The 2017 MLB Draft begins on June 12 and teams will make difficult decisions when ranking prospects as they prepare their draft boards for the three-day event. One fascinating debate will come between prep outfielder Jo Adell and Austin Beck.
Both are well-regarded prospects with the potential to go in the top 10 picks of the 2017 MLB Draft.
At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Adell is a centerfielder with five-tool potential. He is an outstanding defender with above-average speed and arm strength. He also has enormous raw power offensively.
On opening day 2017, Adell’s biggest question mark was his ability to make consistent contact. Armed with a laser-like focus, Adell enhanced his plate discipline, striking out only nine times during his senior season this spring.
Adell is also an intriguing player on the mound, even though teams view him as an outfielder first. He’s a right-handed hurler with a three-pitch mix, featuring a mid-90s fastball, a slider and a changeup.
Beck didn’t participate on the showcase tour last summer, after suffering a left knee injury. But this spring, Beck has gone from being an under-the-radar-prospect to one of the top prep position players in the 2017 MLB Draft class.
A 5-foot-11, 175-pound centerfield, the right-handed hitter has extremely impressive bat speed with power to all-fields. Beck also has above-average speed and arm strength.
One concern scouts have about Beck is his little experience hitting with a wood bat against elite pitching.
Adell and Beck both present some risk, but also have the potential to develop into productive, all-star caliber players in the major leagues. Don’t be surprised if Adell and Beck go in the top 10 picks in the 2017 MLB Draft.
While evaluators can debate who the better prospect is between Adell and Beck, it will come down to what each team is looking for in a young, high-ceiling outfielder.
Find more 2017 MLB Draft coverage here.
