The 2023 MLB draft features plenty of talent and could end up being one of the deeper drafts in recent memory.
The high school class has some high-end position players with multiple prospects in the early mix to go in the first three picks of the draft. The depth of prep pitching is lacking compared to the position players. But some prep arms will likely improve their draft statuses throughout the summer as they pitch in front of scouts at showcase events.
The college class also is filled with talent, possessing two of the best players in the 2023 MLB draft class.
We are a year away from the draft so a lot could change between now and then. Below is a look at some top prep prospects in the 2023 MLB draft class.
Max Clark, OF, Franklin (Ind.) Community HS
Right now, Clark is the best prep player in the 2023 draft class. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound outfielder features a well-rounded toolset with the potential to be a five-tool player in pro ball.
Clark has a smooth left-handed swing with above-average bat speed that allows him to hit line drives to all parts of the field consistently. He has strong plate discipline and doesn’t swing and miss often. Defensively, the center fielder is an elite athlete with good instincts, moves well from gap to gap and boasts above-average arm strength.
Clark is an extremely exciting player and is in the mix to go first overall in 2023.
Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick (N.C.) HS
Jenkins isn’t too far behind Clark, with some scouts ranking Jenkins as the top prep prospect in the 2023 draft. Jenkins is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with an exciting ability to hit for average and power. He consistently barrels up pitches and does an excellent job using the opposite field. He also has strong plate discipline.
Defensively, Jenkins has all the attributes to remain in center field. He is athletic and displays strong instincts. He also has above-average arm strength.
Dylan Cupp, SS, Cedartown (Ga.) HS
Cupp is the top prep infielder in the 2023 draft class. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound shortstop has an advanced toolset with the skills to remain at shortstop long term.
Offensively, the right-handed hitter has notable bat speed and a strong understanding of the strike zone. He consistently squares up the baseball and uses the entire field. He flashes quality power potential.
Defensively, Cupp has the arm strength, athleticism, lateral movement and instincts to play shortstop in pro ball.
Thomas White, LHP, Phillips (Mass.) Academy
White’s size, pitch mix and smooth mechanics make him the top prep arm in the 2023 draft class. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound lefty uses a low-effort delivery to hit 96 mph with his fastball. His quality curveball serves as his strikeout pitch. White mixes in a slider and changeup, which both flash solid potential.
Kevin McGonigle, SS, Monsignor Bonner (Pa.) HS
McGonigle has performed well this year, especially recently in the PDP League. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound shortstop is a left-handed hitter who consistently has quality at-bats and hits the ball hard. He has a mature approach and strong plate discipline.
Defensively, McGonigle has strong instincts and defensive actions. He is athletic and has respectable arm strength. Some scouts believe McGonigle profiles better at second base long term.
Braden Holcomb, SS, Foundation (Fla.) Academy
Holcomb is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound shortstop with a well-balanced toolset. The right-handed hitter consistently puts together quality at-bats and boasts above-average raw power. Defensively, Holcomb will likely slide over to third base due to his size, where he has the above-average arm strength and athleticism to play the position at a high level.
Aidan Miller, 3B, JW Mitchell (Fla.) HS
Miller is a 6-foot-2, 220-pound third baseman with a notable combination of athleticism and strength. The right-handed hitter has excellent bat speed with huge power potential. He has a proven track record of hitting premium pitching. Defensively, Miller is a sound defensive player with a strong arm and range to both sides.
Campbell Smithwick, C, Oxford (Miss.) HS
Smithwick has the skills and upside scouts seek from a prep catcher. The 6-foot, 185-pound backstop is an exciting player with a smooth left-handed swing that allows him to drive the ball to all parts of the field consistently. He has a mature approach and a strong understanding of the strike zone.
Defensively, Smithwick has the skills to remain behind the plate long term. He possesses quality athleticism, quick feet, and a strong and accurate arm. His skillset makes it difficult for baserunners to steal on him.
Aidan Keenan, RHP, Live Oak (Calif.) HS
Over the last year, Keenan has developed into one of the top prep pitchers in the 2023 draft class. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound righty boasts a high-end pitch mix with plenty of potential remaining in the tank. Keenan throws a low-to-mid-90s fastball from a long arm action and three-quarters arm slot. His curveball generates swings and misses to serve as his outpitch.
Blake Mitchell, C, Sinton (Texas) HS
Mitchell is an intriguing two-way prospect, as he also pitches, but profiles better behind the plate long term. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound left-handed hitting catcher consistently squares up the baseball and boasts significant raw power. Defensively, Mitchell has solid receiving skills, quality athleticism and above-average arm strength.
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Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for eight years. He has interviewed 433 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
