In celebration of the release of MLB The Show 18, I will unveil my preliminary mock draft of the 2018 season. I do not know nearly as much about baseball prospects as the other two sports, so this exercise is more to familiarize myself with the 2018 crop and prepare for my CAP’s.
2018 MLB Draft – Round 1 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick | Team | Player | H/W | Hometown | Position |
| 1.Detroit Tigers |  |
Brady Singer, Florida | 6’5, 180 lbs | Eustis, FL | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: 5-0 record, 32 IP, 32 K, 5 BB, 1.97 ERA, 0.91 WHIP | |||||
| Brady Singer slightly struggled (by his standards) during his first few starts, but it has been business as usual since then. With a starting pitchers frame, an elite fastball/changeup combination and a lot of experience on a great team, he is still the odds on favorite to be drafted first overall by the Detriot Tigers, and should be a quick riser who could make his pro debut by late 2019. | |||||
| 2. San Francisco Giants |  |
Shane McClanahan, South Florida | 6’1, 170 lbs | Cape Coral, FL | LHP |
| 2018 Stats: 3-2 record, 34.2 IP, 61 K, 16 BB, 1.56 ERA, 0.91 WHIP | |||||
| Brady Singer is not the only elite pitcher out of the state of Florida. The best arm in all of college baseball may belong to Shane McClanahan. McClanahan is a strikeout machine, sporting an absurd 15+ K/9, numbers that are usually reserved for top notch closers. He still needs to clean up his control, but the ability to miss bats should help him hear is name called very quickly. | |||||
| 3. Philadelphia Phillies |  |
Ethan Hankins, Forsythe Central HS (GA) | 6’6, 200 lbs | Cumming, GA | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| The Phillies are not afraid to go after high school players with early picks, and Ethan Hankins may be the best prep player available. He is dealing with some shoulder issues, but has great size and a plethora of powerful pitches. | |||||
| 4. Chicago White Sox |  |
Matthew Liberatore, Mountain Ridge HS (AZ) | 6’5, 200 lbs | Peoria, AZ | LHP |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| This is shaping up to be a pitching heavy draft. Yet another rocket arm attached to a big, projectable frame, Matthew Liberatore has several solid pitches, and all were on display during the 18U US National Team, where he threw twelve shutout innings. The White Sox are hoping to build a young beast, and Liberatore will be yet another elite talent to add to the crew. | |||||
| 5. Cincinnati Reds |  |
Nolan Gorman, O’Connor HS (AZ) | 6’1, 210 lbs | Glendale, AZ | 3B |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| Nolan Gorman does play the same position as current Reds prospect Nick Senzel, but he is the top talent available and you figure out positions later. Gorman has 40 homerun per year potential, with the ability to walk and hit for average as well. As with most high school players, he will need to improve contact and cut down on strikeouts. | |||||
| 6. New York Mets |  |
Brice Turang, Santiago HS (CA) | 6’1, 165 lbs | Corona, CA | SS |
| 2018 Stats: Unknown | |||||
| The most talked about prospect in this class, Brice Turang has been on scout’s radars for years. Turang’s advancement stalled a bit last summer, but he should not fall too far down the board. He does a bit of everything well and should be a quality regular in time. | |||||
| 7. San Diego Padres |  |
Casey Mize, Auburn | 6’3, 208 lbs | Springville, AL | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: 5-0 record, 51 K, 3 BB, 1.93 ERA, 0.55 WHIP | |||||
| It is rare for a top college prospect to not go darfted after his high school career, but that is what happened with Casey Mize. No concern this time around, as Mize has the look of a top ten pick. He has walked 12 batters the past two years, so he clearly pounds the strike zone. He has dealt with some nagging injuries, but scouts are not overly concerned. The Padres are doing the rebuild right this time around, and Mize would add a quick moving arm to the league’s best farm system. | |||||
| 8. Atlanta Braves |  |
Nander De Sedas, Montverde Academy (FL) | 6’1, 190 lbs | Montverde, FL | SS |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| Nander De Sedas has honed his craft at the famed Montverde Academy, and has the ability to be a plus batter with nice power and the ability to hit at the top of the order thanks to a keen eye. The Braves have several quality middle infield prospects, but De Sedas future could be at third base, and there will be a spot for him. | |||||
