With just about three weeks left until the 2015 MLB draft, I would love to say things are beginning to shape up as far as who is going where. The amateur baseball draft is nearly impossible to predict and this year is going to be full of surprises. In fact, about 10 minutes after submitting this I am going to want to change everything. Here is my latest attempt which includes reports on the first 50 players:
1. Arizona Diamondbacks — Dansby Swanson, SS, Vanderbilt
Lots of names attached to this pick, none of which is the kid many believe to be the best player in this class (see below). Swanson continues to prove that shortstop is where he belongs on the field by putting together one hell of a highlight reel this season. The 6’-1” right-hander can hit, has plus speed and has shown some nice pop in his bat this spring. He may not have the highest ceiling in this draft, but his floor is one of the highest. Through 55 games, he is hitting .347/.438/.616 with 19 doubles, six triples, nine home runs and has stolen 13 bases. Carson Fulmer is also getting some recent love for the first-overall pick.
2. Houston Astros* — Brendan Rodgers, SS, Lake Mary HS (FL)
The Astros would be thrilled, in my opinion, to have Rodgers fall to them here. Now I know they have Carlos Correa ready to take the majors by storm but you don’t draft on need, and you certainly don’t worry about position depth, especially from a high school kid. Rodgers has a legit shot to stick at a premium position and hit 30 home runs a year — not very common for shortstops. He has a strong arm, great instincts and a mature approach at the plate and the game overall. Through 25 games this spring, he hit .360/.457/.786 with eight doubles and eight home runs. Committed to Florida State.
3. Colorado Rockies — Carson Fulmer, RHP, Vanderbilt
No one has been more consistent and dominant this spring than Fulmer, and many believe he is the best arm in this draft despite being just south of six feet tall. His arm is electric and his heater touches 98 mph with some silly arm-side run. He adds a plus slider and a change-up that could turn into another above-average pitch. He is also one of the fiercest competitors you will ever see and, at worst, he is a lights-out closer. Through 14 starts, he is 11-1 with a 1.51 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 132 K/37 BB over 95.2 innings, holding opponents to a .182 BAA.
4. Texas Rangers — Dillon Tate, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
Kiley McDaniel at Fangraphs has Texas tied to several prep bats including Daz Cameron and Kyle Tucker, but if Tate is available here, I think they would pull the trigger. Tate has been one of the most consistent pitchers in a year marred by injuries to arms. The 6’-2, 200 pound right-hander wowed scouts as a member of the Collegiate National Team last summer, hitting the upper-90s and showing off a plus slider with a deceptive delivery and easy mechanics. He has continued to impress all spring and, even though he has struggled a bit in his last two outings, this is his first go around as a starter. Through 13 starts, he has a 2.08 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 100 K/27 BB over 95.1 innings, allowing just 60 hits. He also keeps the ball down and has only given up two home runs all season — both coming in his last start.
5. Houston Astros — Kyle Tucker, OF/1B, Plant HS (FL)
If it goes down like this, the Astros would land the top two prep bats in the 2015 MLB draft, by most scouts’ opinions. Tucker makes sense here for a lot of reasons. First, he is a hell of a player with some of the best power in the draft. Second, his brother, Preston Tucker, is a top prospect in their system and just made his MLB debut last week. That could factor into negotiations and the Astros might be able to save a little bit of money. Aside from his tremendous power potential from the left side, Kyle also has a great approach at the plate and rarely misses a pitch. Over his last two seasons, he has 17 home runs and 43 walks to just 11 strikeouts over 52 games. Even if he ends up at first base, the bat is really special. Committed to Florida.
6. Minnesota Twins — Tyler Jay, LHP, Illinois
Jay has some of the best starter stuff in this draft, even though he is the closer for the Illini. The 6’-1” southpaw can touch 97 mph with his fastball, and he adds a plus curveball and change-up that flashes plus. He also has excellent command of all three. He has started one game and worked six innings of relief in a recent game, allowing one run over 11 innings during those two outings with 13 strikeouts to one walk. Most believe he can be a starter and his stuff from the left side is ridiculous. At worst, he is a dominant closer. He has a 0.67 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 62 K/6 BB over 54 innings, allowing just 29 hits.
