Battery Power - 2021 MLB Draft Preview: Position RankingsYour one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2021-07-10T13:00:00-04:00http://www.batterypower.com/rss/stream/223249732021-07-10T13:00:00-04:002021-07-10T13:00:00-04:002021 MLB Draft Preview Position Rankings: Right Handed Pitcher
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<img alt="2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Baseball Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tZrDRl0Aja3xiJmLbhFGqQefwDk=/0x0:3248x2165/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69565399/1326360645.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kumar Rocker | Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Today we look at the final group of players in the 2021 MLB Draft, right handed pitchers.</p> <p id="WxUdXH">The 2021 <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a> Preview Position Rankings moves to the final position group yet to cover, right handed pitchers. With this list and it’s writeups, we will have written up 160 players and ranked 300 in total between all of the position groups. More thorough scouting reports will of course follow for the players the Braves pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, but these should at least be a useful guide to help navigate the draft as it unfolds.</p>
<p id="MKYu2N">The right handed pitcher group as a whole is above average. There are some big names at the top, some college guys, some prep guys, and plenty of guys in those middle rounds to excite. </p>
<p id="pIrazt">The Braves seem to be in the market to draft some pitching, whether in the first round or the other high picks on Day 2 of the draft. I can’t say for sure they would be looking at the right handers over the lefties, but it is a safe bet we see some of these guys become Braves.</p>
<p id="9pxQRc">As usual, if you think a player is missing from this list, it may be because he is listed in another position group.</p>
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<ol><li id="juckBX"><strong>Jackson Jobe, Oklahoma HS</strong></li></ol>
<p id="xzMPZs">The top pitcher in the class for me is Oklahoma prep right hander Jackson Jobe, who was arguably a better shortstop prospect at this time last year until a breakout pitching performance at Perfect Game Nationals established him as a high end arm. Jobe is the son of PGA’s Brandt Jobe and has a filthy arsenal featuring maybe the best slider in the draft and a plus fastball up to 96, a plus change, and an above average curve and you might have the best arsenal in the draft. If that’s not enough Jobe has high spin rates on his pitches, projection on his body, and average command potential. There aren’t many questions with this athletic former two way guy with great genes, and I would strongly consider him for the #1 pick against anyone in this draft.</p>
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<p id="o1Oxjj"><strong>2. Jack Leiter, Vanderbilt</strong></p>
<p id="ILGSey">Jack Leiter is the top pitcher in most other boards and it’s easy to understand why. Great pitchability, mostly great results at Vandy, a fastball he can get up to 98 MPH with a plus curve, two more above average pitches and solid command. The son of Al Leiter is easily the highest floor guy in the draft and should at least be a solid big league starter. The reason I don’t have him higher is because he is a physically mature 6’1, 205 and hasn’t proven to be the most durable pitcher over the course of a college season. Once he moves into a big league rotation pitching every fifth day(as opposed to once a week) for 162 games, that durability comes more into question considering he had to skip a start this year and I had seen his stuff back up in person in high school a week after arguably his most impressive outing.</p>
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<p id="CzR05F"><strong>3. Andrew Painter, Florida HS</strong></p>
<p id="YOv74b">Painter is a projectable 6’6, 230 pitcher with a plus fastball up to 97 MPH, a plus change, two potentially above average breaking balls, and the potential to have at least plus command if not plus plus. That is an extreme rarity, not just for a prep pitcher but also because that type of command for such a tall(6’6” and above) prep pitcher is almost unheard of. Painter has the makings of a frontline starter if he sees enough gains with filling in his body and improving the breaking balls. Painter is tough to really project in terms of draft position as he could go anywhere from 12 to outside of the first round as the Florida commit has a very high price tag.</p>
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<p id="lbUkUH"><strong>4. Kumar Rocker, Vanderbilt</strong></p>
<p id="MKpUFz">Kumar Rocker was once the favorite to be the #1 pick in this draft, but he’s been picked apart a bit more since that time. While still a lock of a Top 10 pick, the lack of movement on his fastball and the questions about future durability due to heavy slider usage have him behind the other top tier arms. That said it is still easy to get excited considering the fastball does get up to 99 MPH, a nasty plus plus slider, and some potential with the change to become an average pitch. He is the third member of the top tier to have pro athlete genes, as his dad is former Auburn football star Tracy Rocker.</p>
