2017 MLB Mock Draft, Version 3.1

Pavin Smith . 12. player. 4. It would surprise nearly no one within “the industry” if Smith is long gone by this point, and yet he could also fall a few more picks. Such is the volatility of the college first baseman in the modern draft. Without heavy experience in the outfield, teams will struggle to project him in a corner outfield role, and modern college first basemen have had a very mixed track record, even ones with Smith’s elite hit tool. Smith does have the best pure hit tool in the draft, however, and it would not be surprising if he ends up the target of a team even in the top 5 due to his excellent eye and controlled swing. Within the Pirates system, Smith would find himself able to move quickly to challenge for the first base job at the big league level.. 1B. University of Virginia

13. player. 82. Carlson is the guy who could have an <strong><a rel=. RHP. Burnsville HS (MN). Sam Carlson

University of North Carolina. J.B. Bukauskas . 14. player. 7. Very possibly the best-performing collegiate arm this spring, Bukauskas has concerns regarding his small stature being able to hold up as a starter. Of course teams only have to look to starters like <strong><a rel=. RHP

player. 135. One of the current risers in the draft, Rogers has the ideal size you’d want in a projectable pitcher at 6’6″ and 185 pounds. He is one of the older pitchers in the class, and he was initially projected much lower due to that and the lack of true refinement in his pitches, but he’s come out this spring after a very good showing in the summer showcases to put up easy 95 on his fastball with a repeatable delivery from his tall frame, something not exactly common from a tall high school arm, especially a lefty. His slider has been showing two looks, one with a sharp, distinct break, and the other more of a sweeping style, akin to what <strong><a rel=. LHP. Carlsbad HS (NM). Trevor Rogers . 15