculum (Tenn.) | TN |
9 | 280 | Colin Holderman | RHP | Heartland (Ill.) CC | IL |
10 | 310 | Gene Cone | OF | South Carolina | SC |
Analysis: The Mets drafted two local Long Island kids with their top picks. Dunn and Kay are both hard-throwers who have a chance to start, though many folks thing they both project better in relief. Alonso made some swing adjustments in the spring that unlocked some more power, and his ability to carry that over into pro ball could make this a very good draft haul for the Mets. Woodmansee is interesting if he can remain at the shortstop, but still, getting a utility player in the fifth round is pretty good value. This draft is going to depend on whether Dunn and Kay can hack it as starters long-term.
New York Yankees
Bonus Pool: $5,768,400
First pick: OF Blake Rutherford, Chaminade College Prep (CA). Rutherford is no stranger to the prospect scene. He’s been on the radar since his freshman year thanks to left-handed hit and power tools that both project to be above-average in the future. Rutherford also has good speed and a strong arm, though he’s viewed as a better fit for right field than center long-term. The only real knock on Rutherford is his age; he’ll be 19 when he graduates, making him one of the oldest high school players in the 2016 draft class. He’s committed to attend UCLA in the fall.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 18 | Blake Rutherford | OF | Chaminade College Prep HS, Canoga Park | CA |
2 | 62 | Nick Solak | 2B | Louisville | KY |
3 | 98 | Nolan Martinez | RHP | Culver City (Calif.) HS | CA |
4 | 128 | Nick Nelson | RHP | Gulf Coast State (Fla.) JC | FL |
5 | 158 | Dom Thompson-Williams | OF | South Carolina | SC |
6 | 188 | Brooks Kriske | RHP | Southern California | CA |
7 | 218 | Keith Skinner | C | North Florida | FL |
8 | 248 | Dalton Blaser | 1B | Cal State Fullerton | CA |
9 | 278 | Tim Lynch | 1B | Southern Mississippi | MS |
10 | 308 | Trevor Lane | LHP | Illinois-Chicago | IL |
Analysis: Rutherford was a possible top-five pick for most of the spring before bonus demands caused him to slip on draft day. The Yankees pounced, and the rest of their draft was designed to clear up draft pool space. Martinez is interesting because he has a good fastball and a clean delivery for a high school kid, otherwise the Yankees focused on players who will sign quickly and cheaply. They’ll need every dollar they can get to sign Rutherford, who is the kind of talent New York rarely has access to.
Oakland A’s
Bonus Pool: $9,883,500
First pick: LHP A.J. Puk, Florida. Most years a 6-foot-7 lefty who regularly flirts with 98-99 mph and has a knockout slider would be an easy call for the No. 1 pick. This year though, there has been some uncertainty surrounding Puk, first and foremost because he’s had an up and down college career. He’s also missed time with back spasms this spring. At his best, Puk looks like an ace, adding a good changeup to that fastball/slider combination. He fights his command like many pitchers his size, which is why on his worst days he struggles to find the zone and is unable to dominate. Puk has frontline starter stuff. There’s no doubt about that. He’s in need of some refinement before reaching the show, however.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 6 | A.J. Puk | LHP | Florida | FL |
Lot A | 37 | Daulton Jefferies | RHP | California | CA |
2 | 47 | Logan Shore | RHP | Florida | FL |
3 | 83 | Sean Murphy | C | Wright State | OH |
4 | 112 | Skylar Szynski | RHP | Penn HS, Mishawaka | IN |
5 | 142 | JaVon Shelby | 3B | Kentucky | KY |
6 | 172 | Brandon Bailey | RHP | Gonzaga | WA |
7 | 202 | Tyler Ramirez | OF | North Carolina | NC |
8 | 232 | Will Gilbert | LHP | North Carolina State | NC |
9 | 262 | Dalton Sawyer | LHP | Minnesota | MN |
10 | 292 | Mitchell Jordan | RHP | Stetson | FL |
Analysis: I can’t imagine the A’s expected Puk to fall into their laps. Southpaws with size (6-foot-7), big velocity (96-98 mph), and a wipeout breaking ball (slider) are always in high demand. Jefferies and Shore were two of the top-performing college starts in the nation this year, and while they lack high upside, they could get to the big leagues within a year or two. Most of the rest of their draft is loaded with solid college players. Puk’s the potential star. Jefferies and Shore are the depth pieces that a team like the A’s needs to develop on the cheap.
