MLB Mock Draft, Version 2.1

6. player. 96. Smith is in legit consideration for the Twins at #1 due to just how elite his bat is at the collegiate level this season. Smith is incredibly difficult to strike out, and he has very good control through the zone. While he doesn’t show big power now, he’s got the bat speed and physical power to project as a guy who could provide high average and 20+ home runs as a quick mover through the system. This is beginning to look like a floor for Smith as well, as he could go #1, #2, #4, or #6 for sure.. 1B. University of Virginia. Pavin Smith

JSerra Catholic HS (CA). Royce Lewis . 7. player. 8. The Diamondbacks love a raw athlete, and there may not be more raw athleticism in the draft this season than Lewis. He is a guy who has struggled compared to what some were expecting out of him this spring, but he does have a ton of talent that should play up the middle, whether that’s at SS, 2B, or CF in the end with his elite speed and power potential to go with it.. IF/OF

1B. Huntington Beach HS (CA). Nick Pratto . 8. player. 6. Pratto is a guy who has been getting a ton of buzz lately from scouts, some who view him as the absolute safest bat in the entire draft. While he’s only played 1B this season, much of that has been attributed to his team focusing on his arm and not wanting to get him hurt defensively by playing any more demanding a position defensively. Multiple scouts I’ve talked with have asserted that Pratto would handle a corner outfield spot very well, and his elite contact skills will certainly play no matter what position he’s playing.

With a number of teams seemingly backing off of Bukauskas because of his smaller stature, the Brewers would love to see him fall to this spot as he fits a development model they’ve worked with frequently as far as his raw stuff is concerned. Bukauskas certainly has the ability to develop as an elite reliever if he cannot start, as his best two pitches may be the best two-pitch mix of anyone in the draft.. RHP. University of North Carolina. J.B. Bukauskas . 9. player. 76

102. On a team with multiple pitchers that were picked in the first two rounds of the draft last season at Florida, Faedo was the guy most scouts raved about after sitting on a series for the Gators. He’s not put together the same level of season this year, but for the Angels, his college experience and possible double-plus slider along with a plus fastball will be enough to slot here.. RHP. University of Florida. Alex Faedo . 10. player