2017 MLB Mock Draft, Version 6.1

4. Pittsburgh loves getting in a pitcher with raw tools and one elite pitch, so don’t be surprised if he’s still on the board if Bukauskas is actually the pick, but the Pirates have focused on college hitting this spring fairly heavy in their scouting travels. Smith would give the Pirates very possibly the most mature bat in the entire draft class with a very advanced approach.. 1B. University of Virginia. Pavin Smith. 12. player

Baz really has come into play from about #2 on to this spot in doing this particular mock draft. The Marlins would be getting an elite arm in Baz, with a fastball that can reach the upper 90s with good movement along with four secondary pitches – and that doesn’t include that he’s turned his four-seam fastball in his hand to offer a two-seam fastball on top of the cutter, change, slider, and curve he already throws with above-average command for a high school arm. Many have compared Baz to 2016 Atlanta Braves draft selection <strong><a rel=. RHP. Concordia Lutheran HS (TX). Shane Baz. 13. player. 82

White has jumped up the board significantly this spring in the eyes of many teams. He’s a rare player who is playing first base now and can play that at an elite level defensively but is athletic enough that he can handle center field in the outfield as well. White is definitely a hit over power guy, and many see him as a guy who is more likely to retire with a career major league .300 batting average than having ever hit 30 home runs in a single season. There is the raw build to develop more power, but how much that would affect his natural contact swing could come into play. Either way, he’d be a very good selection for the Royals here, who are staring at the departures of many players from their major league roster in the offseason and could use a guy who would be a fast mover through the system.. 1B. University of Kentucky. Evan White. 14. player. 7

135. The Astros might do a “happy dance” to see Bukauskas fall to this spot. They would love to get their hands on one of the top 4 college pitchers (Wright, McKay, Faedo, JB), and with a rough finish to the season, especially a tough regional start, Bukauskas has been rumored to be a guy who could slip some on draft day from a possible top 3 selection at points this spring. The Astros would love to get his elite fastball/slider combo into their system.. RHP. University of North Carolina. J.B. Bukauskas. 15. player