Philadelphia Phillies
Bonus Pool: $13,405,200
First pick: OF Mickey Moniak, La Costa Canyon HS (CA). In addition to having an outstanding baseball name, Moniak has been one of the biggest risers in the draft class over the last year. He went from decent prospect to potential No. 1 pick this spring thanks to a true five-tool skill set. Moniak’s worst tool is his throwing arm, which is about average. He projects to hit for both power and average long-term thanks to an easy lefty swing and a sound approach. Good speed and instincts make him a no-doubt center fielder as well. Few players in the draft offer similar upside and all-around ability. Moniak is committed to UCLA.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 1 | Mickey Moniak | OF | La Costa Canyon HS, Carlsbad | CA |
2 | 42 | Kevin Gowdy | RHP | Santa Barbara (Calif.) HS | CA |
3 | 78 | Cole Stobbe | SS | Millard West HS, Omaha | NE |
4 | 107 | JoJo Romero | LHP | Yavapai (Ariz.) JC | AZ |
5 | 137 | Cole Irvin | LHP | Oregon | OR |
6 | 167 | David Martinelli | OF | Dallas Baptist | TX |
7 | 197 | Henri Lartigue | C | Mississippi | MS |
8 | 227 | Grant Dyer | RHP | UCLA | CA |
9 | 257 | Blake Quinn | RHP | Cal State Fullerton | CA |
10 | 287 | Julian Garcia | RHP | Metro State (Colo.) | CO |
Analysis: The Phillies had the first-overall pick and a ton of draft pool space, so they were in excellent position heading into this draft. Moniak was the No. 1 pick, and he’s a potential five-tool threat. Gowdy offers power stuff and polish, and Stobbe combines big raw power with the defensive chops for the middle infield.
Those three alone would make this a good draft, but then the Phillies added two four-pitch lefties in Romero and Irvin, and a talented outfielder in Martinelli who improved by leaps and bounds over the last year. Boy, did Philadelphia import a ton of talent. They bought premium tools, athleticism, polish, and two-way ability. This is the kind of draft you’re supposed to have when you pick first and have a lot of money to spend.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Bonus Pool: $6,945,400
First pick: 3B Will Craig, Wake Forest. The old Moneyball quote “we’re not selling jeans here” applies to Craig. He’s listed at 6-foot-3 and 235 lbs. and has a thick lower half, which is why he’s expected to move across the diamond to first base when it’s all said and done. Craig can hit though. He has great bat speed from the right side and he projects to hit 25 or so homers annually at the big league level. Craig knows the strike zone well, so he has the skill set to hit for average, hit for power, and draw walks. His arm is good and his hands are solid in the field, though Craig lacks mobility, which is why he isn’t cut out for the hot corner long-term. He’s the first Wake Forest player taken in the first round since Allan Dykstra in 2008.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 22 | Will Craig | 3B | Wake Forest | NC |
Lot A | 41 | Nick Lodolo | LHP | Damien HS, La Verne | CA |
2 | 68 | Travis MacGregor | RHP | East Lake HS, Tarpon Springs | FL |
3 | 105 | Stephen Alemais | SS | Tulane | LA |
4 | 135 | Braeden Ogle | LHP | Jensen Beach (Fla.) HS | FL |
5 | 165 | Blake Cederlind | RHP | Merced (Calif.) JC | CA |
6 | 195 | Cam Vieaux | LHP | Michigan State | MI |
7 | 225 | Brent Gibbs | C | Central Arizona JC | AZ |
8 | 255 | Dylan Prohoroff | RHP | Cal State Fullerton | CA |
9 | 285 | Clark Eagan | OF | Arkansas | AR |
10 | 315 | Matt Anderson | RHP | Morehead State | KY |
Analysis: After years and years of picking high in the draft, the Pirates are now perennial contenders picking late in the first round. Behind Craig is the projectable Lodolo, who is going to be a long-term project. Most folks believe MacGregor was a bit of a reach, but the Pirates obviously believe in his athleticism and three-pitch mix. I’m a big fan of Alemais and I’m curious to see Pittsburgh allows him to go back to switch-hitter. (He batted right-handed exclusively this spring.) He has bat-to-ball skills and middle-of-the-diamond defensive chops. The Pirates earned the benefit of the doubt, though the MacGregor pick certainly raised some eyebrows.
