MLB Draft: Mock Draft, Version 1.0

Auburn. Casey Mize. 1. player. 63. This is basically academic at this point unless something catastrophic happens to Mize happens. It has been a number of years since we’ve seen a consensus top overall selection, but Mize is the top guy across all boards at this point, and it will take an injury of some variety for him to fall. Mize has always had the stuff, with three plus pitches, including a double plus split-finger, but health has held back his projection. Showing consistent health in 2018 has kept him #1 and should keep him here as a projection as a future #1/2 rotation piece with an impressive competitive streak.. RHP

Wichita State. Alec Bohm. 2. player. 31. In the eyes of many scouts, if anyone were to move Mize, it’d be Bohm. He has the offensive profile for third base, has shown a tick up in his defense, and he’s a hard worker at the position, which should serve him very well as a pro. The bat is special, however, with plus contact and raw double-plus power abilities that could allow him to be a future home run champion. The Giants just acquired <strong><a rel=. 3B

Really the one top high school arm coming into the spring that has held his spot all spring, Liberatore was the definite top of a shallow left-handed high school crop at the end o last summer, and he’s shown well enough that he has even led many to argue him as high as #2 overall. Liberatore does not bring any one double-plus pitch to the mix, but he throws four above-average pitches with impressive command for a high school arm, and he’s already showing the ability to manipulate his mix on the second time around to keep hitters off base. He’ll end up in the “next <strong><a rel=. LHP. Mountain Ridge HS (AZ). Matthew Liberatore. 3. player. 6

While there could be a legit argument that Madrigal is the best overall player in the draft, a player listed at a generous 5’7″ tall and weighing in at a generous 160 pounds isn’t going to be the type of guy who would go 1-1, even without Mize. As much progress as scouting has made to look beyond just body type to the player, that much bias still exists, much like the “no HS RHP will go 1-1” bias. If he makes it to 5, the Reds would be sprinting to the podium with visions of Madrigal and <strong><a rel=. SS/2B. Oregon State. Nick Madrigal. 5. player. 61

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

Brice Turang. 16. player. 21. One of the more divisive prospects among scouts, there is one thing everyone is in agreement on – Turang can flat-out field the ball. A certain above-average shortstop, and arguably a plus one, Turang is a hard worker and has natural leadership skills that have many comparing him on the field to former top overall selection <strong><a rel=. SS. Santiago HS (CA)

Ryan Rolison. 17. player. 102. After the Angels have stocked up their system with elite bats, they have been in on a number of arms after striking well with <strong><a rel=. LHP. Mississippi

7. Weathers has the pedigree, with a father who pitched for nearly 20 years, and the balance of pitches, with three above-average pitches and plus control, to be a high schooler who could move fast yet also factor at the front of a rotation. He was an excellent basketball player as well in high school, and the athleticism shows in his repeatable delivery and quick adaption to learning new pitches and new nuances to the game. Weathers could be an ideal rotation anchor for the future of the Royals in their current rebuild.. LHP. Loretto HS (TN). Ryan Weathers. 18. player

SS. Montverde Academy (FL). Nander De Sedas. 19. player. 32. De Sedas was one of the top prep prospects for the 2018 MLB draft coming out of last summer, but a less-than-impressive spring has seen him tumble down a number of boards due to concerns about how quickly his bat will be able to move, and if he will ever be able to hit at the pro level. With the glove, those questions definitely are not there, and that would certainly attract the Cardinals, who are finding defense to be a point in their system that has been lacking to some degree. De Sedas can pick it well at short and has enough arm to handle the position well.

20. player. 2. The Minnesota Twins have used the MLB draft and smart international signings to build up one of the brightest systems on the way up in the entire game. Seeing catching as the major need in the system along with elite arms, the Twins address one here with Rodriguez, a prototype Texas arm that has jumped forward in his senior year, flashing a double plus fastball, but also showing much more than just a fastball, as he does have four pitches that he can control with excellent downhill plane as he stays tall in his delivery from a 6’5″ frame.. RHP. Central Heights HS (TX). Grayson Rodriguez

Orange Lutheran HS (CA). Cole Winn. 21. player. 76. Winn had good frame and three pitches that would project plus as a prep from Colorado. He transferred to one of the biggest schools in California for baseball to get more exposure, and he’s certainly done that, with plenty of scouts seeing him throw weekly. The Brewers have featured hitters high the last few years, but with just one pick in the first 50 this season, they will likely go for a high school pick here and use their two second round picks to find bats that are falling among a deep college bat class.. RHP

22. player. 108. Interestingly, one of the focuses in the Colorado system over the last few years has been finding elite-level athletes on offense. That has allowed many of the top prospects to work at multiple positions due to their athleticism, and it’s meant that even corner outfielders have significant outfield range, an essential in spacious Coors Field. Not many have the run tool that Scott does in the 2018 MLB draft class, and he also flashes raw power that could be at least average, if not a tick above. Scott has a plus to double-plus arm on defense that just adds to his impressive range, though he could use some refinement in his jumps off the bat. With plenty of depth in the system, Scott will have the ability to develop, but also give the Rockies a player with elite-level talent that is perfectly suited to their ballpark.. OF. Plant HS (FL). Connor Scott

