2021 MLB draft tracker dwell updates
It’s 2021 MLB draft day at the Bellco Theatre in Denver.
The Pittsburgh Pirates started the night by selecting Louisville catcher Henry Davis with the No. 1 overall pick, followed by the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, with the first 36 picks of this year’s event scheduled to be made on Sunday. Rounds 2-10 will take place starting at 1 p.m. ET on Monday, and the draft concludes with Rounds 11-20 beginning at noon Tuesday.
Which of this year’s highly regarded foursome of prep shortstops will come off the board first? Where will Vanderbilt co-aces Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker be selected? And which teams will make the picks that surprise everyone?
See below for analysis of all the picks in the first round from ESPN MLB experts David Schoenfield and Dan Mullen, along with complete selections for every team in every round.
First-round winners and losers — and top available players on Day 2
Mock draft 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0
Team-by-team draft guide: Fits, needs for all 30 teams
Ranking the top 200 MLB draft prospects
Who is Davis? An arm-strength catcher coming out of high school, Davis hit .280 with three home runs as a freshman at Louisville in 2019, was hitting well before COVID-19 struck in 2020, and then exploded offensively this year, hitting .370/.482/.663 with 15 home runs and more walks than strikeouts in 50 games. While McDaniel grades his arm strength at 80, the rest of his defense needs work. He could follow a similar path to the last Louisville catcher taken in the first round, Will Smith of the Dodgers, as an offensive-minded backstop.
Why the Pirates took him here: In a year without a clear No. 1 overall prospect, the Pirates surprised some by opting for the catcher over one of this draft’s four prep shortstops. But check out those numbers and it’s not hard to see why Davis was the pick here as a slugging backstop from a major conference who should get to the majors quicker than any of the high schoolers around him in this class. — Dan Mullen
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Check out the highlights that make Jack Leiter a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
2. Texas Rangers: Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
Who is Leiter? The son of Al Leiter, who won 162 games in the majors, Jack became one of the most famous college players in recent years, even though he played just one full season at Vanderbilt. A draft-eligible sophomore after turning down the Yankees in the 2019 draft, Leiter went 11-4 with a 2.18 ERA for the College World Series runners-up, striking out 179 in 110 innings. He doesn’t have the height scouts prefer in a right-handed pitcher — he’s listed at 6-foot-1 — but he has a strong lower half and a deep arsenal of pitches.
Why the Rangers took him here: If there is going to be a true ace in this draft, it’s going to be Jack Leiter. Leiter, along with Vanderbilt teammate Kumar Rocker, was the talk of college baseball this year and he has the stuff to match the hype for a franchise in need of high-end talent in its minor league system. — Mullen
3. Detroit Tigers: Jackson Jobe, RHP, Heritage Hall HS (OK)
Who is Jobe? Jackson is the son of Brandt Jobe, who won two PGA Tour titles and still competes on the Champions Tour. No high school pitcher had gone higher than 15th in the past two drafts, but teams fell in love with Jobe’s fastball, high-spin wipeout slider, versatility (he played shortstop when not pitching and led his team to the Oklahoma 4A state championship) and relatively fresh arm (he also played quarterback).
Why the Tigers took him here: For all of the Jack Leiter buzz, Jackson Jobe’s upside might be even greater — but there is also more risk here. The hard-throwing high schooler joins an already impressive stable of young pitchers Detroit has taken with high draft picks in recent years, and you don’t have to squint too hard to imagine Jobe joining Casey Mize and Co. in a very good rotation down the road. — Mullen
4. Boston Red Sox: Marcelo Mayer, SS, Eastlake HS (CA)
Who is Mayer? While Jordan Lawlar might be the top prep player in this draft right now, Mayer has more upside as a 6-foot-3 left-handed-hitting shortstop. From the same San Diego-area high school program that produced former No. 1 overall pick Adrian Gonzalez, Mayer’s only below-average tool is his speed, but he still projects as an above-average defender at shortstop because of his footwork, arm strength and hands.
