The 2013 MLB draft is now less than a month away with the first round to be held on June 6. This is the sixth in a series of prep players who have impressed recently, either improving their stock, or proving the hype is for real. Here are 10 players, in no particular order, whose stock is on the rise:
Tyler Danish, RHP, Durant HS (FL)
The historic season continues for the 6’-1” right-hander as he tossed another shutout on May 7, striking out 14 to three walks. He now has gone 83 innings without allowing an earned run with 141 K/15 BB and just 28 hits allowed. His fastball has been clocked at 95 mph this season with late life and movement and his offspeed stuff is already above-average. He also stars at the plate, hitting .392 on the season with seven home runs, 24 RBI and a .515 OBP/.696 SLG. Committed to Florida.
Clinton Hollon, RHP, Woodford County HS (KY)
On May 7, the 6’-1” right-hander needed just 87 pitches to toss a seven inning no-hitter. He struck out 11 to one walk and now has a 0.96 ERA, 0.62 WHIP and 68 K/11 BB over 47 innings, allowing just 18 hits. He features a low/mid-90s fastball and both his curveball and change-up are already considered above-average pitches. Committed to Kentucky.
Denton Keys, LHP, Rye HS (CO)
The 6’-3” southpaw tossed a five inning no-hitter on May 7 striking out 13 to no walks. He now has a ridiculous 85 K/5 BB over 33 scoreless innings, allowing just six hits. His 23.2 K/9 ratio shows how overpowering he is even if his competition has been very weak. His fastball sits in the 88-91 range and he adds solid breaking stuff. He will definitely get a lot of looks before the 2013 MLB draft by scouts to see how he projects. Committed to Kansas.
Ivan Wilson, OF, Ruston HS (LA)
The 6’-3”, 220-pound right-hander smacked three home runs on May 6. Over his last seven games, he is hitting .423 with three doubles, a triple, four home runs, 11 RBI and a .531 OBP/1.077 SLG. He didn’t show a lot of power over his first 22 games with just one home run, but with his size and quick wrists, it is going to come fast. Also runs a 6.72/60, showing very good speed for his size.
J.P. Crawford, SS, Lakewood HS (CA)
Arguably the best overall shortstop in the 2013 MLB draft, the 6’-2” left-hander has been showing off his great offensive upside as an on-base machine with a great approach at the plate and excellent bat speed. Over his last 12 games, he is hitting .571 with six extra-base hits, eight stolen bases and has drawn nine walks without a strikeout for a .667 OBP/.829 SLG. His strong arm, speed and instincts will allow him to remain at a premium position. Committed to USC.
Wesley Jones, SS, Redan HS (GA)
A very good all-around athlete, the 6’-2” right-hander has a strong enough arm (89 mph) and speed (6.90/60) to remain at shortstop. He makes consistent contact and has a very good approach at the plate with developing power. Over his last 10 games, he is hitting .483 with three doubles, two home runs, 18 RBI and has stolen nine bases. He has drawn five walks to just one strikeout for a .615 OBP/.793 SLG. Committed to Georgia.
Cody Bellinger, OF/1B, Hamilton HS (AZ)
The son of former major leaguer Clay Bellinger, the 6’-4” Cody is a left-hander who stars at the plate, as well as the mound. His hitting is what scouts love, however, as the athletic outfielder shows good speed (6.82/60), arm strength (90 mph from outfield) and the potential for big-time power as he matures. Over his last 15 games, he is hitting .511 with six extra-base hits, 11 stolen bases and has drawn nine walks for a .600 OBP/.711 SLG. Committed to Oregon.
Will Haynie, C/3B, Brentwood Academy (TN)
The 6’-5”, 225-pound right-hander is a catcher now, but will most likely end up at third or a corner outfield position due to his size. He has very good power and has been showing a great approach at the plate this season. Over his last five games, he has gone 9-for-12 (.750) with two home runs, six walks and an .842 OBP. On the season, he is hitting .470/.613/.790 over 35 games with eight home runs, 31 walks and just 12 strikeouts. Committed to Alabama.
The brother of Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward, Jacob is a 6’-2” right-hander with a lot of upside. He has been clocked at 6.83 in the 60 and his arm at 86 mph from the outfield. He shows a good approach at the plate and his raw power is still developing. Over his last 14 games, he is hitting .421 with six doubles, four home runs, 22 RBI and has drawn seven walks for a .577 OBP/.947 SLG. He has 11 stolen bases on the season and has been hit by a pitch a whopping 10 times over 26 games. Committed to Miami.
Daniel Ayers, LHP, Columbus HS (IN)
The 6’-3”, 205-pound southpaw has been dealing this season. On May 7, he tossed seven shutout innings, striking out a season-high 16 batters to two walks. Over six starts, he has a 0.73 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 72 K/18 BB over 37 innings, allowing just 14 hits. His fastball sits in the 89-91 mph range with movement and both his curveball and slider are decent offerings, both sitting in the mid-70s. He has great mound presence and feel for pitching, and his size suggests there is still more in the tank. Committed to Western Michigan.
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