We are already a little less than two weeks away from the MLB draft, which will be held from July 9 to 11.
This therefore gives us the opportunity to once again reflect on the hopes of the next Major League Baseball auction.
The Pittsburgh Pirates got the first pick through the lottery system, while the Oakland A’s were the big losers in the draw, slipping to sixth. For their part, the Minnesota Twins made the biggest leap, moving from thirteenth to fifth.
So, without further ado, here is the third version of the MLB Passion Mock Draft, with the second version being released last May.
1 – Pirates: Paul Skenes, RHP, LSU
Just like his rise in this ranking, the right-handed gunner could move up the ranks very quickly within the Pirates minor levels, thanks in part to his fastball that can reach over 100 MPH and his devastating sliding ball. A pillar around which to build.
2 – Nationals: Dylan Crews, OF, LSU
Crews is arguably the best positional player in the crop. The Nationals will certainly not be disappointed to see him slip to second place, they who can quickly put him on the corners of their outfield, and this, even if they have depth in these positions.
3 – Tigers: Wyatt Langford, OF, Florida
Second best hitter in the auction, Langford can greatly help the Tigers who badly need offensive reinforcements. The powerful right-handed puncher terrorized opposing pitchers throughout the season that just ended.
4 – Rangers: Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick HS (NC)
Probably the best player coming out of the high-school, Jenkins can do it all on a baseball field. It is his versatility that puts him ahead of Max Clark in this ranking and that will serve him well in the higher ranks.
5 – Twins: Max Clark, OF, Franklin Community HS (IN)
Speaking of Max Clark, he brings up the rear of the top-5, but certainly shouldn’t come out. This happy mix between speed and power will allow him to help the Twins replenish their outfield, they who like to dip into the lake of Highschool.
6 – A’s: Kyle Teel, C, Virginia
7 – Reds: Rhett Lowder, RHP, Wake Forest
8 – Royals: Jacob Wilson, SS, Grand Canyon
9 – Rockies: Jacob Gonzalez, SS, Ole Miss
10 – Marlins: Chase Dollander, RHP, Tennessee
11 – Angels: Brayden Taylor, 2B/SS, TCU
12 – Diamondbacks: Noble Meyer, RHP, Jesuit HS (GOLD)
13 – Cubs: Arjun Nimmala, SS, Strawberry Crest HS (FL)
14 – Red Sox: Enrique Bradfield, OF, Vanderbilt
15 – White Sox: Matt Shaw, SS, Maryland
16 – Giants: Colin Houck, SS, Parkview HS (GA)
17 – Orioles: Nolan Schanuel, 1B, Florida Atlantic
18 – Brewers: Hurston Waldrep, RHP, Florida
19 – Rays: Tommy Troy, 2B/SS, Stanford
20 – Blue Jays: Blake Mitchell, C, Sinton HS
21 – Cardinals: Aidan Miller, 3B, JW Mitchell HS (FL)
22 – Mariners: Bryce Eldridge, 1B/RHP, Madison HS (VA)
23 – Guardians: Chase Davis, OF, Arizona
24 – Braves: Sammy Stafura, SS, Panas HS (NY)
25 – Padres: Colt Emerson, SS, John Glenn HS (OH)
26 – Yankees: Dillon Head, OF, Homewood Flossmoor HS (IL)
27 – Phillies: Thomas White, LHP, Phillips Academy (MA)
28 – Astros: Walker Martin, SS, Eaton HS (CO)
29 – Mariners: George Lombard Jr., SS/3B, Gulliver Prep (FL)
30 – Mariners: Kevin McGonigle, SS, Monsignor Bonner HS (PA)
31 – Rays: Yohandy Morales, 3B, Miami
32 – Mets: Brock Wilken, 3B, Wake Forest
33 – Brewers: Charlee Soto, RHP, Reborn Christian HS (FL)
34 – Twins: Travis Sykora, RHP, Round Rock HS (TX)
35 – Marlins: Mitch Jebb, SS, Michigan State
36 – Dodgers: Ralphy Velazquez, C/1B/OF, Huntington Beach
37 – Tigers: Adrian Santana, SS, Doral Academy HS (FL)
38 – Reds: Cam Johnson, LHP, IMG Academy
39 – A’s: Jack Hurley, OF, Virginia Tech