Why the Red Sox took him here: Jack Leiter and Henry Davis were the two players most often connected to the Red Sox going into draft night, but instead they end up with a player many thought would go No. 1 overall. If Mayer grows into his tools, he has the potential to be a Corey Seager-esque performer who has the glove to stick at a premium position. — Mullen
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Check out the highlights that make Colton Cowser a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
5. Baltimore Orioles: Colton Cowser, CF, Sam Houston State
Who is Cowser? A high school teammate of University of Texas pitcher and likely first-rounder Ty Madden, Cowser emerged as one of the top college bats despite playing for mid-major Sam Houston State. He surpasses former big leaguer Glenn Wilson (18th overall in 1980) as the highest-drafted player in school history. The lefty hitter hit .374 with 16 home runs, walking more than he struck out, and has above-average speed that could allow him to stick in center field if he improves his routes.
Why the Orioles took him here: Cowser is one of the top college bats available, but he’s No. 12 on Kiley’s draft board and could be a bit of an under-slot selection — something Orioles GM Mike Elias did back when he was running the Astros’ draft and selected Carlos Correa first overall, leaving them more money to sign Lance McCullers Jr. with a later first-round pick. Still, Cowser’s tools all ticked up this year. It’s also the third straight year the Orioles have taken a college hitter with a top-five pick, following Adley Rutschman and Heston Kjerstad. — Schoenfield
Who is Lawlar? The No. 1 player on Kiley McDaniel’s draft board, Lawlar has been considered the top prep player in this class since the summer of 2020. A Dallas high school product, he has above-average tools across the board and has drawn comparisons to Carlos Correa and even Derek Jeter for his ability to hit to the opposite field.
Why the Diamondbacks took him here: Anytime you can get a player ranked No. 1 on draft boards with the No. 6 overall pick, you have to be excited. Lawlar has above-average tools across the board, the best glove of this year’s four highly touted prep shortstops and the potential to grow into an All-Star-level player at the position. — Mullen
7. Kansas City Royals: Frank Mozzicato, LHP, East Catholic HS (CT)
Who is Mozzicato? First-round picks from New England are rare, and prep pitchers even rarer — in fact, Mozzicato is the first high school pitcher from Connecticut taken in the first five rounds since 2014. Kiley called him one of the wildest late-rising prospects in recent memory. The southpaw dominated low-level Connecticut high school competition, striking out 17 in the Class M state title game. He has a low-90s fastball, but it’s his high-spin curveball and athletic delivery that set him apart.
Why the Royals took him here? This certainly qualifies as the most surprising pick so far, as the Royals pass on Kumar Rocker to take the high school lefty from Connecticut. Few pitchers have seen their stock rise more this spring than Mozzicato, but Jeff Passan did report that the Royals will sign Mozzicato to an under-slot bonus to free up more cash later on. The seventh pick holds a slot value of $5.432 million, so look for Mozzicato (No. 21 on Kiley’s draft board) to come in below that. — Schoenfield
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Check out the highlights that make Benny Montgomery a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
8. Colorado Rockies: Benny Montgomery, CF, Red Land HS (PA)
Who is Montgomery? For the second straight year, a Pennsylvania high school outfielder goes in the first round, as Montgomery follows Austin Hendrick, who went 12th overall last year to the Reds. While Hendrick was a pure power bet as a corner outfielder, Montgomery projects as a center fielder, with 70- or 80-grade speed and above-average raw power from his 6-foot-4 frame. He has a hand hitch of sorts in his swing, so his hit tool is the big question mark.
Why the Rockies took him here: For the second straight year, the Rockies go prep outfielder with their first pick after taking Zac Veen at No. 9 overall last year. If Montgomery can adjust the hand hitch in his swing and grow into his raw power, the Rockies just added a center fielder with 25-30 home run potential — but there is a lot of risk in a toolsy prep player with an unorthodox swing. — Mullen
Who is Bachman? Owner of one of the best fastballs in the draft, Bachman sat 95-97 and hit 101 for Miami. He missed some time early in the spring with a tired arm and pitched just 59.2 innings, finishing with a 1.81 ERA and 93 K’s with just one home run allowed. There is some reliever potential here with concerns about his durability and size (6-foot-1) and how the fastball/slider combo could play up coming out of the bullpen.
Why the Angels took him here: After taking two high-floor, low-ceiling college players in their past two drafts in infielder Will Wilson (already traded to the Giants) and pitcher Reid Detmers, the Angels’ new front-office regime goes with another college player, but this time a high-ceiling flamethrower in Bachman. Sure, the size and tired arm earlier in the spring are issues, but Bachman could move quickly (and could pitch in the majors now as a reliever). — Schoenfield
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Kumar Rocker says he’s excited and blessed to be picked 10th overall by the Mets.