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<p id="Xy0rYq"><strong>5. Gunnar Hoglund, </strong><a href="https://www.redcuprebellion.com"><strong>Ole Miss</strong></a></p>
<p id="35KIc0">Gunnar Hoglund was at one point at the bottom of the top tier of arms and a near lock for Top 10, but he went down with Tommy John surgery and his stock has taken a slight hit because of it. The former Pirates first rounder who picked school over signing in 2018 has a bit of a unique profile for such a top prospect. Nothing he throws is plus, though he does have some remaining projection and saw his stuff tick up this spring pre-injury. What he does have is three above average pitches and plus to plus plus command along with strong results pitching in the SEC. Hoglund is a higher floor guy who shouldn’t have a hard time being a middle of the rotation arm, and there is some potential for his stuff to tick up. Obviously his medicals will play a huge part in how high he ends up going.</p>
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<p id="Z1hqIy"><strong>6. Jaden Hill, </strong><a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com"><strong>LSU</strong></a></p>
<p id="z7sxE2">Jaden Hill came into this year as a potential Top 5 pick, but with a lot of question marks considering he had 21.2 career innings heading into this spring. Hill got off to a rocky start to the spring and made it just 29.2 innings before he would require a Tommy John surgery of his own to further complicate the profile. That said there is a lot to like and on paper it is easy to see why he was getting so much preseason hype, as the fastball up to 98 MPH, a legit plus plus change, and a slider that has in the past shown to be a plus pitch- though it didn’t quite play up to that this spring. There is frontline starter upside for this young and athletic starter, but he also has the most questions of any potential first round pick in the draft.</p>
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<p id="bmgSOV"><strong>7. Chase Petty, New Jersey HS</strong></p>
<p id="iPWdok">Maybe the hardest throwing arm in the draft belongs to Chase Petty, as the New Jersey prep arm has touched 102 MPH with his fastball and has a plus slider. Petty has simply nasty stuff but also comes with some question marks. The biggest one is his command as it has been inconsistent to this point and probably won’t ever reach average, then you have the fact that he throws so hard in a 6’0, 185 pound frame leading to future durability questions. The third question with him is a bit of a lesser question as he has flashed some feel for the change but has rarely used it since prep arms who throw as hard as Petty are encouraged not to use it because it allows for high school hitters to see a pitch they’d be much more comfortable hitting against than his other offerings. Petty has huge upside, but the development of his command will go a long way towards defining his future role.</p>
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<p id="wZQiEs"><strong>8. Gavin Williams, East Carolina</strong></p>
<p id="9u8RZ7">After a great performance in the NCAA Tournament, Gavin Williams moved from fringe first/second rounder into the mix to go anywhere from 11-30 in this draft. The 6’6, 255 pounder brings a fastball that has touched 101 MPH with a swing and miss curve, an average slider, and feel for the change. The 22 year old who was undrafted last year does have some questions however. The biggest might be that he’s had his share of injuries in his career, and for a guy who throws as hard as Williams does it leads to real durability concerns. Then there is the past command issues, and while the command took a big step up this year in his breakout, it can’t be forgotten that walks had been a real issue for him in the past. Due to his past health issues Williams is a guy who has a wide variance of potential landing spots, but the Braves are among the teams with interest.</p>
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<p id="JlSMzo"><strong>9. Thatcher Hurd, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="zEg5Ao">Jobe isn’t the only former hitter to break out at PG Nationals last year as an arm, as former catcher Thatcher Hurd did the same thing but with less of a previous pitching background. Hurd is a projectable 6’4, 205 with a plus curve, above average fastball that currently tops out at 94 MPH and should continue to add more to, an above average or better slider and an above average change. Mix in at least average to potentially above average command considering what he’s shown so far and his athleticism, and Hurd is an arm to get excited about even though he will require plenty of developmental time.</p>