San Diego Padres
Bonus Pool: $12,743,800
First pick: RHP Cal Quantrill, Stanford. Quantrill, the son of former big leaguer Paul Quantrill, has not thrown a single pitch this spring as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery. (He did work out for teams privately before the draft.) Prior to blowing out his elbow last spring Quantrill was the favorite to go first overall this year. When healthy, he offered four pitches that were already close to major league quality: low-90s fastball, curveball, slider, changeup. Quantrill located his heater well to both sides of the plate and he carries himself like a big leaguer on the mound. Teams no longer shy away from Tommy John surgery — within the last few years Brady Aiken, Jeff Hoffman, and Erick Fedde were all first round picks despite having their elbows rebuilt in the week prior to the draft — but it is an obvious risk.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 8 | Cal Quantrill | RHP | Stanford | CA |
1 | 24 | Hudson Sanchez | SS | Carroll HS, Southlake | TX |
1 | 25 | Eric Lauer | LHP | Kent State | OH |
2 | 48 | Buddy Reed | OF | Florida | FL |
Lot B | 71 | Reggie Lawson | RHP | Victor Valley HS, Victorville | CA |
3 | 85 | Mason Thompson | RHP | Round Rock (Texas) HS | TX |
4 | 114 | Joey Lucchesi | LHP | Southeast Missouri State | MO |
5 | 144 | Lake Bachar | RHP | Wisconsin-Whitewater | WI |
6 | 174 | Will Stillman | RHP | Wofford | SC |
7 | 204 | Dan Dallas | LHP | Canisius HS, Buffalo | NY |
8 | 234 | Ben Sheckler | LHP | Cornerstone (Mich.) | MI |
9 | 264 | Jesse Scholtens | RHP | Wright State | OH |
10 | 294 | Boomer White | 2B | Texas A&M | TX |
Analysis: The Padres had a confusing draft. Not bad, just confusing. They had extra picks after losing Justin Upton and Ian Kennedy to free agency, which meant a ton of bonus money. After the team took Quantrill — it’s widely assumed they cut a pre-draft below-slot deal with Quantrill, who was a candidate to go first overall before having Tommy John surgery last spring — everyone figured they spent big in the middle rounds.
That didn’t really happen though. Sanchez was a bit of a reach and both Lauer and Reed were drafted right away where they were expected to come off the board. San Diego seemed to pass on some higher upside talent with those two compensation picks. They did add upside in Lawson and Thompson, and I like Bachar because he has two breaking balls and good pitching know how, but this still feels like a bit of a missed opportunity for the Padres. I thought they’d do what the Braves did and grab whatever consensus first-rounders were on the board in the supplemental first round. It didn’t happen.
San Francisco Giants
Bonus Pool: $3,494,900
First pick: OF Bryan Reynolds, Vanderbilt. Reynolds is one of the best all-around college players in the draft class. He can do a little of everything. Hit for average, hit for power, run, play defense, you name it. The only significant knock on Reynolds is his propensity to swing and miss, which leads to concerns about his hit tool. Otherwise Reynolds is a well-rounded player who is going to help a team in a lot of ways.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
2 | 59 | Bryan Reynolds | OF | Vanderbilt | TN |
3 | 95 | Heath Quinn | OF | Samford | AL |
4 | 125 | Matt Krook | LHP | Oregon | OR |
5 | 155 | Ryan Howard | SS | Missouri | MO |
6 | 185 | Gio Brusa | OF | Pacific | CA |
7 | 215 | Garrett Williams | LHP | Oklahoma State | OK |
8 | 245 | Stephen Woods | RHP | Albany | NY |
9 | 275 | Caleb Baragar | LHP | Indiana | IN |
10 | 305 | Alex Bostic | LHP | Clemson | SC |
Analysis: For a team that did not have a first round pick — they forfeited it to sign Jeff Samardzija — wow, did the Giants have a great draft. Reynolds was a first-round talent who fell, probably because teams were overly concerned about his strikeout problems. Quinn is a big-time power threat with speed and good defensive skills too. Krook has first-round stuff and fifth-round control, and given San Francisco’s history of developing high-end starters, he seems to be in good hands. They had to go cheap with the rest of their picks just to make sure they could afford these three guys, but that doesn’t matter. They didn’t have a first-rounder and still landed three extremely promising players. Very nice work by the Giants.