10. New York Mets: Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt
Who is Rocker? After leading Vanderbilt to the College World Series title as a freshman in 2019, Rocker teamed with Jack Leiter to form a dominant 1-2 punch in 2021, although Rocker had a poor outing in the decisive Game 3 loss to Mississippi State. That start was symbolic of his up-and-down junior season, when he arguably entered the year as the favorite to go No. 1. His velocity was inconsistent, although he still struck out 179 in 122 innings.
Why the Mets took him here: As a freshman in 2019, Rocker seemed like a surefire No. 1 overall pick in the making, but his stock has dropped a bit after some struggles with velocity and command throughout 2021. If he can get swings and misses with the fastball, his breaking ball is one of the best in this draft, and the Mets have to love having him fall to them here — even if they’ll likely have to pay over-slot money for a pitcher who is more No. 3 starter than ace in the long run. — Mullen
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Check out the highlights that make Brady House a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
11. Washington Nationals: Brady House, SS, Winder Barrow HS (GA)
Who is House? The Georgia prepster entered last summer as the top-rated high school player, then struggled against good competition on the showcase circuit, but has climbed back up draft boards this spring and ranks as McDaniel’s No. 5 prospect. He has a grade 80 arm that hit 95 when he pitched, plus 30-homer potential and the skills to play shortstop, although some scouts think he eventually ends up at third base or right field. The biggest question is the contact ability in getting to his power.
Why the Nationals took him here: With Washington’s highest pick since taking Anthony Rendon sixth in 2011, Mike Rizzo changes his usual course and goes for a position player after seven of the Nationals’ eight first-round picks since Rendon had been pitchers. But House follows Rizzo’s preference for high-upside talent, and McDaniel has described House as the prep player with the most upside in the draft. His power is as impressive as any player’s in the draft if he can make enough contact to get to it. — Schoenfield
12. Seattle Mariners: Harry Ford, C, North Cobb HS (GA)
Who is Ford? High school catchers are notoriously a risky demographic, but Ford’s across-the-board skills all grade as average or better — including his plus running speed. That means he could move to another position if necessary, but scouts like his chances to stick behind the plate and he’s a powerfully built 5-foot-10, 200 pounds with plus raw power.
Why the Mariners took him here: McDaniel describes Ford as being built like a power lifter who is also a yoga instructor. Defensively, that translates to a catcher who could also handle other places on the diamond, including center field, and offensively that’s a player whose bat has big-time power potential. On the other hand, high school catchers are one of the riskiest position groups to draft early, so this is a classic risk-reward pick. — Mullen
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Check out the highlights that make Andrew Painter a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
13. Philadelphia Phillies: Andrew Painter, RHP, Calvary Christian HS (FL)
Who is Painter? The Gatorade state player of the year in Florida, Painter began the season as the top prep arm, and while Jackson Jobe passed him in that regard, Painter brings size (6-foot-6), velocity (sits 93-95), a smooth delivery, a slider that can already grade out as plus at times and feel for a changeup. The usual caveats about prep pitchers apply, but he’s viewed as an advanced high school arm.
Why the Phillies took him here: Hey, it’s hard to pass on a high schooler this big who throws hard and most impressively already has a smooth delivery, often an issue for high school players his size. Jackson Jobe passed him as the top prep pitching prospect, but Painter has a big upside as well, and Kyle Peterson notes that Painter could add velocity. With 2020 first-rounder Mick Abel, the Phillies have now added back-to-back high-ceiling prep arms to their organization. — Schoenfield
Who is Bednar? The College World Series hero as Mississippi State won its first national title, Bednar was named Most Outstanding Player after allowing three runs in 18.1 innings in three CWS starts — including six hitless on short rest in Game 3. As a draft-eligible sophomore, McDaniel estimates Bednar improved his draft stock 10 spots with his strong postseason run. His fastball sits 91-95, touches 97, and he has a plus slider and average changeup. He finished 2021 with 135 K’s and just 23 walks in 86.1 innings.
Why the Giants took him here: Bednar’s performance in Omaha, Nebraska, was among the most impressive in recent College World Series history, and he heads to a franchise that knows a thing or two about postseason pitching success. His fastball velocity might be slightly less impressive than some of the other top pitching prospects in this draft, but the movement on it is a nightmare for opposing hitters.