7. Boston Red Sox — Alex Bregman, SS, LSU
My personal favorite in this class for years now, Bregman has been linked to the Red Sox by many, and most feel he isn’t getting past them if he is still available. He may have the best instincts and baseball IQ in this draft, and he has a very mature approach with a lot of power from his 5’-9” frame. A great hitter, he is hitting .329/.417/.577 with 22 doubles, nine home runs and 32 walks to just 19 strikeouts through 55 games. And even though he has average to above-average speed, he has swiped 29 bases this spring and is among the leaders in the country. Most think he is destined for second base, but he will be given every opportunity to remain at shortstop. Not gonna find a better leader on and off the field.
8. Chicago White Sox — Daz Cameron, OF, Eagle’s Landing HS (GA)
Many are quick to point out that he doesn’t have a standout tool but, across the board, he is a special player with a great overall game. He was a beast for U18 Team USA, hitting .405/.519/.667 over 12 games with three home runs, 19 RBI, seven stolen bases and 10 walks to six strikeouts. Defensively, he is a stud and will remain in center field with his strong arm, 6.61/60 speed and instincts. Offensively, he has an advanced approach and can stroke it to all fields. The power is there and he started to really show it this spring, hitting .510/.652/1.020 over his last 16 games with eight doubles, five home runs, 15 stolen bases and drew 18 walks to just five strikeouts. Committed to Florida State.
9. Chicago Cubs — Trent Clark, OF, Richland HS (TX)
I had Clark going to the Cubs here in my first mock back in September, and word is he is high on their list of targets with this pick. It just seems like a perfect fit as far as what the organization looks for in players. Clark is a high-character kid with great instincts on the field. He also has quite the set of tools and showed them off as a member of U18 Team USA last summer, hitting .538/.655/.923 with four doubles, three home runs, 24 RBI and a perfect 10-for-10 in stolen bases. He played stellar defense in center field and drew 13 walks to just three strikeouts, showing an advanced feel for the strike zone and a patient approach. The 6’-0”, 200 pound left-hander has plus speed, a strong arm, great instincts in the field and should remain in center. At the plate, he uses a short, compact swing to drive the ball to all fields and showed improved power this spring. Committed to Texas Tech.
10. Philadelphia Phillies — Walker Buehler, RHP, Vanderbilt
Buehler has a live arm and can touch 96 mph with his fastball while sitting 92-94. He adds a plus, 11-5 curve that sits 78-81 and his change-up is an above-average offering. At 6’-1” and 170 pounds, the right-hander will draw concerns about his size but has shown every ability to remain a frontline starter at the next level. His delivery is smooth and he has great mound presence to go along with great command of his stuff. Through 12 starts, he has a 2.97 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 72 K/22 BB over 69.2 innings.
11. Cincinnati Reds — Mike Nikorak, RHP, Stroudsburg HS (PA)
I have had a draft crush on Nikorak since I saw him at the Under Armour All-American game at Wrigley last summer. The 6’-5” right-hander showed off some serious stuff, headlined by a mid-90s fastball and plus curveball. His change-up is already a solid pitch and he has smooth mechanics. He is a great athlete who played quarterback and was clocked at 6.8 in the 60. He has some of the best upside in the 2015 MLB draft. Committed to Alabama.
12. Miami Marlins — Kyle Funkhouser, RHP, Louisville
A big, durable right-hander (6’-3”, 225) who can touch 97 mph late in games, Funkhouser has improved his command this season but it is still a bit of a knock on him. He does keep the ball down, however, and has yet to give up a home run, so the walks haven’t hurt him yet. He adds a power slider that is one of the best in this draft and a developing change-up. Through 14 starts, he has a 2.99 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 90 K/40 BB over 93.1 innings.
13. Tampa Bay Rays — Tyler Stephenson, C, Kennesaw Mountain HS (GA)
Stephenson has been soaring of late, and there is mild talk about him going first-overall, although that would be more strategy than anything. That said, he has all kinds of potential, especially from the power department. Even though he is 6’-4” and 210 pounds, many believe he can remain behind the plate. He has a plus, accurate arm and is a good athlete. Committed to Georgia Tech.