| 9. Oakland Athletics |  |
Nick Madrigal, Oregon State | 5’7, 145 lbs | Elk Grove, CA | 2B/SS |
| 2018 Stats: 25 AB, .560 AVG, 1.473 OPS, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 2 SB | |||||
| Nick Madrigal looks like the type of player who would have been the star of the Moneyball book, so Billy Beane might be all over him. A diminutive terror, he was off to an absolutely torrid start before breaking his hand. There is a certain MVP in Houston who proves that height does not matter all that much, and Madrigal has the skill set to be a very good pro. | |||||
| 10. Pittsburgh Pirates |  |
Jarred Kelenic, Waukesha West HS (WI) | 6’1, 196 lbs | Waukesha, WI | OF |
| 2018 Stats: Unknown | |||||
| Jarred Kelenic is known as a mature, high contact left handed hitter who is also a nice defender. Right now he plays center field but may have to move to a corner spot. The Pirates have to start hitting on some first round picks; the team has gotten virtually nothing this decade. | |||||
| 11. Baltimore Orioles |  |
Logan Gilbert, Stetson | 6’5, 195 lbs | Apopka, FL | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: 42 IP, 60 K, 9 BB, 2.57 ERA, 0.79 WHIP | |||||
| Yet another talented college arm hailing from Central Florida, Logan Gilbert has been fantastic as a Junior and will hope to follow the paths of former Hatters Corey Kluber and Jacob deGrom. Gilbert pounds the strike zone, has a few solid pitches and fields his position well. | |||||
| 12. Toronto Blue Jays |  |
Kumar Rocker, North Oconee HS (GA) | 6’5, 250 lbs | Watkinsville, GA | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: Unknown | |||||
| The Blue Jays almost exclusively draft pitching in the first round and I expect that trend to continue. This time last year Kumar Rocker was thought of as a potential top three pick, but his star has faded a bit. He still has star potential. Built like the son of an ex-NFL player (Tracy Rocker), he is as powerful as you would expect. If he can clean up some issues he will be a starter; if not, a power reliever awaits. | |||||
| 13. Miami Marlins |  |
Jackson Kowar, Florida | 6’4, 170 lbs | Charlotte, NC | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: 3-1 record, 32 K, 11 BB, 3.16 ERA, 1.12 WHIP | |||||
| In what seems like a semi-annual tradition, the Marlins once again gutted the roster. Jackson Kowar is the best prospect available, and would help rebuild a terrible rotation. Kowar has top five talent, but has simply had an okay college career. He has improved a bad walk rate this year, and if he can continue to locate the ball better, could be a second or third starter in the majors. | |||||
| 14. Seattle Mariners |  |
Travis Swaggerty, South Alabama | 5’11, 180 lbs | Covington, LA | OF |
| 2018 Stats: .325 AVG, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 26 BB, 17 K, 3 SB, 1.102 OPS | |||||
| Travis Swaggerty is not the biggest or strongest, but he is simply a baseball player. Swaggerty has the ability to hit in the top two of the order, thanks to his great eye and speed. On top of that, he is a solid defender as well and could be able to hang in center field. | |||||
| 15. Texas Rangers |  |
Ryan Weathers, Loretto HS (TN) | 6’2, 210 lbs | Loretto, TN | LHP |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| The son of 19 year MLB veteran David Weathers, Ryan Weathers has an advanced pitching repritore for a prep hurler, though he does not have amazing velocity on his fastball. He is one of many top Vanderbilt recruits who could be drafted in the first round. | |||||
| 16. Tampa Bay Rays |  |
Ryan Rolison, Ole’ Miss | 6’2, 195 lbs | Franklin, OH | LHP |
| 2018 Stats: 3-2 record, 34 IP, 46 K, 15 BB, 2.88 ERA, 1.31 WHIP | |||||
| Ryan Rolison is only a sophomore, so he is still raw, but he has the stuff to be a top of the rotation starter. His command needs to improve if he wants to wind up a top ten pick, however. | |||||
| 17. Los Angeles Angels |  |
Carter Stewart, Eau Gallie HS (FL) | 6’6, 200 lbs | Melbourne, FL | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| With a tall frame, nice fastball and perhaps the best breaking ball in this entire class, Carter Stewart has scouts drooling. He plays multiple positions, but if he can focus on pitching and clean up some mistakes, he could be drafted higher than this in June. | |||||
| 18. Kansas City Royals |  |
Jeremy Eierman, Missouri State | 6’1, 195 lbs | Sedalia, MO | SS |