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Check out the highlights that make Sal Frelick a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
Who is Frelick? Just the sixth first-round pick in Boston College history, Frelick becomes the second-highest-drafted player in school history, after catcher Tony Sanchez, who went fourth to the Pirates in 2009. Undrafted out of high school, Frelick is undersized at 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, but his athleticism (he also played football and hockey in high school), speed and contact ability made him a favorite of scouts. He hit .359/.443/.559 with six home runs, 17 doubles and 13 steals in 48 games and a projection of average raw power.
Why the Brewers took him here: The Brewers feel they got a steal last year with the 20th pick in UCLA outfielder Garrett Mitchell, who is tearing it up in high-A ball, and they might feel the same in getting another toolsy college outfielder in Frelick with the 15th pick. He’s 11th on McDaniel’s draft board and while the stats at B.C. were impressive, keep in mind that he didn’t play baseball full time until college. — Schoenfield
16. Miami Marlins: Kahlil Watson, SS, Wake Forest HS (NC)
Who is Watson? He doesn’t have the physical stature of Lawler, Mayer and Brady House, the other three highly regarded prep shortstops, but Watson has plus tools across the board and swings from the left side — always a bonus. His power has appeared more in BP than games, but a three-homer game earlier this spring boosted his stock. He has the athleticism and tools to stick at shortstop, but his plus speed means center field is a viable alternative.
Why the Marlins took him here: The bigger question is why didn’t someone else take him sooner? The slide finally ends for the last of the four high school shortstops, as the Marlins jumped at the opportunity to add a player with as much upside as any offensive prospect in this draft. Watson’s explosiveness at the plate is his standout tool, but there’s also a fair bit of concern he’ll be able to stick at shortstop. — Mullen
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Check out the highlights that have helped make Matt McLain a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
Who is McLain? The 25th overall pick in 2018 out of a California high school, McLain spurned the Diamondbacks to instead attend UCLA. After struggling as a freshman in 2019 (.203), he hit well last year in the abbreviated season and then .333/.434/.579 this year, showing increasing strength from his undersized 5-foot-10 frame. Scouts like the hit tool and hard contact, and he has improved defensively at shortstop although he might not be a lock to stick there.
Why the Reds took him here: his feels like a pretty safe pick as McLain goes about where he was projected (No. 15 on Kiley’s board). ESPN analyst Chris Burke isn’t sure McLain can stick at shortstop — certainly a need for the Reds at the big league level — but McLain follows the same model as Frelick as a shorter, high-contact hitter. The Reds also have the 30th and 35th pick, so it will be interesting to see where they go with those picks because they have the fourth-most pool money in the draft. — Schoenfield
18. St. Louis Cardinals: Michael McGreevy, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
Who is McGreevy? After pitching in relief as a freshman, McGreevy finally got a full season as a starter, going 9-2 with a 2.92 ERA and walking just 11 batters in 101.2 innings — plus-plus command that earns him the inevitable comparisons to former UC Santa Barbara star Shane Bieber (who went in the fourth round in 2016). A shortstop in high school, McGreevy is an athletic 6-foot-4 with sinking movement on a 93 mph fastball that hit 96 at times. His low-80s curveball, slider and changeup are all projectable pitches as well.
Why the Cardinals took him here: A college starting pitcher with strong control and solid floor is a type that St. Louis has had success drafting late in the first round over the years. McGreevy went to the same school as Shane Bieber, so there is some hope he can take the same kind of leap as a prospect too. — Mullen
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Check out the highlights that make Gunnar Hoglund a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
Who is Hoglund? A supplemental first-round pick by the Pirates out of high school (36th overall), Hoglund ended up at Mississippi due to concerns about his post-draft physical. He looked like a potential top-five overall pick early this season, before injuring his elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery. Before the injury, his velocity had ticked up from his first two years in college, sitting 93-96, and all four of his pitches graded out as 55s or higher. If he bounces back, he could be a steal — think of the Dodgers taking Walker Buehler 24th overall in 2015.