14. Atlanta Braves — Andrew Benintendi, OF, Arkansas
Over his last 23 games, Benintendi is hitting an absurd .538/.634/1.000 with 10 home runs, 10 stolen bases and has drawn 19 walks to just three strikeouts. That stretch of silliness has propelled him into the top-15 picks, as well as his ability to remain in center field. The 6’-0” left-hander is a very good athlete with above-average speed, and he is a polished hitter. Overall, he is hitting .415/.511/.771 with 17 home runs and 21 stolen bases.
15. Milwaukee Brewers — Ian Happ, OF/2B, Cincinnati
Most believe Happ is the best pure hitter in the 2015 MLB draft. He is a switch-hitter who can rake from both sides, shows a mature approach and has been showing more power this spring. Through 54 games, he is hitting .366/.490/.681 with 18 doubles, 14 home runs and 47 walks to 49 strikeouts. He has a great track record of hitting and, while he has been playing right field this spring, most believe second base is his future.
16. New York Yankees — Jon Harris, RHP, Missouri State
The 6’-3” right-hander has the ideal size you want in a frontline starter and he also has the stuff. He features a four-pitch mix headlined by a change-up that flashes plus and a 90-94 mph fastball with good command. Both his slider and curveball are solid offerings, and he keeps the ball down, having yet to allow a home run this spring. He now has a 2.08 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 99 K/29 BB over 82.1 innings. He has been especially dominant in his last two starts, striking out 21 to just one walk over 15.2 innings and allowing one run on six hits. He has been sidelined by a blister on his pitching hand and hasn’t pitched since May 8 but it’s nothing to be concerned about.
17. Cleveland Indians — Phil Bickford, RHP, Southern Nevada CC
Bickford has a plus fastball that can touch the upper-90s and his slider flashes plus. His change-up, however, needs work according to many, which is the key to him remaining a frontline starter or finding himself in the pen. The 6’-4”, 200 pound right-hander has been no match in the JUCO ranks this season, posting a 1.46 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 166 K/21 BB over 86.2 innings. There is so much to like about Bickford, and he could be one of the steals of this draft years from now but there is some work to be done.
18. San Francisco Giants — Donnie Everett, RHP, Clarksville HS (TN)
Everett has a ton of helium and a lot of that is because of his plus fastball that has reportedly touched 100 mph. He also adds a power slider that flashes plus and his size (6’-2”, 200) is ideal for a frontline stud. His change-up needs refining and his command needs work, but you can’t teach 100 mph. He has Vanderbilt attached to his name but being selected this early could pry him away. Ton of upside.
19. Pittsburgh Pirates — Cornelius Randolph, 3B, Griffin HS (GA)
Randolph has all kinds of potential as a middle-of-the-lineup power bat and a chance to stick at the hot corner. The 6’-2”, 200 pound left-handed hitter is a good athlete with a strong arm (92 mph across the infield) and decent speed (6.9/60). He has been abusing the baseball this spring, hitting .615/.718/1.000 over his last 17 games, with six doubles, four home runs, 19 stolen bases and 17 walks to just six strikeouts. Very good bat speed and a whole lot of power for the Clemson commit.
20. Oakland Athletics — Donnie Dewees, OF, North Florida
You can argue that Dewees isn’t facing top pitching, but his numbers are so silly it doesn’t even matter. Through his first 10 games, he was hitting .238/.289/.405 with one home run and one stolen base. Since then, he has hit .482/.542/.852 over his last 45 games with 12 doubles, five triples, 16 home runs, 20 stolen bases and 25 walks to just 13 strikeouts. His combination of power, speed and mature approach from the left side makes him the perfect candidate for what the A’s look for, and going this high isn’t a stretch.
21. Kansas City Royals — Garrett Whitley, OF, Niskayuna HS (NY)
Whitley was soaring over the last month but has leveled off a bit lately. He has some of the best tools among the prep bats, and he is a terrific athlete with a lot of upside. At 6’-2” and 200 pounds, the right-hander has raw power to all fields, as well as an advanced approach at the plate. His speed grades out as plus and his arm is strong enough to hold down any outfield spot. He was a beast on the summer circuit and continued to impress this spring. Committed to Wake Forest.