Seattle Mariners
Bonus Pool: $7,136,000
First pick: OF Kyle Lewis, Mercer. The first player from Mercer ever selected in the first round, Lewis has the chance to be an even rarer specimen: a middle-of-the-order bat who can play center field. Tall and angular, Lewis combines impressive bat speed and leverage, a combination that could result in 20-plus home runs. The main concerns here are Lewis’ swing-and-miss tendencies — he’s overly willing to expand his zone — and his defensive home, since his present-day arm and range are closer to average than not. The good news is Lewis’ bat should still play if he’s forced to move to a corner.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 11 | Kyle Lewis | OF | Mercer | GA |
2 | 50 | Joe Rizzo | 3B | Oakton HS, Vienna | VA |
3 | 87 | Bryson Brigman | SS | San Diego | CA |
4 | 117 | Thomas Burrows | LHP | Alabama | AL |
5 | 147 | Donnie Walton | SS | Oklahoma State | OK |
6 | 177 | Brandon Miller | RHP | Millersville (Pa.) | PA |
7 | 207 | Matt Festa | RHP | East Stroudsburg (Pa.) | PA |
8 | 237 | Nick Zammarelli | 3B | Elon | NC |
9 | 267 | Jason Goldstein | C | Illinois | IL |
10 | 297 | David Greer | 3B | Arizona State | AZ |
Analysis: The Mariners have to be thrilled they were able to get Lewis, arguably the best hitter in the draft and a candidate to go first overall, with the No. 11 pick. Rizzo is a brute masher whose bat will play even if he has to move to first. Brigman is a solid two-way player at short and Burrows is a southpaw with good velocity. There’s not much to see in the later rounds, but when you land two offensive talents like Lewis and Rizzo, you had yourself a fine draft.
St. Louis Cardinals
Bonus Pool: $9,080,700
First pick: SS Delvin Perez, International Baseball Academy (PR). Perez is the first Puerto Rican player drafted in the true first round since the Astros made Carlos Correa the No. 1 overall selection in the 2012 draft. Perez is a long-term shortstop thanks to quick feet, soft hands, and easy velocity on his throws. His bat lags behind his glove, mostly because he’s still learning the strike zone and how to read spin. A right-handed hitter, Perez shows power in batting practice and has high-end bat speed. The tools are special, but he is quite raw. It’s worth noting Perez tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug before the draft, causing his stock to fall.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 23 | Delvin Perez | SS | International Baseball Academy, Ceiba, P.R. | |
1 | 33 | Dylan Carlson | OF | Elk Grove (Calif.) HS | CA |
1 | 34 | Dakota Hudson | RHP | Mississippi State | MS |
2 | 70 | Connor Jones | RHP | Virginia | VA |
3 | 106 | Zac Gallen | RHP | North Carolina | NC |
4 | 136 | Jeremy Martinez | C | Southern California | CA |
5 | 166 | Walker Robbins | OF | George County HS, Lucedale | MS |
6 | 196 | Tommy Edman | SS | Stanford | CA |
7 | 226 | Andrew Knizner | C | North Carolina State | NC |
8 | 256 | Sam Tewes | RHP | Wichita State | KS |
9 | 286 | Matt Fielder | OF | Minnesota | MN |
10 | 316 | Danny Hudzina | 3B | Western Kentucky | KY |
Analysis: The Cardinals are nothing if not opportunistic. Perez was a potential top-10 talent who slipped due to his failed PED test, but St. Louis pounced because the natural ability was too good. Hudson was arguably the second-best starter in the draft class behind Puk, and when he fell into their laps, they pounced. Jones was another guy expected to go in the first round, yet there he was in the second round for the Cardinals. Tewes is an excellent sleeper pick too. He slipped because he had Tommy John surgery in March, but, when healthy, he brings mid-90s heat and a put-away slider. The Cardinals sure know to draft, don’t they?
