MLB Mock Draft, Version 2.1

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

With the draft just over one month away, a second look at the upcoming MLB draft is in order.

Before we get started with this MLB mock draft, a few things:
– These are the selections of the writer, based on discussions with scouts and team officials in the game. However, they are not to be viewed as a prediction, but an idea of the direction a team could go in the given scenario presented.
– Players moving up or down is not necessarily an indication of a player’s stock rising or falling. The player is assigned based on a fit, and sometimes that can mean a player moves 10 or more spots in the draft.

1. Minnesota Twins

1

Brendan McKay

1B/LHP, University of Louisville

The Twins are still heavily considering a number of options at 1-1, including McKay, Greene, Wright, Smith, Faedo, and a number of others as well. McKay continues to put up near video game numbers this season with the spotlight heavily on him since day one of the season. His ceiling might not be that of some, but there are those who believe he’s a future major leaguer either off the mound or as a 1B.

2. Cincinnati Reds

Delvin Perez as an option at #2 overall last year before a positive PED test caused him to fall in the draft. The team is heavily in on McKay, and if Greene is going to say he will not be signing with Cincinnati, the team could pivot to arguably the best athlete in the entire draft. On top of that, Adell comes from the Reds’ backyard, going to high school in nearby Kentucky." >

2

Jordon Adell

OF, Ballard HS (KY)

While the Reds are known for their interest in college players, they also were very interested in shortstop Delvin Perez as an option at #2 overall last year before a positive PED test caused him to fall in the draft. The team is heavily in on McKay, and if Greene is going to say he will not be signing with Cincinnati, the team could pivot to arguably the best athlete in the entire draft. On top of that, Adell comes from the Reds’ backyard, going to high school in nearby Kentucky.

3. San Diego Padres

3

Hunter Greene

RHP/SS, Notre Dame HS (CA)

Padres GM A.J. Preller is going to target the absolute highest ceiling that he can possibly get, and having it be arguably the best overall talent in the draft from their own back yard would be a home run selection. Greene is a guy with an electric arm off the mound and enough bat to be a top 15 pick as well. The Padres could be patient with their star young player, allowing him to choose between hitting or pitching and taking time as they know they are in a long-term rebuild.

4. Tampa Bay Rays

4

Kyle Wright

RHP, Vanderbilt University

This is becoming more and more likely the floor for Wright. As he continues to put forth tremendous performances for Vanderbilt after a rough opening to his 2017, Wright has regained his status among the elite in the class, and he could very well end up #1 overall.

5. Atlanta Braves

5

MacKenzie Gore

LHP, Whiteville HS (NC)

It is getting to be near certain early that McKay, Greene, and Wright are etched into the top 5 selections, but all three very likely will be off the board before the Braves select, so they will be in a position of reacting to who is left on the board at #5. Gore is a definite Braves interest as a guy who is one of the most athletic players in the entire draft and is a very talented young lefty.