22. Detroit Tigers — Kolby Allard, LHP, San Clemente HS (CA)
Allard has top-10 potential and he absolutely could still go that high because he is still likely to work out for teams prior to the draft. He has been out most of the spring due to a back injury but most feel it isn’t anything to be too concerned about. The 5′-11” southpaw has some of the best stuff in his class headlined by a mid-90s fastball and a plus curveball. He has an easy delivery and commands his stuff well. His change-up is solid and you don’t see many prep southpaws with his present stuff. Committed to UCLA.
23. St. Louis Cardinals — James Kaprielian, RHP, UCLA
Kaprielian tossed nine no-hit innings against a potent Arizona lineup in his most recent start, and the 6’-4” right-hander has shown increased velocity of late, sitting 92-95 mph with his heater. That is what scouts have been wanting to see, and he couldn’t have picked a better time to show it. He already is a polished pitcher with great mound presence and good command of his stuff. Aside from the fastball, he features a plus curveball and solid change-up. Through 14 starts, he has a 1.94 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 105 K/27 BB over 92.2 innings. Great track record here and outstanding character.
24. Los Angeles Dodgers — Brady Aiken, LHP, IMG Academies
Alright, so the Dodgers have four picks in the top 75 and this seems like a good fit for the California native who has drawn comps to Clayton Kershaw. There are a lot of rumors about Aiken’s long-term health, but if all works out, he has the best stuff in this draft — most drafts, actually. Prior to his injury he showed a plus fastball that touched 96 mph, as well as two plus secondary offerings. He has pinpoint command of his stuff and pitches like a savvy veteran. The Dodgers could strike gold here.
25. Baltimore Orioles — Kevin Newman, SS, Arizona
Some say Newman is the best college bat in this draft, and his ability to stick at shortstop, along with his above-average speed, could see him go a lot higher than here. He may not hit for a lot of power at the next level but he should be a top-of-the-order hitter who gets on a base, rarely strikes out and can steal 20-30 bases a year with good defense at a premium position. Those guys aren’t easy to find. Through 51 games, the right-hander is hitting .352/.410/.462 with 18 doubles, a home run, 19 stolen bases and 19 walks to just 13 strikeouts.
26. Los Angels Angels — D.J. Stewart, OF, Florida State
A ton of power. A ton of patience. Through 168 career games, the 6’-0”, 235 pound left-hander is hitting .348/.490/.572 with 53 doubles, 25 home runs and a whopping 140 walks, including 62 this season. He is a good athlete and should be able to hold down a corner outfield spot at the next level. Not many have the kind of track record he does, and he has a terrific approach at the plate.
Compensation Picks
27. Colorado Rockies — Nick Plummer, OF, Brother Rice HS (MI)
Plummer is one of the better pure hitters in his class. He has excellent bat speed and raw power from the left side. At 5’-11” and 200 pounds, most believe the left-hander is maxed out physically, but that’s okay because he is pretty special already. He played great at every summer event/tournament he played in and put his name into first-round talks with his play. A great athlete who is committed to Kentucky.
28. Atlanta Braves — Michael Matuella, RHP, Duke
If Matuella is still on the board here, I could see the Braves jumping on him as they have the most picks in the top 75 picks with five. A 6’-6”, 230 pound right-hander who was sitting 93-97 mph with a curveball and slider that both flashed plus at times prior to his injury, he had Tommy John surgery this year and was also bothered by back pain but neither seem to be a huge red flag. He doesn’t really have a track record, however, as he has never topped 60 innings in a season. High risk, high reward.
29. Toronto Blue Jays — Ashe Russell, RHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (IN)
Russell seems to be all over the place when looking at rankings. Some have him in the 12-18 range, others have him around here. I have heard from a few people that this is where he seems to fit right now, so I will stick with what I hear. The Blue Jays could get a steal as the 6’-4” right-hander can touch 97 with a lot of movement, and he adds a slider that flashes plus. The change-up is still developing but he has a great pitcher’s body with room for more. Committed to Texas A&M.
