With just over a month until the 2016 MLB First-Year Draft gets underway, there is still a lot of uncertainty on how the first round of the draft will play out. Here is my prediction on how the first 10 picks in June’s MLB Draft 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. Despite being suspend earlier in the year, Groome is clearly the No. 1 prospect due to his size, stuff and control.
2. Cincinnati Reds: 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 .338 with five home runs, 48 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 41 games this season.
3. Atlanta Braves: Corey Ray, OF, Louisville
In 40 games this season, Ray is hitting .314 with 11 home runs, 47 RBIs and 31 stolen bases. Find out more about Ray here.
4. Colorado Rockies: 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.
5. Milwaukee Brewers: 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.
Prep pitcher Riley Pint and shortstop Delvin Perez also have a shot at being selected by the Brewers. But, recently it appears that the Brewers are leaning towards selecting Rutherford if he’s still on the board.
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: A.J. Puk, LHP, Florida
A 6-foot-7, 230-pound lefty, Puk has been inconsistent this season. In nine starts, Puk is 2-2 with a 3.07 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched. If Puk can get things figured out and finish the season off strong, he has a shot at being selected as high as No. 2 by the Reds.
8. San Diego Padres: Kyle Lewis, OF, Mercer
In 42 games this season, Lewis is hitting .414 with 15 home runs and 57 RBIs. Find out more about Lewis here.
9. Detroit Tigers: Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Vanderbilt
A 6-foot-0, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, Sheffield is one of the top college arms in the 2016 MLB Draft class. In his first full season in the Vanderbilt starting rotation, Sheffield is 6-2 with a 2.54 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings.
Sheffield has a solid three-pitch mix, featuring a high-90s fastball, but some scouts are concerned about his durability due to his size and medical history.
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.
Over the last few months I’ve interviewed 30 of the top MLB Draft prospects. Read my profiles on these draft prospects here.