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<p id="CfOssW"><strong>10. Sam Bachman, Miami(OH)</strong></p>
<p id="uR0T8f">Sam Bachman is a guy with two potential plus plus pitches in his 100 MPH fastball and one of the top sliders in the draft. He is also a guy with a ton of question marks as he rarely ever uses his third pitch, has some injury concerns(missed time with arm soreness this spring), and a delivery that typically says reliever. He’s a pitcher that brings a wide variance of opinions for those reasons, but he’s got the stuff to be a dominant reliever should he have to move to the pen because of the delivery or the lack of a third pitch.</p>
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<p id="tLby5f"><strong>11. Ty Madden, Texas</strong></p>
<p id="2dIXcv">Ty Madden moved himself towards the top of the second tier of arms this spring with a spike in velocity, seeing his fastball start to touch 99 MPH to go with a potentially plus plus slider and above average command. Madden is hoping to become the first Texas pitcher to make 50 starts at the MLB level since Roger Clemens, but he isn’t a lock to remain a starter considering his third pitch lags behind the rest of his arsenal and the movement on the fastball is below average which limits his ability to pitch up in the zone with it.</p>
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<p id="cxM1dR"><strong>12. Bubba Chandler, Georgia HS</strong></p>
<p id="zqvjx8">Bubba Chandler is a legit two way player and a legit two sport athlete. Teams are legitimately split on whether they prefer Chandler as an arm or as a shortstop, but either way they will need to convince him to walk away from a scholarship to play quarterback for Clemson. On the mound he has a plus fastball up to 97 MPH with a potential plus curve. As a bat he makes hard contact and could have an average hit tool with above average power and run grades to go with a big arm capable of handling either spot on the left side of the infield. Chandler has a lot of potential but will need a lot of development whether he’s taken as an arm or bat, but the gains he will make by giving up one of those two roles as well as football make him especially intriguing. The Braves are among the teams with real interest in Chandler.</p>
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<p id="semh8I"><strong>13. Will Bednar, </strong><a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com"><strong>Mississippi State</strong></a></p>
<p id="RWATGD">The younger brother of Pirates pitcher David Bednar, Will Bednar saw his stock shoot up after a great <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-world-series">College World Series</a> performance. Bednar brings a plus fastball up to 97 MPH with a plus slider with adequate command. While he does have feel for the change, it is a pitch he has rarely used in college and along with effort in his delivery that leads to significant reliever risk.</p>
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<p id="gebj1v"><strong>14. Ben Kudrna, Kansas HS</strong></p>
<p id="JYUqR6">Ben Kudrna is an athletic and projectable arm with a pair of plus pitches in a fastball up to 97 MPH as well as his slider, who also throws strikes. The change is a bit behind the other two pitches, but he has shown a feel for it.</p>
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<p id="wfXHkg"><strong>15.Brody Brecht, Iowa HS</strong></p>
<p id="yAdhn3">Brecht is an interesting helium prospect this spring, He’s a still projectable 6’4, 205, and athletic enough to be a four star wide receiver commit for Iowa football- a commitment which is said to be very strong. Brecht has brought his fastball as high as 97 MPH and has the makings of a second plus pitch in his slider. There are questions beyond the football commit though, mainly the effort in his delivery leading to command issues and reliever risk, but also his lack of big showcase events to face off against top competition.</p>
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<p id="UQksns"><strong>16. Chase Burns, Tennessee HS</strong></p>
<p id="muJNfY">Chase Burns is another pitcher in this class with a 100 MPH fastball, and the Tennessee commit also has the potential to develop a plus slider as part of his four pitch mix. Burns other two pitches are a curve that has average potential and a fringy change. There are command questions for him, but based on how he has shown more ability to command the arsenal when dialing things back there is hope that he can develop enough command to utilize the arsenal. He also comes with some effort in his delivery beyond just command questions, leading to reliever risk.</p>
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<p id="4pyIEf"><strong>17. Michael McGreevy, UC Santa Barbara</strong></p>
