With the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft two months away, teams are in the process of evaluating talent and figuring out which players they like.
It has been an unpredictable spring with players moving up and down draft boards. One player whose stock has taken a major hit is Oklahoma pitcher Alec Hansen. Regarded potentially as the No. 1 overall pick in January, Hansen has struggled to produce and his lack of consistency has hurt people’s perception of him.
There are still a few months until the MLB Draft gets underway, but it is quickly approaching. Here is my prediction on how the first 10 picks will go based on if the draft was today:
1. Philadelphia Phillies: Jason Groome, LHP, Barnegat (N.J.) HS
A 6-foot-6, 180-pound left-hander, Groome has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. He has a clean delivery that repeats well, while possessing a mid-90s fastball and solid secondary staff. Groome is clearly the No. 1 prospect due to his size, stuff and control.
2. Cincinnati Reds: A.J. Puk, LHP, Florida
A 6-foot-7, 230-pound lefty, Puk is off to a mediocre start to the 2016 college baseball season. In seven starts (29.1 innings), he is 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA, 36 strikeouts and 12 walks. Opposing batters are hitting .193 against him this year. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, his potential will play a factor in where he is selected.
3. Atlanta Braves: Corey Ray, OF, Louisville
In 27 games this season, Ray is hitting .336 with nine home runs, 35 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. Find out more about Ray here.
4. Colorado Rockies: Nick Senzel, 3B, Tennessee
Senzel was a productive player in his first two seasons at Tennessee, but after a strong performance in the prestigious Cape Cod League last summer, his stock rose considerably. Now a junior, Senzel is hitting .384 with four home run, 40 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 28 games this season.
5. Milwaukee Brewers: Riley Pint, RHP, St. Thomas Aquinas (Kan.) HS
No high school right-handed pitcher has gone No. 1 overall in the draft, but Pint has a shot. Find out more about Pint here.
6. Oakland Athletics: Delvin Perez, SS, International Baseball Academy (Ceiba, P.R.)
A 6-foot-3, 165-pound shortstop, Perez is known for his defense. He has all the makings of sticking at shortstop in the majors, possessing good speed, outstanding range and an above average arm. While, Perez has the traits to be successful defensively, he needs to develop more offensively to be a well-rounded player.
7. Miami Marlins: Blake Rutherford, OF, Chaminade (Calif.) College Prep
Rutherford has received attention dating back to his days as an underclassman in high school. A UCLA commit, Rutherford has an advanced feel at hitting from the left side of the plate with a smooth swing and decent raw power. He is also an above average runner.
8. San Diego Padres: Kyle Lewis, OF, Mercer
In 29 games this season, Lewis is hitting .426 with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs. Find out more about Lewis here.
9. Detroit Tigers: Dakota Hudson, RHP, Mississippi State
Hudson has shot up draft boards this spring. In seven starts (48.2 innings), he is 4-1 with a 0.92 ERA, 56 strikeouts and 18 walks. Find out more about Hudson here.
10. Chicago White Sox: Mickey Moniak, OF, La Costa Canyon (Calif.) HS
Moniak is one of the top prep position players in the 2016 MLB Draft. Find out more about Moniak here.
You can find more MLB Draft coverage here.