43. The Yankees liked Beck enough last year even with injury that they selected him in the 28th round, but they weren’t able to come to an agreement. He’s come back to Stanford and is showing the stuff that made him one of the best freshmen in the country in 2016. Beck has the frame and loose arm to project additional velocity, and he already shows great feel for a change and control of all three of his pitches. The Yankees have a history of taking guys just like Beck and seeing them blow up with additional velocity. Beck would be a big get for their system with more present stuff than most of their previous “blow up” candidates.. RHP. Stanford. Tristan Beck. 23. player

Stetson. Logan Gilbert. 24. player. 9. After building their major league core with young bats, the Cubs have been focusing on arms in recent drafts, and they would be getting one of the best all-around arms in the entire 2018 MLB draft here in Gilbert. With aces like Jacob deGom and <strong><a rel=. RHP

Hattiesburg HS (MS). Joe Gray. 25. player. 8. Gray may be suffering a bit of “prospect fatigue” this MLB draft season, as he has been on the radar for multiple seasons after being one of the best players in the country as a sophomore. Many see him as a cross between <strong><a rel=. OF

Vasil was a guy to watch this spring as he had an impressive pitch mix during the Tournament of Stars with USA Baseball. He has a definite plus fastball that can reach 97 with decent movement. He has above-average breaking pitches, but he’s still working to repeat his delivery, something many thought could be that launching step for a Northeast pitcher to jump into the top half of the first round. Instead, Vasil looked good in his first start, but left due to injury, and there are questions about the health of his elbow. However, there’s not a team in the league more suited to taking an “elbow injury” guy than the Nationals, so this could be Vasil’s floor, unless a surgery happens.. RHP. Boston College HS (MA). Mike Vasil. 27. player. 90

135. Groshans should be in a competition with his high school teammate Adam Kloffenstein to be the first player from his high school to be selected ahead of the 20th round. He’s the type of guy that really will grow on teams the more they see him as he doesn’t explode off of film when you watch him, without any standout tool that jumps off the page, but he’s got average to above-average present tools across the board with raw plus tools in his fielding and power. He’s played short in high school, but his physical body and range works at third, so once he gets reps there, he should jump forward in his defensive ability and could be a very valuable late first round selection.. 3B. Magnolia HS (TX). Jordan Groshans. 28. player

The Dodgers have been known for grabbing a guy who is falling too far with big-time upside. In this case, they grab the guy who literally can touch the ceiling. Hjelle has impressed all season at Kentucky, with the elite downward plane from his 6’11” frame allowing his low-90s fastball with a loose, easy delivery that has generated more velocity and could have more in the tank with pro coaching. Hjelle possesses a plus curve and another pair of above-average offspeed pitches and he controls everything very well, giving him a very high floor with some definite ability to project as a #2 starter that moves quickly.. RHP. Kentucky. Sean Hjelle. 30. player. 71

31. player. 21. One of two Kentucky players that could factor into the first round, Pompey has put together an impressive 2018 campaign to really push his stock up this spring. Pompey has excellent offensive skills across the board, with a plus contact tool, above-average power, and plus raw speed. He doesn’t access his speed well stealing bases, but does use it well in running bases. He’s definitely a left fieldier offensively, but he has tremendous control of the strike zone at the plate, which allows everything to play up.. OF. Kentucky. Tristan Pompey

C. Brookwood HS (GA). Will Banfield. 32. player. 21. If all teams were worried about with a catcher was behind the plate, Banfield would be a selection in the first 5-10 picks. His defensive abilities are unmatched in the high school class and more refined than many of the college backstops in the MLB draft. It’s offensively where teams are still not sold with Banfield. He has raw above-average power, but the ability to get to that power is in significant question, and he won’t bring anything running.

The idea of Hankins lasting until the 33rd pick in the 2018 MLB draft would have seemed ludicrous just 3 months ago, but a rough spring and an injury have put some questions on Hankins – enough to drop him out of the top 10 for sure. After that point, it could require a fairly significant bonus to get Hankins away from his Vanderbilt commitment, which could see Hankins slide to the back of the first round and especially to the comp round, where the Rays or Royals would both gladly pay what was needed to keep him out of school. His healthy repertoire features a double-plus fastball, three above-average offspeed pitches, and plus control. The Royals would love to walk away from the first day with a Hankins/Weathers right/left combo.. RHP. Forsyth Central HS (GA). Ethan Hankins. 33. player. 7

7. One of the most toolsy collegiate players, and also one of the youngest college players in the 2018 MLB draft, Hannah would be the type of upside selection the Royals could grab that would likely sign for less than slot but also would offer a very, very high ceiling. Hannah has an incredibly quick bat that projects to plus raw power, already has plus speed, and he is a plus fielder in spite of his below-average arm. Hannah’s size (5’9″, 185 pounds) will scare some teams off who may believe the power won’t fully develop in that frame, but watch him play, and there is plenty to like, even if he only develops to a guy who pounds the gaps and hits 10-15 home runs.. OF. Dallas Baptist. Jameson Hannah. 34. player