Why the Blue Jays took him here: his is a good roll of the dice by the Blue Jays, as Hoglund would have gone higher if he had been healthy. Before going down, Hoglund had fanned 96 in 62 2/3 innings, so there is a potential high-ceiling strikeout pitcher here if he bounces back. — Schoenfield
20. New York Yankees: Trey Sweeney, SS, Eastern Illinois
Who is Sweeney? The highest-drafted player out of Eastern Illinois since Stan Royer went 16th overall to the A’s in 1988 (he had a brief major league career), Sweeney crushed the Ohio Valley Conference, hitting .382/.522/.712 with 14 home runs and nearly twice as many walks (46) as whiffs (24). The lefty hitter produces hard contact to all fields despite a high leg kick and he obviously controls the zone well. With below-average speed, he might have to move off shortstop as a pro, although he has good arm strength.
Why the Yankees took him here: Sweeney’s .382/.522/.712 slash line is ridiculous … but he did put up those numbers at Eastern Illinois, so they certainly come with some questions. Sweeney is the type of player who is so hard to scout coming off of a year without the Cape Cod League as a place for small-school prospects to show what they can do against major conference stars. Nonetheless, the Yankees clearly believed in the production enough to take him here. — Mullen
21. Chicago Cubs: Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State
Who is Wicks? The top college left-hander, Wicks becomes the highest-drafted KSU pitcher ever after setting a school record with 118 strikeouts in 92.1 innings. His fastball sits in the low 90s but has the high spin that teams covet, and his changeup is regarded as one of the best in the draft. Mix in solid offerings in his slider and curveball and he’s viewed as a high-floor lefty.
Why the Cubs took him here: A polished college lefty with plus command, pitchability, standout makeup and a high-spin fastball? Check, check, check and check. This is the kind of pitcher who should move quickly through the minors, and it’s pretty clear the Cubs need rotation help. Don’t be surprised if he’s pushing for a rotation slot sometime in 2022. — Schoenfield
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Check out the highlights that make Colson Montgomery a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
22. Chicago White Sox: Colson Montgomery, SS, Southridge HS (IN)
Who is Montgomery? A basketball star in high school — he’s the leading scorer in his school’s history — Montgomery has a nice left-handed swing that projects to above-average power. While he’s athletic, he’s 6-foot-4 with below-average speed, so he could wind up at third base as a pro. One negative: He turned 19 in February, which is a big negative in many of the draft models that teams use.
Why the White Sox took him here: The White Sox went with the hometown prospect here with an Indiana player in Montgomery, who could have played Division I hoops as well. Being a 19-year-old from a cold-weather state draws immediate questions from some teams, but Montgomery’s bat and frame both stand out — especially if he can stick at shortstop. — Mullen
23. Cleveland Indians: Gavin Williams, RHP, East Carolina
Who is Williams? A finger injury limited Williams to just three innings in 2020, so he returned to East Carolina for his senior season and the velocity he has showcased since he was in high school finally turned into results as he went 10-1 with a 1.88 ERA and 130 K’s in 81.1 innings, while walking just 21. He’s a huge righty at 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, sits in the mid-90s and has hit 101. His curveball was his best secondary offering and he also mixed in a slider and changeup, giving him four-pitch potential.
Why the Indians took him here: This is a bit of a twist because eight of Cleveland’s past nine first-round picks have been high schoolers, but as Peterson alluded to during the broadcast, Williams went toe-to-toe with Rocker during the NCAA regional and arguably looked more impressive. Put him in Cleveland’s developmental system and you have to like how this selection might work out. — Schoenfield
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Check out the highlights that make Ryan Cusick a top prospect in this year’s MLB draft.
24. Atlanta Braves: Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest
Who is Cusick? From Massachusetts, Cusick attended the same prep school in Connecticut as George Springer (Avon Old Farms), before matriculating at Wake Forest, where he posted a 6.44 ERA as a freshman in 2019. The big right-hander (6-6, 235 pounds) improved this year and has the fastball you might expect from somebody that size, sitting 95 and hitting 102. He led the ACC with 13.9 K’s per nine, although he needs to get more consistency from both his breaking ball (a slurvy slider) and changeup.
Why the Braves took him here: The velocity is the calling card for Cusick, but he needs to find another pitch or two to go with it or the bullpen could very well be in his future. Atlanta is one of the best franchises in baseball when it comes to developing pitchers, and there’s plenty to work with considering Cusick’s combination of size and fastball velocity. — Mullen
25. Oakland Athletics: Max Muncy, SS, Thousand Oaks HS (CA)
Who is Muncy? Yes, there could be another Max Muncy coming to the majors, although this Max is no relation to the Dodgers All-Star. Playing for former major league shortstop Jack Wilson at Thousand Oaks High School, Muncy is 6-1 with a polished approach and power potential. After a slow start he ended his senior season as one of the top prep hitters in California, hitting .452 with nine home runs against good competition. He’s not a lock to stick at shortstop but has the arm strength to move to third base.
