Athletics, Cubs 2015 draftees off to hot starts in minors

It’s been nearly a month since the 2015 MLB Draft, and by now, most of the high draft picks are signed and playing for the franchises that drafted them. (You can check signing bonus and minor league assignment updates here and here)

Of the 42 players taken in the first round and the Competitive Balance “A” round, only six are unsigned. Among the unsigned are No. 1 overall pick shortstop Dansby Swanson (Diamondbacks) and No. 24 overall pick pitcher Walker Buehler (Dodgers), both of College World Series runners-up Vanderbilt University. Also unsigned are; No. 14 overall pick Kolby Allard (P, Braves); No. 16 James Kaprielian (P, Yankees); No. 35 Kyle Funkhouser (P, Dodgers); and No. 40 Nathan Kirby (P, Brewers). Players and teams have until July 17 to sign a deal.

It’s very soon in their professional careers, but several top draftees are making early and loud statements about their potential. Here are some hot starts from the first round of the 2015 draft class:

OF Ian Happ: No. 9, Cubs; Class A Short Season
Happ has made an immediate display of his power potential. He is hitting .231 with a .400 on base percentage, .446 slugging percentage and four home runs, tied for second in the Northwest League. The University of Cincinnati prospect is on a slight cold streak after starting the season hitting .271/.419/.563 through July 2. Happ’s early production is reminiscent of another Cubs power prospect: Kris Bryant. Happ has drawn 19 walks and struck out 20 times in 19 games to go with his power.

OF Cornelius Randolph: No. 10, Phillies; Rookie Ball
Drafted as a shortstop, Randolph was quickly moved to the outfield, but that hasn’t affected his bat. Randolph is hitting .310/.423/.524 in 12 games in the Gulf Coast League. He entered play Wednesday with a seven-game hit streak where he went 9-for-25 with nine RBIs. Randolph already has six extra base hits, including a home run, in his 42 at bats.

Catcher Tyler Stephenson: No. 11, Reds; Rookie Ball
Stephenson is a highly-touted defensive catcher who figures to be one of the main attractions for the new-look Billings Mustangs. He definitely brought his bat with him, as he’s hitting .316/.400/.439 after a 2-for-4 performance yesterday that included a double. Stephenson also has shown encouraging plate discipline, drawing seven walks against 10 strikeouts.

Shortstop Richie Martin: No. 20, Athletics; Rookie Ball
Martin has only played six games, but he’s carried his momentum from playing well at the CWS into pro ball as he’s hitting .370/.433/.593. Martin hit .291/.399/.430 for the Florida Gators and was third on the team with six home runs.