MLB Draft: Mock Draft, Version 1.0

3. Bart opened the season as an elite defensive catcher with definite plus skills behind the plate, a plus arm, and highly-regarded coachability in his receiving skills with some raw ability with the bat in his hand. His hitting this spring has him in such a spot that the Mets may sprint to the podium to get Bart with their catching issues up and down their system and Bart’s ability to move very quickly with his advanced defense.. C. Georgia Tech. Joey Bart. 6. player

In many places, Singer was the preseason top overall player in the draft class, and like <strong><a rel=. RHP. Florida. Brady Singer. 7. player. 127

Sandra Day O'Connor HS (AZ). Nolan Gorman. 8. player. 17. Gorman put on shows at summer showcases, making home run derby competitions his highlight reels all summer, but now that he’s working in the spring, some have whispered about his hit tool being messed up from a focus on showing out in those derby performances, seeing his swing elongate and even hitch. Gorman’s also added some muscle that he did not work into his body along with flexibility, so he’s become stronger, but more rigid, leading many to wonder about his future at third, though he’s definitely got the arm. Frankly, all this sounds like a Braves prospect tearing up the minor leagues right now in <strong><a rel=. 3B

96. Two years ago, the top college lefty in the draft ended up slipping right into the Athletics’ hands when Puk fell down the draft to the A’s at #9. McClanahan has had a bit of an up and down season as about the only college arm that’s had peaks as high as Mize, but he’s shown some wear as the season’s gone on, and, unless he turns around to the performances we were seeing in the early spring season, he’ll likely hold to a top 10 spot, but likely lower in the top 10, which will make whomever grabs him a very happy team. A three-headed lefty monster in the rotation of <strong><a rel=. LHP. South Florida. Shane McClanahan. 9. player

player. 4. An extremely mature body for a high school player, Rocker impressed summer showcases with his double-plus fastball and plus slider that has wicked break when it’s on. Some scouts worry about a bit of “bad weight”, but Rocker is athletic off the mound and repeats well, just working to be more consistent in his grips on pitches at this point. As one of the most physically impressive prospects in the entire MLB draft in 2018, it’d not surprise if Rocker went much earlier, but the Pirates would love his big arm in their development system.. RHP. North Oconee HS (GA). Kumar Rocker. 10

11. The Orioles have been pounding the pitching lately, but have been checking in heavy on hitting this spring, and with a number of their big players at the big league level ready to move on over the next couple of seasons, a player with elite talent like Swaggerty from the college level. Swaggerty is not the typical Orioles “see ball, bash ball” player, with plus speed at the least along with above-average power, a fringe-plus hit tool, and above-average outfield defense at all three outfield spots. He takes plenty of walks and could be an elite leadoff man that offered 15+ home run pop or better at his best or develop into a middle of the lineup guy who has an impressive OBP.. OF. South Alabama. Travis Swaggerty. 11. player

The Marlins have been pursuing high school arms without a lot of success lately, but if the draft fell this way, they’d likely stay in state to grab one of the biggest leapers this spring in the college class, arguably the most consistent Gator arm all season. Kowar has a nasty fastball that is one of the toughest to square up in college this spring, and he pairs it with a plus change that he locates very well. He’s worked to locate his curveball better this spring, though he still struggles a bit with consistency in the pitch’s break. He should move quickly through the Marlins’ system.. RHP. Florida. Jackson Kowar. 13. player. 82

Jonathan India. 14. player. 62. Under Jerry DiPoto, the Mariners have shown a preference for high-rising college hitters, and India absolutely fits that bill. Most assumed he’d be a later rounds pick that might have to come back for his senior year when the year opened in Gainesville. Instead, he’s hitting as well or better than any college hitter this year, showing tremendous polish in his swing, adjustments within game, and maintaining his above-average defense and speed that he’s always had. Some scouts have even been willing to put a plus raw grade on his power. However, much like last year’s selection Evan Whtie, India plays a position typically expected to offer premium power, and he does not have that to offer, which could be an issue in the end.. 3B. Florida

Denaburg fully healthy would have been a top 10 talent, so with the Rangers’ proclivity to the highest upside player available, Denaburg likely won’t fall past the Rangers if he was available. Denaburg is a very good kicker and punter in football, and he could play for Florida as well as playing both ways. When healthy, he has good feel for a hard curve and can reach upper 90s. There’s going to be some development time with Denaburg, but there’s legit frontline potential.. RHP/C. Merritt Island HS (FL). Mason Denaburg. 15. player. 95