Read my first MLB Draft feature story on talented prep outfielder Calvin Mitchell here.
In the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft, three prep outfielders from California went in the first-round. Calvin Mitchell is an intriguing prep outfielder from The Golden State, and although he might not hear his name called in the first-round, he’s a well-regarded prospect in this year’s draft class.
Regarded as the 76th-best prospect in June’s MLB Draft by MLB.com, Mitchell will likely hear his name called in the top three rounds.
A University of San Diego commit, Mitchell is one of the most advanced prep bats in the 2017 MLB Draft class. Hitting from the left side, Mitchell has a smooth swing and is known for consistently putting the ball in play, while using the entire field.
Mitchell is eager for the draft, which begins on June 12.
“When I was a freshman, sophomore and junior, the draft didn’t feel real,” Mitchell said. “Going into this season, it started to get to me. But I think I did a good job over the season letting the extra pressure of the draft get in the way of helping my team win ball games.”
To start the 2017 season, Mitchell got off to a sluggish start. In a five-game stretch this spring, Mitchell went 0-for-22. But in his high school team’s last 13 games to end the regular season, Mitchell hit over .500 with eight home runs and over 20 RBIs.
Some believe a reason for his offensive struggles was due to a change in his batting setup, but Mitchell said that isn’t accurate.
“I read that, and I didn’t really understand it,” Mitchell said. “I don’t think I made any major changes.”
Even though he had to face adversity this spring, Mitchell believes it will only help him in the long run.
“I’m glad I had these struggles before going into college ball or the pros,” Mitchell said. “These struggles are going to happen. I’m glad I got to experience and find out what I need to do to work through it and be successful.”
Find more MLB Draft coverage here.