Why the A’s took him here: Yes, the Max Muncy who is not related to that Max Muncy (but shares a birthday with him) just went to the same franchise that drafted the current Dodgers star in 2012. Beyond the name, this is the type of player Oakland has had plenty of success with in past drafts — a hitter who goes to the plate with a plan, can drive the ball with authority and hits to all fields. — Mullen
26. Minnesota Twins: Chase Petty, RHP, Mainland HS (NJ)
Who is Chase Petty? The first right-handed prep pitcher drafted in the first round from New Jersey since Rick Porcello in 2007, Petty is pure velocity guy who sits in the upper 90s and touches 100. He dominated New Jersey prep hitters and was named the Gatorade state player of the year.
Why the Twins took him here: He throws REALLY hard. The Twins used to be known as an organization that loved finesse guys who throw strikes, but that has changed in recent years and now they chase velocity just like every other organization. As McDaniel warned during the broadcast, however, prep pitchers who throw 100 mph are big, big injury risks. — Schoenfield
27. San Diego Padres: Jackson Merrill, SS, Severna Park HS (MD)
Who is Jackson Merrill? Another late riser similar to seventh overall pick Frank Mozzicato, Merrill ranks No. 42 on McDaniel’s board. He’s a left-handed hitting shortstop with power potential and a commitment to Kentucky, but McDaniel notes comes with a lot more risk than other first-round picks since many scouts hadn’t even seen him until two months ago.
Why the Padres took him here: This is often what the Padres do, zig when everybody thinks they’re going to zag. But they also love high-upside talent and obviously are buying into Merrill’s power. He’s also coming from a state that rarely gets a high school player drafted anywhere this high — in fact, he’s the highest drafted Maryland high school position player this century. — Schoenfield
28. Tampa Bay Rays: Carson Williams, SS, Torrey Pines HS (CA)
Who is Williams? A two-way prospect entering the season, Williams added 10-15 pounds and started showing much more power and moving up draft boards as a position player. With several light-tower blasts this spring, he’s more power over hit at this point, and some scouts are skeptical that his grooved swing will play at upper levels. With his arm strength, he might eventually move to third base, and his strong commitment to Cal might mean an above-slot bonus is needed to get him to sign.
Why the Rays took him here: Another high school shortstop in a first round full of them, Williams seems destined for a position-player future whether that’s at shortstop or after a move to third base in pro ball. Given the number of middle-diamond prospects in the Rays’ stacked future, that shouldn’t be much of a concern as long as the power Williams showed this spring continues to tick up.
Why the Rays took him here: Another high school shortstop in a first-round full of them, Williams seems destined for a position-player future but whether that’s at shortstop or after a move to third base in pro ball. Given the number of middle-diamond prospects in the Rays’ stacked future, that shouldn’t be much of a concern as long as the power Williams showed this spring continues to tick up.– Mullen
29. Los Angeles Dodgers: Maddux Bruns, LHP, UMS-Wright HS (AL)
Who is Maddux Bruns? With a name like “Maddux” he better be a pitcher — although he’s a lefty who throws hard and not always with pinpoint command. He has two potential plus breaking balls in a slider and curveball, but his ability to harness his fastball and throw strikes will be the key to his development.
Why the Dodgers took him here: It’s hard to name a team that has done a better job in developing pitchers in the past half-decade than the Dodgers, so they’ll gamble on the power arm and hand him over to their minor league instructors. Given the state of the big league rotation and quality arms in the system such as Josiah Gray and Ryan Pepiot, they have plenty time to let him develop. — Schoenfield
Compensation picks
30. Cincinnati Reds: Jay Allen, OF, John Carroll Catholic HS (FL)
Competitive balance round A
31. Miami Marlins: Joe Mack, C, Williamsville East HS (NY)
32. Detroit Tigers: Ty Madden, RHP, Texas
33. Milwaukee Brewers: Tyler Black, 2B, Wright State
34. Tampa Bay Rays: Cooper Kinney, 2B, Baylor HS, TN
35. Cincinnati Reds: Matheu Nelson, C, Florida State
36. Minnesota Twins: Noah Miller, SS, Ozaukee HS, WI
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