| 2018 Stats: .326 AVG, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 21 K, 13 BB, 11 SB, 1.053 OPS | |||||
| Jeremy Eierman will most likely follow former teammate and 2017 first round draft pick Jake Burger as the only Missouri State players to be selected in the first round. Eierman has the skills to hit at the top of the order, with a nice eye, good speed and sneaky power. He may not be able to stick at shortstop but has the look of a future third baseman. | |||||
| 19. St. Louis Cardinals |  |
Joey Bart, Georgia Tech | 6’3, 230 lbs | Buford, GA | C |
| 2018 Stats: 96 AB, .344 AVG, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 14 BB, 21 K | |||||
| The Cardinals already have the ageless Yadier Molina behind the plate, and Carson Kelly is waiting in the wings, but Joey Bart’s bat is too good to pass up here. A bit like Kyle Schwarber, he could be a decent defensive catcher but will likely move off the position to an outbrewfield spot or first base. | |||||
| 20. Minnesota Twins |  |
Will Banfield, Brookfield HS (GA) | 6’1, 208 lbs | Lawrenceville, GA | C |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| There is always risk (even more than other prospects) with high school catchers, because often the bat just does not develop. Will Banfield might be the best defensive catcher in this group, winning several defensive player of the year awards. He will definitely stick behind the batter defensively; hopefully for the Twins he can develop 10-15 homerun per year pop. | |||||
| 21. Milwaukee Brewers |  |
Konnor Pilkington, Mississippi State | 6’3, 255 lbs | Pascagoula, MS | LHP |
| 2018 Stats: 1-4 record, 41 IP, 54 K, 7 BB, 2.61 ERA, 1.09 WHIP | |||||
| Despite a 1-4 record, Konnor Pilkington has been the ultimate Bulldog for Mississippi State. He should be just fine as a starter, but if his conditioning wavers, the bullpen could be his destiny. | |||||
| 22. Colorado Rockies |  |
Seth Beer, Clemson | 6’2, 195 lbs | Maryville, IL | 1B |
| 2018 Stats: 88 AB, .273 BA, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 21 BB, 12 K, 1.021 OPS | |||||
| After a fantastic freshman season where he was the best player in college baseball, Seth Beer’s numbers have dipped a bit ever since. Beer should be able to hit plenty of homeruns and draw plenty of walks, but he might be limited to first base or designated hitter, which saps a lot of his value. The Rockies would love to find a young, left handed power hitter to pluck into the middle of the lineup. | |||||
| 23. New York Yankees |  |
Alec Bohm, Wichita State | 6’5, 240 lbs | Lincoln, NE | 3B |
| 2018 Stats: 87 AB, .356 BA, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 21 BB, 8 K, 1.172 OPS | |||||
| Alec Bohm definitely looks the part of a future Yankees slugger. Like Aaron Judge, he boasts a big frame with major power potential. He could boast a 1.000 OPS in his prime. Unfortunately, he is not much of a defender and might be delegated to first base or designated hitter. | |||||
| 24. Chicago Cubs |  |
Cole Wilcox, Heritage HS (GA) | 6’5, 220 | Chickamauga, GA | LHP |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| The Cubs brass leaned hard on pitching during that 2017 draft, and should do the same in 2018. Cole Wilcox has the talent and three pitch repretoire to be a top ten pick, but scouts are worried about a funky delivery that could cause future arm problems, which is worrisome for a high school pitcher. | |||||
| 25. Arizona Diamondbacks |  |
Greyson Jenista, Wichita State | 6’4, 200 lbs | Eudora, KS | OF |
| 2018 Stats: 82 AB, .317 BA, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 16 K, 27 BB, 6 SB, 1.026 OPS | |||||
| Greyson Jenista does not have the upside of Shockers teammate Eric Bohm, but scouts think he could be the better all around player. Jenista has the ability to hit at the top of the order and play solid defense in right field. | |||||
| 26. Boston Red Sox |  |
Mason Denaburg, Merritt Island HS (FL) | 6’3, 190 lbs | Merritt Island, FL | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| Mason Denaburg has talent, including two way ability, but might be tough to sign him away from his University of Florida committment (the football team is also interested in him as a punter/kicker). The Red Sox have the resources to get that done, and if so, they have a pitcher with a three pitch arsenel, including a 97 MPH fastball. | |||||
| 27. Washington Nationals |  |