<p id="L6I5Kw">Michael McGreevy is a command and pitchability guy with the potential for plus plus command. His stuff saw an uptick this year and because of that he is in the mix to go somewhere in the first round. The reason I don’t rank him higher is because he doesn’t have anything that can be considered a plus pitch, though does have four pitches that are all average to slightly above. While still on the younger side for a college prospect, just recently turning 21 years old, there isn’t a ton of projection remaining in his 6’4, 215 frame. He comes with a high floor because of the pitchability, command, and those four pitches, but there is some reason to question his upside unless he sees his stuff tick up again. McGreevy is a name the Braves have been linked to.</p>
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<p id="H5UY0X"><strong>18. Irving Carter, Florida HS</strong></p>
<p id="CO0Txh">Carter is an athletic and projectable 6’4, 200 pounder with a pair of currently above average pitches in his fastball up to 95 and his slider. The change lags behind presently, but there is some feel for it. Command can be an issue for him, but there is hope that refining his delivery can lead it to being average. Carter is a kid who competes and brings good pitchability when trying to challenge hitters and keep their timing off.</p>
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<p id="ydT9Gf"><strong>19. Landon Marceaux, LSU</strong></p>
<p id="n0LbzB">Landon Marceaux is a different type of pitcher than most above him on this list. He brings just an average fastball and average slider with an above average change. The undersized right hander is all about command and pitchability and brings a great track record in SEC play. He’s a safe bet to become a back of the rotation starter, but there are teams who think they could help add some velocity on to his 94 MPH fastball, giving him a little more upside if that happens.</p>
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<p id="DGFMtm"><strong>20. Dylan Ross, Florida JUCO</strong></p>
<p id="rdTVWd">Dylan Ross is a big 6’5, 250 but surprisingly athletic hard throwing JUCO right hander. Ross brings a fastball as high as 100 MPH with some ability to potentially add on to it by another mile or two per hour. He’s also got a splitter that has shown enough to become a second plus pitch for him, and an average slider. Command hasn’t always been consistent, but there is some thought that he could see improvement there in a pro system. An Atlanta area native, Ross is committed to Georgia for next year and could really move up draft boards with a strong year of SEC play- something teams will be mindful of this year when considering him.</p>
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<p id="A8jumJ"><strong>21. Mike Vasil, Virginia</strong></p>
<p id="dwNAR1">You may remember this name as Mike Vasil was a serious high end first round guy out of high school in 2018, but withdrew from the draft to attend UVA after dealing with some injuries during his draft year. Fast forward a few years and he’s not longer the super premium prospect he once was as he has filled in his body quite a bit and doesn’t have a plus pitch in his arsenal. That said Vasil has pitchability and can command four average to slightly better pitches. The hope with a guy like Vasil is that getting him into a pro system can get his stuff back to what we saw out of high school, allowing a team to potentially find a steal.</p>
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<p id="lntmzn"><strong>22. Eric Hammond, Texas HS</strong></p>
<p id="gSCpgQ">Eric Hammond represents a very projectable 6’4, 175 pound pitcher out of Texas without any present plus pitches but has four average or better offerings with at least average command potential, if not slightly above average. That profile is a guy who could at least be a back of the rotation guy, however if he can add a little velocity when he fills out there could be much more upside with a guy like him.</p>
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<p id="yYYgfq"><strong>23. Spencer Schwellenbach, Nebraska</strong></p>
<p id="1J0f9Q">A name you might be familiar with due to reported Braves interest is Spencer Schwellenbach, another legit two way guy with teams being split to some extent on whether to draft him as a hitter or pitcher. As a pitcher he has a potentially plus fastball up to 97 with an average slider and change and above average command, but he would need to be converted into starting as he worked out of the Huskers pen while primarily playing shortstop. As a bat, while productive, he doesn’t have any plus tools excluding his throwing arm- and that would be from third base rather than shortstop as he isn’t athletic enough to handle short defensively. Then you add in the fact that he has dealt with past injury issues as an additional question and it shows you why he is rated more as a second round talent than as a legitimate first rounder.</p>
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<p id="ICVtKN"><strong>24. Sean Burke, Maryland</strong></p>
<p id="XoQNyk">Maryland’s 6’6, 230 pound Sean Burke brings a fastball up to 98 MPH with a swing and miss curve to give a really intriguing starter package. He also adds an average slider and usable changeup to his four pitch mix. The issues with him are that command has always been an issue and you have to project fringe average command to be able to be successful in a starting role. Also he has a Tommy John surgery in his past, so the health red flags are also present. </p>
