There’s still over four months until the 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft gets underway on June 12, but with the college baseball season starting in two weeks, here’s how I see the first 10 picks of the MLB Draft playing out:
1. Minnesota Twins: Alex Faedo, RHP, Florida
A 6-foot-5, 220-pound righty, Faedo is a better pitcher than Florida left-hander A.J. Puk, who went sixth overall in the 2016 draft. Faedo’s best pitch is his plus slider. He also throws his fastball consistently in the mid-90s and has outstanding control. This fall he underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees, and scouts will keep a close eye on that this season.
2. Cincinnati Reds: Jeren Kendall, OF, Vanderbilt
Kendall is a true centerfielder with blazing speed and athleticism. He has five-tool potential written all over him. Some believe he is better than Corey Ray, who went fifth overall last year, and has a similar ceiling as Jackie Bradley Jr.
3. San Diego Padres: Hunter Greene, RHP, Notre Dame HS (Calif.)
A high school right-handed pitcher has never gone No. 1 overall, but Greene has scouts buzzing. Greene is an athletic 6-foot-3 prep pitcher that throws a mid-90s fastball, curveball and changeup. He also projects as a potential star at shortstop. While selecting and developing position players is less risky, expect a team to try him first on the mound. Greene is a UCLA commit.
4. Tampa Bay Rays: Kyle Wright, RHP, Vanderbilt
A 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander, Wright has a four-pitch mix, featuring a mid-90s fastball. Wright still has a lot of projection remaining, unlike most college arms, and he could have a shot at being the No. 1 overall pick due to his frontline starter potential.
5. Atlanta Braves: Tanner Houck, RHP, Missouri
After being selected in the 12th round of the 2014 draft by Toronto, Houck has developed into one of the top pitchers in the country during his time at Missouri. A 6-foot-5, 217-pound righty, Houck throws a mid-90s fastball, a wipeout slider and an improving changeup.
6. Oakland Athletics: J.B. Bukauskas, RHP, North Carolina
Bukauskas was a well-regarded prep prospect in 2014, but decided to attend college instead of signing a pro contract. While he is only 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Bukauskas throws a mid-90s fastball and a devastating curveball.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks: Royce Lewis, SS/OF, JSerra Catholic HS (Calif.)
Read my draft profile on Lewis here.
8. Philadelphia Phillies: Alex Lange, RHP, Louisiana State
Read my draft profile on Lange here.
9. Milwaukee Brewers: Brendan McKay, LHP/1B, Louisville
Read my draft profile on McKay here.
10. Los Angeles Angels: D.L. Hall Hall, LHP, Valdosta HS (Ga.)
A 6-foot-0, 190-pound hurler, Hall is the top prep left-hander in the 2017 MLB Draft class. Hall has a three-pitch mix, featuring two above average pitches in a low-90s fastball and a hard breaking curveball.
On the outside looking in: Jordon Adell, OF, Ballard HS (Ky.); Pavin Smith, 1B, Virginia; J.J. Schwarz, C, Florida; Jacob Heatherly, LHP, Cullman HS (Ala.); Hans Crouse, RHP, Dana Hills HS (Calif.).
Find more MLB Draft coverage here.
