2017 MLB Mock Draft – Final Version
In this final MLB mock draft, Call to the Pen writer Benjamin Chase reviews as if he was the GM of each organization.
We at Call to the Pen have been offering plenty of MLB draft coverage over the last week. In this final edition, contributor Benjamin Chase covers two rounds of selections as if he were in the GM chair for each organization, based on what he has heard on each prospect over the course of the spring.
These will be who Ben would select, not who he believes the team would select. Therefore, there will be players that may go much earlier on Monday or Tuesday that will not be picked here for other reasons.
Monday evening there will be a live post on the draft where Ben will post analysis on each pick made. He’ll also be offering coverage on Tuesday and Wednesday on the draft. Let’s get started with this final mock!
1. Minnesota Twins
player. 2. The Twins brought in a new leader of the ship, but as far as the scouting department goes, it’s primarily the same crew that’s working the deck of that ship. I am picking Greene in this spot as a pitcher, of course, and the Twins have developed some depth in their upper level pitching in their system, so there is no rush to get any certain type of player here. With the rarity of a pitcher of not just Greene’s arm strength but also his athleticism, he is the certain selection here.. RHP/SS. Notre Dame HS (CA). Hunter Greene. 1
2. Cincinnati Reds
While the real Reds may choose McKay, I’m going to go for the guy who I can see with a more definite high-ceiling role. Wright doesn’t actually project as an “ace”, but he could be an excellent frontline starter that heads up a rotation or works well as a #2 for many teams with his balance of stuff and the ability to manipulate hitters. While the Reds system is loaded in high-upside bats that I really like, the arms with a legit chance to be high-upside as a starter are limited.. RHP. Vanderbilt University. Kyle Wright. 2. player. 61
3. San Diego Padres
There are plenty who believe Gore is not only the best athlete in the draft, but also the best pitcher in the draft. Some are concerned about his high leg kick and believe it is something that will throw him off going forward, but on the contrary, I actually think it seems to help set Gore on a direct path for the plate. His raw stuff is incredible, with mid-90s velocity that he can manipulate, feel for multiple off speed pitches that he can control, and he’s also handy with a bat as well, though he won’t be doing that as a pro.. LHP. Whiteville HS (NC). MacKenzie Gore. 3. player. 127
4. Tampa Bay Rays
Lewis has arguably the most upside of any player in the draft. He’s able to run at a ridiculously high rate along with the frame that should develop some legit power as well. Lewis has good bat to ball skills that should allow him to have a very solid offensive profile across the board. He’s been discussed as possibly working at shortstop as a pro, after that was in question early in the spring. Regardless, he will be able to stick up the middle defensively, so his offensive profile will be a huge asset for an up-the-middle position.. IF/OF. JSerra Catholic HS (CA). Royce Lewis. 4. player. 21
5. Atlanta Braves
player. 17. If I’m sitting in the Atlanta Braves GM spot, I’m staring down the top system in the game, flush with international signings and draft picks from 2016 and not a lot of room to put rookies this year. I’m going to load up with a few big-time potential guys early and/or injury guys, and then I’m cashing in on the senior sign crop, likely leaving little money for overslot deals in the 11-40 rounds. Adell fits that strategy well. He’s an incredible athlete, also one of the most impressive workers of the draft. 80-grade makeup with elite athleticism is a combination that I’d want to sign up for any day of the week.. OF. Ballard HS (KY). Jordon Adell. 5