Mike Siani, William Penn Charter (PA) | 6’1, 180 lbs | Glenside, PA | OF |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| Mike Siani is increbidly raw, but has the chance to be an exciting center fielder who can hit, run and play defense. The Nationals are deep enough that they can take a chance on a player who could never pan out (though you could say that about any player drafted every year.) | |||||
| 28. Houston Astros |  |
Tristan Pompey, Kentucky | 6’4, 200 lbs | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | OF |
| 2018 Stats: 78 AB, .346 BA, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 12 BB, 20 K, 3 SB, 1.046 OPS | |||||
| The younger brother of Blue Jays prospect Dalton, Tristan Pompey is thought to be a better prospect at this stage of his development. Pompey is still raw, but has a nice size/speed cobination and the ability to stick in center field defensively. | |||||
| 29. Cleveland Indians |  |
Sean Hjelle, Kentucky | 6’11, 215 lbs | Fridle, MN | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: 4-2 record, 43 IP, 3.32 ERA, 42 K, 9 BB, 1.02 WHIP | |||||
| If things do not work out in baseball, Sean Hjelle could always replace Kevin Love as starting power forward for the Cavaliers. If Hjelle makes the big leagues, he will join Jon Rauch as the tallest player in MLB history. Hjelle has worked hard to hone his craft and could stick as a starting pitcher. | |||||
| 30. Los Angeles Dodgers |  |
Dominic Pipkin | 6’4, 170 lbs | Pinole, CA | RHP |
| 2018 Stats: Unavailable | |||||
| Few teams are as good at developing youngsters as the Dodgers, so California native could spurn the Golden Bears for the Los Angeles organization. Pipkin has nice size and a frame that should add strength, as well as a solid three pitch arsenel. Scouts hope experience will clean up control issues. | |||||
Compensation Picks
31. Tampa Bay Rays – OF Steele Walker, Oklahoma
32. Tampa Bay Rays – SS Xavier Edwards, North Broward Prep (FL)
33. Kansas City Royals – RHP Mike Vasil, Boston College HS (MA)
34. Kansas City Royals – RHP Blaine Knight, Arkansas
35. Cleveland Indians – 1B Luken Baker, TCU
Competitive Balance Round A
36. Pittsburgh Pirates – OF Joe Gray Jr., Hattiesburg HS (MS)
37. Baltimore Orioles – RHP Cole Winn, Orange Lutheran HS (CA)
38. San Diego Padres – C Noah Naylor, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary (Canada)
39. Arizona Diamnodbacks – RHP Adam Kloffenstein, Magnolia HS (TX)
40. Kansas City Royals – OF Jake McCarthy, Virginia
41. Cleveland Indians – RHP Slade Cecconi, Trinity Prep (FL)
42. Colorado Rockies – LHP Tim Cate, Connecticut
43. St. Louis Cardinals – OF Connor Scott, Plant HS (FL)
Round 2
44. Detroit Tigers – OF Zach Watson, LSU
45. San Francisco Giants – RHP Austin Becker, Big Walnut HS (OH)
46. Chicago White Sox – C Anthony Seigler, Cartersville HS (GA)
47. Cincinnati Reds – RHP Nolan Kingham, Texas
48. New York Mets – RHP Matt Mercer, Oregon
49. Atlanta Braves – LHP Kris Bubic, UCLA
50. Oakland Athletics – SS Jeremiah Jackson, St. Lukes HS (AL)
51. Pittsburgh Pirates – RHP Landon Marceaux, Destrehan HS (LA)
52. Toronto Blue Jays – RHP Griffin Roberts, Wake Forest
53. Miami Marlins – OF Griffin Conine, Duke
54. Seattle Mariners – LHP Luke Bartnicki, Walton HS (GA)
55. Texas Rangers – RHP Colton Eastman, Cal State Fullerton
56. Tampa Bay Rays – OF Trevor Larnach, Oregon State
57. Los Angeles Angels – 3B Jordan Groshans, Magnolia HS (TX)
58. Kansas City Royals – RHP Adam Hill, South Carolina
59. Minnesota Twins – 3B Jonathan India, Florida
60. Milwaukee Brewers – RHP JT Ginn, Brandon HS (MS)
61. New York Yankees – RHP Jaden Hill, Ashdown HS (AR)
62. Chicago Cubs – RHP Braxton Ashcraft, Robinson HS (TX)
63. Arizona Diamondbacks – OF Alek Thomas, Mt. Carmel HS (IL)
64. Boston Red Sox – RHP Owen White, Jesse C Carson HS (NC)
65. Washington Nationals – RHP Sean Wymer, TCU
66. Houston Astros – OF Nick Decker, Seneca HS (NJ)
67. Cleveland Indians – OF Jake Mangum, Mississippi State
68. Los Angeles Dodgers – RHP Simeon Woods Richardson, Kempner HS (TX)
Competitive Balance Round B
69. Miami Marlins – RHP Steven Gingery, Texas Tech
70. Oakland Athletics – LHP Jonathan Childress, Forney HS (TX)
71. Tampa Bay Rays – LHP Daniel Lynch, Virginia
72. Cincinnati Reds – RHP Mitchell Kilkenny, Texas A&M
73. Milwaukee Brewers – C Cal Raleigh, Florida State
74. Minnesota Twins – RHP Lineras Torres Jr., Beacon HS (NY)
Compensation Picks
75. St. Louis Cardinals – SS Osiris Johnson, Encinal HS (CA)
76. Colorado Rockies – RHP Drew Rasmussen, Oregon State
77. Chicago Cubs – C Grant Koch, Arkansas
78. OF Max Marusak, Amarillo HS (TX)
