Prior to Monday’s draft, fans expected the Arizona Diamondbacks to select a hitter in the first round. Due to the team’s lack of depth in multiple positions, the front office also chose position players in its second and third pick.
The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t make anything cryptic. It was clear the front office sought middle-infield help in Monday’s MLB Draft.
And its action followed suit with its word.
After watching 24 teams pick ahead of it, Arizona took high-schooler Matt McLain. The youngster is the first middle infielder chosen by the Diamondbacks in the opening round since Dansby Swanson in 2015.
But fans shouldn’t worry about another borderline-egregious swap any time soon. Unless McLain languishes in the minors, he should remain a top prospect in the organization.
With the team’s lack of depth in these positions, it makes sense to retain young talent. Moreover, if McLain struggles at shortstop or second base, he has enough versatility to thrive in the outfield.
25. Diamondbacks: Matt McLain, ss, Beckman HS (Calif.) - Flew up boards this spring, some concern he may be a 2nd baseman long term but belief is that he can really hit and will have power as well. Potentially a versatile guy. #MLBDraft
— Brian Sakowski (@B_Sakowski_PG) June 5, 2018
Since Mike Hazen’s arrival in 2016, Arizona has welcomed multifaceted guys not limited to one position. Chris Owings and Daniel Descalso are two examples of this. However, surely the Diamondbacks hope McLain will blossom into an everyday starter.
Swanson earned that title – for a different team.
McLain rocketed up the prospect lists throughout the Spring, showcasing his pure hitting ability. He also added power to his toolbox, rather than just hitting for average. With an on-base percentage near .470, he’s got an opportunity to be a key contributor at the dish.
For a franchise that has produced little-to-no memorable players in its infield, it’s a start. Even the all-time leading middle infielders for the club – Orlando Hudson and Junior Spivey – have a combined three All-Star appearances.
Of course, it will take time for McLain to develop. But Arizona’s choice was a prototypical future player in its organization.
What about the team’s second and third picks?
It’s ironic that the Diamondbacks’ biggest strength is their pitching. Their staff had the worst ERA in the league just two years ago.
Nevertheless, a strong – and deep – pool of pitchers meant the club sought more offensive help in the draft. Hence, Arizona selected outfielders Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas in its following two picks.
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Essentially all of the club’s outfielders will be free agents by 2021. Therefore, the Diamondbacks are gaining a head start for a possible rebuild in the near future.
McCarthy exemplifies a new type of outfielder seen throughout college baseball. Rather than focusing on power, contact is more highly valued. That belief allowed Virginia to claim two regional appearances during his tenure there.
The choice is somewhat risky, considering McCarthy endured a broken wrist, sidelining him for much of 2018. However, McCarthy’s contact ability and discipline shouldn’t suffer too much, which makes him dangerous. He had more walks than strikeouts this year.
His blinding speed will be an asset for him as he develops. He was a perfect nine for nine in attempts in his final campaign.
Thomas is in a similar category as McCarthy. The high-school senior is a prized prospect because of his hitting ability and above-average speed.
Despite possessing some power, his versatility is what appealed to Arizona. Thomas played three different sports in high school, demonstrating his athleticism in each one.
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Much like McCarthy, Thomas’ fielding ability and mediocre arm can hinder his promise as a position player. However, unlike many draft prospects, Thomas will likely remain in center field despite his shoddy arm because he can cover ground.
He has an outside chance to become a starter for the Diamondbacks, who might not keep their primary center fielder after this year.