30. New York Yankees — Nathan Kirby, LHP, Virginia
Kirby was considered a likely top-five pick heading into the spring but an inconsistent season, along with command issues and a lat injury leave his draft status up in the air. He could go a lot higher than this as he shows three plus pitches when on, including a 90-94 mph fastball and one of the best change-ups in his class. The 6’-3” southpaw does have a very good track record and his last name is flawless.
31. San Francisco Giants — Chris Betts, C, Wilson HS (CA)
The slimmed down Betts has a plus arm and scouts believe he has a great shot to stick behind the plate. I got to see the easy power from the left side at Wrigley, and the kid was hitting them out of the park with ease. He lined a laser to center field during the game and showed off his excellent bat speed. Through 25 games, he is hitting .475/.640/.898 with six home runs and has drawn 25 walks to just six strikeouts. Even if he moves to a corner outfield spot, the arm and bat would play well. Committed to Tennessee.
32. Pittsburgh Pirates — Cody Ponce, RHP, Cal Poly Pomona
Ponce, a 6’-6”, 240 pound right-hander, wowed scouts at the Cape Cod League by sitting in the mid-90s with his fastball while showing off three other promising offerings. Lately, he has been sitting 92-94 mph with the heater and has been flashing a plus curveball and cutter. His change-up is still developing and he has shown excellent command this season. Through 11 starts, he has a 1.33 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 59 K/12 BB over 54.1 innings. The knocks on him are his stamina and his shoulder issues. Still, with his size and stuff, his upside is high.
33. Kansas City Royals — Justin Hooper, LHP, De La Salle HS (CA)
Hooper has the type of future stuff scouts dream of. At 6’-7” and 230 pounds, the southpaw has the frame to be an intimidating force on the bump. He can also touch 96 mph, which is silly from the left side. He doesn’t maintain velocity, however, and his command can get the best of him at times. His secondary offerings are average but show promise, but the upside is there for a team willing to pay a little extra. As a junior, he had 58 K/35 BB over 44.2 innings. This season, he had 56 K/25 BB over 40 innings. Committed to UCLA.
34. Detroit Tigers — Richie Martin, SS, Florida
The 6’-0”, 180 pound right-hander is a true shortstop with all the tools to stick and, although he may not hit for much power at the next level, he is a top of the order type hitter who makes contact and can steal bases. He has a mature approach at the plate and is hitting .296/.400/.437 through 55 games with four home runs, 18 stolen bases and 29 walks to 25 strikeouts.
35. Los Angeles Dodgers — Scott Kingery, 2B, Arizona
Kingery is an aggressive hitter who doesn’t take many walks, but he doesn’t miss many pitches either. While he hasn’t exactly racked up the stolen bases (10-for-16), he does have plus/plus speed . The 5’-11” right-hander has been a hitting machine all spring and is currently hitting .402/.434/.584 with 15 doubles, five triples, five home runs and nine walks to 16 strikeouts. He has some pop in his bat and could end up in center field.
36. Baltimore Orioles — David Thompson, 3B/OF, Miami (FL)
Finally healthy, Thompson is making up for lost time and has been obliterating the baseball this season, especially of late. Over his last 12 games, he is hitting .391/.541/1.044 with three doubles, nine home runs, 27 RBI and 12 walks. The 6’-2”, 220 pound right-hander is now hitting .336/.442/.697 with 15 doubles, 19 home runs and 38 walks to just 24 strikeouts. Even if he can’t stick at the hot corner, his bat would play anywhere, and he has been arguably the most feared hitter in college this season.
Competitive Balance Round A
37. Houston Astros — Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Lutheran HS (TX)
The son former MLB third baseman Charlie Hayes, Ke’Bryan is arguably the best infield defender in his class with a plus arm, soft hands and great instincts at the hot corner. He doesn’t have prototypical third base power but he is a polished hitter who can hit the gaps with ease. A highly intelligent player with bloodlines and a great make up. Committed to Tennessee.
