Pitchers in high demand
Class features pair who boast pro-level talent on mound, at plate
The Minnesota Twins have the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft, which begins Monday. Here are the top 14 prospects, based on interviews with scouts, team executives and draft experts.
1. Hunter Greene, RHP, Notre Dame High (Sherman Oaks, Calif.)
Greene has a bright future on the mound but also has first-round talent as a shortstop. With a 94- to 98-mph fastball and a sharp breaking ball, he is among the highest ceiling high school pitchers in recent memory.
Height, weight: 6-4, 215 Could go: Teams have been hesitant to take a high school right-hander first overall. Greene will not slip beyond the San Diego Padres at third, and his most likely landing spot is Cincinnati Reds with the second pick.
2. Kyle Wright, RHP, Vanderbilt
Wright showed a 92- to 97-mph fastball and an advanced feel for his off-speed arsenal. His command could put him on a fast track. Height, weight: 6-4, 220 Could go: The Atlanta Braves, who pick fifth, appear to be the floor, but Wright is gaining steam.
3. Brendan McKay, LHP-1B, Louisville
The best two-way superstar in college baseball in recent years, McKay makes a case as a lefty pitching prospect and slugging first baseman. His advanced feel for three pitches (fastball, curveball and changeup) makes him enticing on the mound.
Height, weight: 6-2, 220 Could go: McKay is unlikely to slip beyond the top five but could based on his price tag. He’s in play for the first overall pick, but teams such as the Arizona Diamondbacks (No. 7) and Philadelphia Phillies (No. 8) could be willing to pay his hefty price.
4. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Whiteville (N.C.) HS
A projectable lefty with advanced command, a full four-pitch mix (fastball, curveball, slider and changeup) and a 90- to 93-mph fastball, Gore is as complete a package as you’ll find out of high school.
Height, weight: 6-2, 170 Could go: Gore might not get beyond the Oakland Athletics, who pick sixth, and looks likely to be picked third, fourth or fifth by the Padres, Tampa Bay Rays or Braves.
5. Royce Lewis, SS, JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) HS
He has the tools to play shortstop or center field as a pro, shows aboveaverage speed and projects as a strong power threat from the right side. Height, weight: 6-2, 188 Could go: Lewis is unlikely to make it out of the first five picks; Tampa Bay and Atlanta have a history of taking high-upside prep players.
6. J.B. Bukauskas, RHP, North Carolina
A dynamic strikeout artist, Bukauskas was dominant for UNC, showcasing a 92- to 96-mph fastball and a wipeout slider. Height, weight: 6-0, 201 Could go: Bukauskas has been linked to Oakland and is unlikely to fall beyond the first nine selections.
7. Pavin Smith, 1B, Virginia
The best pure hitter in college baseball, Smith homered more times than he struck out in 2017. Height, weight: 6-2, 210 Could go: Likely to land with the Athletics, Diamondbacks or Phillies.
8. Adam Haseley, OF, Virginia
The owner of arguably the fastest hands in college, Haseley brings an assortment of tools, including aboveaverage speed and a strong arm.
Height, weight: 6-1, 195 Could go: The Braves could take a chance on him at No. 5, but Haseley is most likely to go off the board between picks six and 12.
9. Shane Baz, RHP, Concordia Lutheran (Tomball, Texas) HS
The fastest-rising pitcher in the high school class, Baz has been an eye-opener in recent months, as he has touched as high as 99 mph.
Height, weight: 6-3, 190 Could go: Another guy Atlanta is considering, Baz has also garnered interest from Arizona, Philadelphia and the Houston Astros (No. 15).
10. Trevor Rogers, LHP, Carlsbad (N.M.) HS
One of the most projectable, cleanest lefty arms we’ve seen out of high school since Madison Bumgarner, Rogers has touched 96 mph and has a tight, swing-and-miss slider.
Height, weight: 6-5, 190 Could go: The Milwaukee Brewers (No. 9) have been linked to Rogers, as have the Miami Marlins (No. 13), Kansas City Royals (No. 14) and New York Yankees (No. 16).
11. Austin Beck, OF, North Davidson (Lexington, N.C.) HS
Beck’s stock has soared as he has shown off an intriguing array of tools. Height, weight: 6-1, 190 Could go: As high as fourth to the Rays, with significant interest from the Brewers, Yankees and Athletics.
12. Nick Pratto, 1B, Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS
Arguably the class’ most polished high school hitter, he could also profile in the outfield. His powerful, all-fields hitting approach from the left side is his main selling point.
Height, weight: 6-2, 195 Could go: The Yankees, Astros and Detroit Tigers (No. 18) have shown the steadiest interest.
13. Jeren Kendall, OF, Vanderbilt
High-upside college hitter with above-average power from the left side and good speed. Height, weight: 6-0, 190 Could go: The White Sox (No. 11), Angels (No. 10) and Royals been steadily linked to Kendall,
14. Jo Adell, OF, Ballard (Louisville) HS
Adell hit 25 home runs this spring and has electrifying arm strength and speed and a game-changing skill set. Height, weight: 6-3, 205 Could go: The Royals have been all over Adell.