Tampa Bay Rays
Bonus Pool: $7,643,100
First pick: 3B Joshua Lowe, Pope HS (GA). Lowe is a legitimate prospect as both a pitcher and position player, though the consensus is he has a brighter future as a hitter. He’s a left-handed swinger with a quick bat and some of the biggest raw power in the draft class. Lowe also runs well and has the defensive tools for third base, including a strong arm. There’s some thought he could give center field a try. On the mound, Lowe pitches in the low-90s and shows feel for a slider and changeup. He’s committed to Florida State, where he would be allowed to both pitch and hit.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 13 | Josh Lowe | 3B | Pope HS, Marietta | GA |
2 | 53 | Ryan Boldt | OF | Nebraska | NE |
Lot B | 77 | Jake Fraley | OF | Louisiana State | LA |
3 | 90 | Austin Franklin | RHP | Paxton (Fla.) HS | FL |
4 | 120 | Easton McGee | RHP | Hopkinsville (Ky.) HS | KY |
5 | 150 | Mikey York | RHP | JC of Southern Nevada | NV |
6 | 180 | Zach Trageton | RHP | Faith Lutheran HS, Las Vegas | NV |
7 | 210 | J.D. Busfield | RHP | Loyola Marymount | CA |
8 | 240 | Kenny Rosenberg | LHP | Cal State Northridge | CA |
9 | 270 | Peter Bayer | RHP | Cal Poly Pomona | CA |
10 | 300 | Spencer Jones | RHP | Washington | WA |
Analysis: Many teams have a pretty set draft philosophy from year to year. Some prefer college players, others like high schoolers, some like guys who can hit over guys who can field, things like that. The Rays are not one of those teams. They’re all over the place. Lowe and Boldt are divisive prospects with a lot of offensive upside. Some folks don’t fully buy into their potential, however. Franklin has a big fastball and a promising breaking ball while McGee is all about command and control. Polar opposites basically. The Rays managed to nab themselves a little of everything during the first two days of the draft.
Texas Rangers
Bonus Pool: $3,293,006
First pick: LHP Cole Ragans, North Florida Christian HS. At 6-foot-3 and 190 lbs., Ragans has the kind of build scouts love. He repeats his delivery and throws three pitches for strikes: low-90s fastball, curveball, and changeup. Ragans locates well and has drawn praise for his pitching aptitude. He’s committed to Florida State.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 30 | Cole Ragans | LHP | North Florida Christian HS, Tallahassee | FL |
2 | 63 | Alex Speas | RHP | McEachern HS, Powder Springs | GA |
3 | 99 | Kole Enright | 3B | West Orange HS, Winter Garden | FL |
4 | 129 | Charles LeBlanc | SS | Pittsburgh | PA |
5 | 159 | Kyle Roberts | LHP | Henry Ford (Mich.) JC | MI |
6 | 189 | Kyle Cody | RHP | Kentucky | KY |
7 | 219 | Sam Huff | C | Arcadia HS, Phoenix | AZ |
8 | 249 | Tai Tiedemann | RHP | Long Beach CC | CA |
9 | 279 | Hever Bueno | RHP | Arizona State | AZ |
10 | 309 | Josh Merrigan | OF | Georgia-Gwinnett | GA |
Analysis: The Rangers do not mess around on draft day. They prioritize upside and say to hell with probability. Ragans is projectable and has three pitches, and Speas has a big fastball with a knockout curveball. Their late-round picks aren’t anything to write home about — Roberts is interesting as a bat-missing lefty who might wind up in the bullpen — because the team simply didn’t have much bonus money. They forfeited their rounder to sign Ian Desmond. Ragans and Speas are going to make this draft for Texas.