38. Colorado Rockies — Drew Finley, RHP, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA)
On April 8 against Ramona HS, Finley made national headlines by striking out 20 batters over seven innings. He finished the season with 113 K/17 BB over 67 innings, allowing just 27 hits. The 6’-3”, 200 pound right-hander can touch 93 mph and he adds a curveball that flashed plus. He has some deception to his delivery and has good command of his stuff. Because of his size and smooth delivery, there is some good upside here. Committed to USC.
39. St. Louis Cardinals — Mitch Hansen, OF, Plano HS (TX)
A great athlete who is also a star quarterback, Hansen is a left-handed hitter with some raw tools but a ton of upside. At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, he shows above-average speed and a strong enough arm to hold down a corner outfield spot. He has a short stroke and more power should come as he matures. The Cardinals would make him a superstar. Committed to Stanford.
40. Milwaukee Brewers — Dakota Chalmers, RHP, North Forsyth HS (GA)
There are some really great things about Chalmers, and then there are some question marks. The 6’-3”, 175 pound right-hander can touch the upper-90s and has a four-pitch mix with a solid change-up. That’s great. His control can get the best of him, however, and there is effort to his delivery. He’s an athlete, though, and still young, so all things can be fixed. So much talent and a great name. Committed to Georgia.
41. Atlanta Braves — Eric Jenkins, OF, West Columbus HS (NC)
A 6’-2” left-handed hitter with plus/plus speed, Jenkins is an exciting player with upside. He’s not going to hit for much power but he profiled to a leadoff-type hitter with good bat speed and a short stroke. He should stick in center field even though his arm is just average. Jenkins was 57-for-58 in stolen base attempts over 76 career games. Committed to UNC Wilmington.
42. Cleveland Indians — Jalen Miller, SS, Riverwood HS (GA)
Miller has a legit shot to remain at shortstop due to his range, soft hands and arm. Offensively, the 6’-1” right-hander has an advanced approach and can drive the ball to the gaps, and he could develop more power as he matures. He only struck out four times this season and hit .464 over 20 games. Committed to Clemson.
Round 2
43. Arizona Diamondbacks — Juan Hillman, RHP, Olympia HS (FL)
Hillman is a 6’-2”, 190 pound southpaw with plus command and a fastball that can touch 92 mph with more in the tank due to his athleticism and quick arm. He adds a potential plus 1-7 curveball with great depth and his change-up is already a solid offering. He has great mound presence and attacks hitters on both sides of the plate. He finished with 156 K/21 BB over 116 innings for his prep career. Committed to UCF.
44. Colorado Rockies — Luken Baker, RHP/1B, Oak Ridge HS (TX)
I saw Baker live at the Under Armour game at Wrigley last summer, and the power is effortless and immense. With the premium put on right-handed power, I could see teams wanting to grab him early, even if he does end up at first base. At 6’-3” and 235 pounds, he has a man’s body already, and he also showed off a patient approach, driving balls to the opposite field and taking what he was being given. He also has plenty of upside on the mound as he can touch 95 mph and adds a solid breaking ball with good command. Over 56 innings this season, he had 89 K/12 BB. Offensively, he hit seven home runs over 24 games and drew 24 walks to just four strikeouts. Committed to TCU.
45. Texas Rangers — Blake Trahan, SS, Louisiana Lafayette
Yet another talented shortstop in a class deep on them, Trahan is a slick-fielding defender who seems to slow the game down. He has all the tools to stick there and he also has a great track record of hitting. He hit .355/.455/.465 as a sophomore and is hitting .332/.448/.438 this spring. He has an advanced approach at the plate and has good speed but isn’t a great base stealer having gone 30-for-50 the last two seasons.
46. Houston Astros — Alex Young, LHP, TCU
The 6’-3”, 200 pound southpaw has a relatively fresh arm as he worked out of the bullpen his first two years with the Frogs. He has handled the move to the starting role effortlessly and has a 1.82 ERA, 0.99 WHIP with 74 K/14 BB over 74 innings through nine starts. He features a four-pitch mix headlined by a low-90s fastball with life and a 77-82 mph slider that flashes plus. He adds a solid 80-83 curveball with depth and a developing change-up, and he commands everything great.