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<p id="OUgBjh"><strong>25. Max Debiec, Washington HS</strong></p>
<p id="LAbJ7t">One of my personal favorite players in the draft is Washington prep pitcher Max Debiec, who unfortunately needed to undergo Tommy John surgery at the end of June. Debiec came out of no where to emerge at PG Nationals last year, and the projectable 6’7, 200 pounder was hitting 98 MPH with a high spin rate and showing off a promising breaking ball with some above average potential and throwing strikes. He hadn’t pitched as well this spring as he did last summer, but if you believe in his health he is the type of guy you hope takes off with added strength and moving to baseball full time(also a basketball player). Had he not needed the late TJ, he would be ranked quite a bit higher here.</p>
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<p id="qgzyNQ"><strong>26. Dylan Smith, Alabama</strong></p>
<p id="aVUstJ">Dylan Smith is an athletic and still somewhat projectable college arm who had a breakout spring this year. He's another guy without a plus pitch, but he has four average or better pitches led by his fastball up to 96 MPH, and he throws strikes. If a team believes Smith will see his stuff tick up then they could take him as high as the second round.</p>
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<p id="6fc1gT"><strong>27. Jonathan Cannon, Georgia</strong></p>
<p id="JtNVqs">Jonathan Cannon was stuck in Georgia’s bullpen last year as they were so loaded with high end starters, but finally got to move to the rotation this spring to showcase himself. Of course things didn’t go exactly as planned as illness kept him out at the start of the year and he was solid but inconsistent when he did get to pitch. Cannon represents a still somewhat projectable 6’6, 207 pounder that won’t turn 21 until just after the draft. Taking into consideration that he will throw his fastball as high as 97 MPH, has an above average change, usable slider, and above average command it is easy to see why a team may like Cannon. It is also possible he tries to return to UGA and build on this past season then enter next year’s draft.</p>
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<p id="odhSgN"><strong>28. Ryan Cusick, </strong><a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com"><strong>Wake Forest</strong></a></p>
<p id="s8jP8Y">This may be the low ranking you’ll find on Cusick, but that has more to do with the fact he profiles as a reliever without a great chance to start. The 6’6, 235 pounder has hit 102 MPH with his fastball, which has teams very interested even if it is out of the pen. Everything else is a bit of a question as the breaking ball flashes as above average but remains very inconsistent, he hasn’t really used his change up much, and the command has always given him issues to a varying extent. Cusick doesn’t have a great track record of ACC success, but the fastball would make him a high floor guy since he has good reliever potential if he isn’t able to refine the rest of the arsenal or the command.</p>
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<p id="fPPOFi"><strong>29. Kevin Abel, </strong><a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com"><strong>Oregon State</strong></a></p>
<p id="g1TXZV">I was high on Abel last year, and remain there this year as he didn’t pitch last year in his recovery from Tommy John. Things didn’t quite get back to his 2018/2019 form, but he still has a plus change and an above average curve to work with. Abel’s fastball sits more low 90s, which isn’t ideal for a right hander- especially one almost 22.5 years old at this point, and his command gave him serious issues this year. I think another year removed from TJ could help get him back to being the guy who was seen as a potential first rounder for the 2020 MLB Draft before he went down with injury.</p>
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<p id="SvDzgl"><strong>30. Coleman Willis, Georgia HS</strong></p>
<p id="dKP5AX">Willis is a 6’6, 190 right hander out of Warner Robins, Georgia that still has plenty of projection remaining. He started to fill in a bit this year and took his stuff to the next level, bring his fastball up to 94 MPH with a now above average curve and a potentially average change. Command has been an issue, but that’s not abnormal for such a tall pitcher in the process of filling in. There is a lot to like about this Georgia commit, though he is going to need plenty of developmental time.</p>