Toronto Blue Jays
Bonus Pool: $6,603,300
First pick: RHP T.J. Zeuch, Pittsburgh. The ace of a Pitt team that finished below .500, Zeuch still posted a 6-1 record with a 3.10 ERA this season. He struck out 74 in 69 2/3 innings. Zeuch was taken out of high school, but only in the 31st round, so he decided to head to school and he’s drastically improved his stock. The 6-foot-7 righty is obviously imposing on the hill. His fastball sits low-90s, but he’s said to have started to hit 97. He also works in a slider, curveball and changeup. He’s still projectable, but there’s big upside here.
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 21 | T.J. Zeuch | RHP | Pittsburgh | PA |
2 | 57 | J.B. Woodman | OF | Mississippi | MS |
2 | 66 | Bo Bichette | SS | Lakewood HS, St. Petersburg | FL |
3 | 102 | Zach Jackson | RHP | Arkansas | AR |
4 | 132 | Joshua Palacios | OF | Auburn | AL |
5 | 162 | Cavan Biggio | 2B | Notre Dame | IN |
6 | 192 | D.J. Daniels | OF | Fike HS, Wilson | NC |
7 | 222 | Andy Ravel | RHP | Kent State | OH |
8 | 252 | Kyle Weatherly | RHP | Grayson (Texas) CC | TX |
9 | 282 | Nick Hartman | RHP | Old Dominion | VA |
10 | 312 | Kirby Snead | LHP | Florida | FL |
Analysis: The Blue Jays definitely liked Woodman more than the rest of the industry — his swing-and-miss issues can be extreme at times — but they still landed two first-round talents in Zeuch and Bichette. Palacios combined left-handed power with center field-caliber defense to form an impressive package of tools as well. Toronto seems to have a knack for getting mid-range prospects to exceed their ceilings, and they brought in a nice variety of arms in rounds 7-10. Oh, and yes, Cavan Biggio is Craig’s son.
Washington Nationals
Bonus Pool: $5,538,400
First pick: 3B Carter Kieboom, Walton High School (GA). The Clemson commit is said to have good power and hit tools to go with a strong arm from third base (he’s actually been a shortstop in high school but he profiles as a third baseman in the pros). There are some good bloodlines here, as Kieboom’s brother (Spencer) plays in the Nationals system and yet another brother is playing for the University of Georgia. Carter is known as one of the best pure high school hitters in the draft, especially being singled out for his maturity at such a young age. Oh, and this is an awesome baseball name, no?
RND | PICK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | ST |
1 | 28 | Carter Kieboom | SS | Walton HS, Marietta | GA |
1 | 29 | Dane Dunning | RHP | Florida | FL |
2 | 58 | Sheldon Neuse | 3B | Oklahoma | OK |
3 | 94 | Jesus Luzardo | LHP | Douglas HS, Parkland | FL |
4 | 124 | Nick Banks | OF | Texas A&M | TX |
5 | 154 | Daniel Johnson | OF | New Mexico State | NM |
6 | 184 | Tres Barrera | C | Texas | TX |
7 | 214 | Jake Noll | 2B | Florida Gulf Coast | FL |
8 | 244 | A.J. Bogucki | RHP | North Carolina | NC |
9 | 274 | Joey Harris | C | Gonzaga | WA |
10 | 304 | Paul Panaccione | SS | Grand Canyon (Ariz.) | AZ |
Analysis: The Nationals have made it clear they are not scared away by Tommy John surgery — they selected both Lucas Giolito and Erick Fedde in the first round in recent years despite ligament damage — and that led them to Luzardo in 2016. He was a potential top-20 pick before blowing out his elbow and going under the knife this spring. It’s going to take seven figures to sign him, so Rounds 6-10 are filled with a bunch of players whole will sign below slot. But adding Luzardo to the upside of Kieboom and Dunning gives Washington the making of a very good draft class, especially since they didn’t have a first-round pick after signing Daniel Murphy.