47. Chicago Cubs — Peter Lambert, RHP, San Dimas HS (CA)
Lambert comes equipped with two potential plus offerings in a 90-93 mph fastball and 12-6 curveball with tight spin. His change-up is already a solid offering. His quick arm and size (6’-3”, 200) suggests there is room for more and he command his stuff well. He finished with 102 K/14 BB over 69 innings, allowing just 39 hits. Lots of upside with good present stuff already. Committed to UCLA.
48. Philadelphia Phillies — Austin Smith, RHP, Park Vista HS (FL)
Two things to look at for future projection in arms is athleticism and ease of delivery. Smith has both of those and can already touch 96 mph. The 6’-4”, 215 pound right-hander has great size and, although his secondary stuff is still developing, there is some serious upside here even though he is one of the older players in his class. A member of U18 Team USA Baseball, he is committed to Florida Atlantic.
49. Cincinnati Reds — Beau Burrows, RHP, Weatherford HS (TX)
Texas breeds hard-throwing righties and Burrows is one of the hardest throwers in his class, routinely touching 98 mph this spring. He adds a potential plus curveball and a solid change-up but there is some effort to his delivery, and his size (6’0”, 200) raises concerns about his future as a starter. He does have a quick arm and his present stuff is pretty good. Committed to Texas A&M.
50. Miami Marlins — Chris Shaw, OF/1B, Boston College
Shaw has some of the best power in the 2015 MLB draft and has a chance to stick in a corner outfield spot, although most believe he is destined for first base. After leading the Cape Cod League in home runs with eight, the 6’-3”, 245 pound left-handed hitter continued to show his immense power this spring, hitting .319/.411/.611 through 40 games with 11 home runs and 20 walks to 26 strikeouts, showing improvement in his approach.
51. San Diego Padres — Kyle Cody, RHP, Kentucky
52. Tampa Bay Rays — Demi Orimoloye, OF, St. Matthew HS (ON)
53. New York Mets — Triston McKenzie, RHP, Royal Palm Beach HS (FL)
54. Atlanta Braves — Riley Ferrell, RHP, TCU
55. Milwaukee Brewers — Tyler Nevin, 3B, Poway HS (CA)
56. Toronto Blue Jays — Kyle Holder, SS, San Diego
57. New York Yankees — Tristan Beck, RHP, Corona HS (CA)
58. Washington Nationals — Jacob Nix, RHP, IMG Academies
59. Cleveland Indians — Mac Marshall, LHP, Chipola CC
60. Seattle Mariners — Taylor Clarke, RHP, College of Charleston
61. San Francisco Giants — Kyle Molnar, RHP, Aliso Niguel HS (CA)
62. Pittsburgh Pirates — Jake Woodford, RHP, Plant HS (FL)
63. Oakland Athletics — Mikey White, SS, Alabama
64. Kansas City Royals — Cole Sands, RHP, North Florida Christian HS (FL)
65. Detroit Tigers — Nick Shumpert, SS, Highlands Ranch HS (CO)
66. St. Louis Cardinals — Joe DeMers, RHP, College Park HS (CA)
67. Los Angeles Dodgers — Wesley Rodriguez, RHP, George Washington Hs (NY)
68. Baltimore Orioles — Joe McCarthy, OF, Virginia
69. Washington Nationals — Brady Singer, Eustis HS (FL)
70. Los Angeles Angels — Taylor Ward, C/OF, Fresno State
Competitive Balance Round B
71. Cincinnati Reds — Rhett Wiseman, OF, Vanderbilt
72. Seattle Mariners — Andrew Suarez, LHP, Miami (FL)
73. Minnesota Twins — Skye Bolt, OF, North Carolina
74. Los Angels Dodgers — Isiah Gilliam, OF, Chipola CC
75. Atlanta Braves — Thomas Eshelman, RHP, Cal State Fullerton
Feel free to follow me on Twitter @DanMKirby for 2015 MLB draft updates, high school and college news, as well as Chicago Cubs ramblings.