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<p id="RZ0LIE"><strong>31. Eric Silva, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="iUyD6t">Silva has been among the top prep arms in California for a while now, pitching for powerhouse program JSerra. He brings a plus fastball up to 97 MPH and an above average slider with potentially average command. The change is a work in progress and he’s undersized at just 6’0, 180 which of course brings some reliever questions, but his two pitches and solid command to go with success for a top program in the country make Silva attractive to teams.</p>
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<p id="rzmyIn"><strong>32. James Peyton Smith, Tennessee HS</strong></p>
<p id="PBHuDb">Smith is a big 6’4, 225 right hander who is young for the class at just barely over 18 years old. He brings a huge fastball up to as high as 98 MPH and an above average change. The rest of his arsenal needs work, and he may end up with just one breaking ball instead of the two he currently has since neither is quite average on its own. He comes with reliever risk because of his command issues and the delivery having some crossfire to it that hinders his command a bit. Smith isn’t going to be a cheap signing, but a big, young for the class arm with his fastball and change combo will have teams attention.</p>
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<p id="ije6Zp"><strong>33. Mason Black, Lehigh</strong></p>
<p id="guyMp3">From the same high school program that produced Pirates rookie Max Kranick, Black had his breakout as a freshman then followed it up with an eye opening Cape in 2019. He was actually a first round candidate coming into the season, but struggled with his stuff and command as he likely was trying to impress a little too hard in his draft year. He brings a fastball up to 97 MPH and a potentially plus slider to go with a more than usable changeup. Black’s command is a bit of a question mark after this spring, but it isn’t awful so there is something to work with.</p>
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<p id="kwAdzT"><strong>The Next 27</strong></p>
<p id="BBwfXv">34. Jacob Kmatz, New Mexico HS</p>
<p id="q1UCgM">35. Dominic Hamel, Dallas Baptist</p>
<p id="xBZZMH">36. Will Frisch, Oregon State</p>
<p id="68d0Wu">37. Michael Morales, Pennsylvania HS</p>
<p id="tkXmtt">38. Logan Henderson, Texas JUCO</p>
<p id="MCZiKp">39. Jackson Baumeister, Florida HS</p>
<p id="HBTbxY">40. Peter Heubeck, Maryland HS</p>
<p id="qUaUnL">41. Brendan Beck, Stanford</p>
<p id="ruYmCR">42. Troy Melton, San Diego State</p>
<p id="mmGtGz">43. Tommy Mace, Florida </p>
<p id="PTwrUk">44. McCade Brown, Indiana</p>
<p id="sWTk2f">45. Sean Sullivan, Cal</p>
<p id="bOS4Kf">46. Dennis Colleran, Massachusetts HS</p>
<p id="bhuUGI">47. Eric Cerantola, Mississippi State</p>
<p id="emem8s">48. Richard Fitts, Auburn</p>
<p id="htTr30">49. Shawn Guilliams, Florida JUCO</p>
<p id="Wh7PQ8">50. Shane Panzini, New Jersey HS</p>
<p id="eiOk5h">51. Caedmon Parker, Texas HS</p>
<p id="g04amt">52. Ryan Johnson, Texas HS</p>
<p id="tsghEo">53. Braden Olthoff, Tulane </p>
<p id="km5eey">54. Grant Holman, Cal</p>
<p id="RHvzoH">55. Thomas Farr, South Carolina</p>
<p id="fssRuP">56. Chase Silseth, Arizona</p>
<p id="URvIcE">57. Bransen Kuehl, South Dakota HS</p>
<p id="dGt6TX">58. Calvin Ziegler, Canada HS</p>
<p id="e60Ez5">59. Daniel Brooks, South Carolina HS</p>
<p id="nkuxHu">60. Erian Rodriguez, Georgia HS</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/7/10/22568731/2021-mlb-draft-preview-position-rankings-right-handed-pitcherMatt Powers2021-07-06T12:00:00-04:002021-07-06T12:00:00-04:002021 MLB Draft Preview Position Rankings: Left Handed Pitcher
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<img alt="NCAA Baseball: Big 12 Conference Baseball Tournament" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/os36OQMvyri5Bljra06MX-ra1Wo=/0x0:3947x2631/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69546178/usa_today_16151982.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jordan Wicks | Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With hitters now finished we move to the first of two groups of pitchers in the draft.</p> <p id="irojGP">The 2021 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a> Preview Position Rankings are starting to come to a close as we look at the first group of pitchers today.</p>
<p id="igfHUd">This is a very much below average crop of lefties, both on the college and prep side. There just isn’t much impact talent and there are more questions than answers even compared to a normal draft class. Only one of these guys is a lock to go in the first round, though you could make a case for any of the Top 8 lefties to be taken in the later part of the first round minus the one who recently pulled out of the draft.</p>
<p id="r3SWsg">The Braves have been linked to a couple of the lefties here and could very well take one of the top guys, but I don’t think it is a guarantee that they take one early as much as I do think it is a guarantee we see a pitcher drafted in the top three picks by the Braves.</p>
<p id="DbsCut">This list expands from 40 to 41 because of a late withdrawal from the draft that is being left on the list.</p>
<ol><li id="PDrdIX">
<strong>Jordan Wicks, </strong><a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com"><strong>Kansas State</strong></a>
</li></ol>
<p id="9qBy1k">Jordan Wicks is the top lefty in the class, a safe middle of the rotation arm who has a plus plus changeup, fastball up to 95 MPH, and a slider that flashes as a third plus pitch at times. He should also have plus future command. It’s hard to see this profile not being a big league starter, and it is safe to assume he is among the Top 15 picks in a class that may not have another lefty taken in the first round.</p>
<p id="oUqCQa"><strong>2. Anthony Solometo, New Jersey HS</strong></p>
<p id="Rkjiz0">Arguably the top prep lefty in the class is New Jersey’s Anthony Solometo. Solometo can bring his fastball up to 96 MPH with plenty of movement and has a plus slider. He doesn’t use his changeup much but it shows signs of being at least usable and the command has a chance to be above average as he improves the consistency. I saw him in Boston at the Future Stars Series International Week and came away thinking he was the most impressive pitcher there without a doubt from a group that will feature numerous high picks.</p>
<p id="O07pfD"><strong>3. Maddux Bruns, Alabama HS</strong></p>
<p id="Xi1deU">Maddux Bruns is the other guy in the running for top prep lefty and the 6’2, 210 pounder is a bit more of an arm strength guy at the moment. Bruns has topped out at 98 mph with a pair of plus breaking balls and an average or better potential changeup. His biggest issue is the command is erratic, though reports are that it has improved this spring from what we saw last summer against top competition. One other thing working against him is the fact he’s older for the class at 19-years old. Bruns has the most upside among the lefties, but he will need a considerable amount of work more than a Solometo for example.</p>
<p id="cPDLfn"><strong>4. Josh Hartle, North Carolina HS</strong></p>
<p id="2Jp1LM">Hartle withdrew from the draft and is headed to <a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest</a>. He is a very projectable arm who could be a first rounder in a couple years as he has three pitches as average or above and plus command potential.</p>
<p id="jZqjGv"><strong>5. Gage Jump, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="ZMuPDI">An undersized but talented lefty from prep power JSerra HS, Gage Jump has a plus fastball up to 96 MPH and a plus curve with a change that grades as average and at least average command potential. Some teams don’t love his delivery and when you combine that with his size(5’11, 180), some see relief risk. The stuff really makes him interesting and he faces some of the better prep competition in Southern California, so there is a case for him to go in the first round.</p>
<p id="pdM9os"><strong>6. Ky Bush, Saint Mary’s</strong></p>
<p id="skDhYp">After tweaking his delivery to improve his command, the 6’6, 240 lefty from Saint Mary’s has moved into first round consideration and has been linked to the Braves. Bush brings a fastball up to 96 mph and has a swing and miss slider to go with a pair of other pitches that get average to slightly above grades. The command was a major issue in the past but played at above average this year. If a team believes the command improvement is for real they could take him early.</p>
<p id="U9PErK"><strong>7. Matt Mikulski, Fordham</strong></p>
<p id="Bxyy0j">Matt Mikulski was in the draft last year and went undrafted but had a breakout this year. Mikulski is up to 98 MPH and has a plus change though his slider is fringy. His control is better than his command so that, and not having a third average pitch, he brings some relief risk and teams aren’t sure if he can start. Either way Mikulski, who is older for the draft at 22 years old, should have a promising future and could get to the big leagues fast as a reliever if a team doesn’t try to let him develop as a starter.</p>
<p id="ySsL8D"><strong>8. Frank Mozzicato, Connecticut HS</strong></p>
<p id="rspQ1b">Mozzicato is the final potential first rounder from this list. A spring helium guy who got himself on the map after throwing four straight no hitters. Of course those came against less than ideal Connecticut HS competition, but he has one of the better curves in the high school class, an above average fastball, and potentially average command along with the fact he’s young for the class at barely 18 years old. The biggest thing working against him is his spring success came against weaker competition and he didn’t do many showcases last summer, so he isn’t proven against top hitters.</p>
<p id="87lHS5"><strong>9. Andrew Abbott, Virginia</strong></p>
<p id="qUsrLz">After going undrafted last year Abbott moved into the Virginia rotation this year. That’s a bit misleading because he was always one of the top pitchers on the staff, but the coaches preferred to use him out of the pen as a weapon. Abbott had a strong year thanks to his 98 MPH fastball with a high spin rate that drew a lot of swings and misses to go with an above average curve and average change. Abbott has the ingredients to be a starter, but may be best to be a weapon out of the pen where his fastball can potentially play up even more.</p>
<p id="BjuEEC"><strong>10. Steven Hajjar, Michigan</strong></p>
<p id="YGGzco">Hajjar has been on the radar forever now and the 6’5, 215 pound lefty still isn’t 21 years old yet. Hajjar doesn’t have any plus pitches, but he has a solid three pitch mix and great results while pitching for a top program. There is hope that he can add more as he fills in more and gets another year out from a previous knee injury that slowed the start of his career, but at this point his best pitch is an above average change with an average fastball. If you see more coming for him, Hajjar would appeal to you in the second round. </p>
<p id="PZzEmv"><strong>11. Ricky Tiedemann, California JUCO</strong></p>
<p id="ra0chW">After going undrafted last year Tiedemann gave up his four year college commitment and headed to JUCO, where he has taken another step forward. Tiedemann is still a projectable arm and his velocity hasn’t taken a massive step up, but he has improved. At this point, he has what looks to be a plus plus change with an at least average fastball that currently tops out at 94 MPH. Add an average slider and average command and there is a lot to like once he fills in his 6’4, 220 frame especially when considering he hasn’t even turned 19 yet.</p>
<p id="4AddS4"><strong>12. Joe Rock, Ohio</strong></p>
<p id="lNzT70">Rock is a 6’6 lefty with a strong two-pitch mix, a fastball up to 96 MPH and an above average to potentially plus slider. He doesn’t have much of a third pitch and his command is questionable, so there are real relief risks with him. Rock is an easy arm to like, even if it is coming out of the pen where he could get his stuff to play up in shorter stints.</p>
<p id="nAI3vr"><strong>13. Drew Gray, Illinois HS</strong></p>
<p id="NTPr2R">Drew Gray is an interesting two-way player, who would also be a legit hitter prospect though his brightest future would be on the mound. It is important to note that he is an Arkansas commit where his older brother is currently playing, so signability does become a question. Gray is a very athletic prospect with a high spin fastball up to 94 MPH and an above average slider. The command needs work, but with his athleticism, projection, and concentrating on pitching full time, there is hope he can be at least average in the future.</p>
<p id="MLpP6V"><strong>14. Pierce Coppola, New Jersey HS</strong></p>
<p id="nCGMJW">Coppola is a projectable 6’8, 230 lefty with a bunch of questions and a ton of upside. His command is his biggest issue as it can really come and go which isn’t uncommon for such a young pitcher with his size, but he typically does better than most guys his size and age with the command. His fastball can touch 95 MPH, but it is inconsistent and he doesn’t hold the velocity deep. He also has a potential slider and splitter that can get swings and misses. The upside is massive just like the body, but he will need plenty of time in development first.</p>
<p id="ztqOeJ"><strong>15. Robert Gasser, Houston</strong></p>
<p id="ESnEBr">One of the surprise breakouts of the year, Robert Gasser was not even a name to know for the 2020 draft when he went undrafted. He worked really hard since the end of 2020 season to improve his stuff and now has two above average pitches and above average command. The thing working against him is that nothing is plus and he doesn’t have a long track record with his new stuff, so for a guy without a carrying tool he drops a bit in the rankings.</p>
<p id="NnKCc4"><strong>16. Brandon Clarke, Virginia HS</strong></p>
<p id="rRXq1z">Clarke had a massive breakout early this year after missing last summer in Tommy John rehab, but fell back to Earth as the spring went on. He’s an athletic and projectable 6’4, 210 lefty who has been up to 97 and has good feel for his breaking ball, so there is hope that he can hold his stuff and command it better as he moves another year out from surgery. He is an Alabama commit who will need to be bought out.</p>
<p id="JdDC28"><strong>17. Carter Holton, Georgia HS</strong></p>
<p id="vaQM9h">Holton is another undersized lefty without a plus pitch, but the Vanderbilt commit has two above average pitches and a pair of average pitches with average command. He also looked good last summer and in key matchups this spring with scouts in attendance. He is on the older side for the class but he could draw enough interest for a team to try to buy him out.</p>
<p id="anZYcf"><strong>18. Doug Nikhazy, </strong><a href="https://www.redcuprebellion.com"><strong>Ole Miss</strong></a></p>
<p id="4yLNAf">Nikhazy is another college arm without a plus pitch along with being undersized, but he has a four pitch mix with all four being at least average. He could see the slider become plus in the future, but profiles more as a 4/5 starter regardless. Either way, teams will like his track record of success in the SEC and that four pitch mix,</p>
<p id="JCNgSZ"><strong>19. Philip Abner, North Carolina HS</strong></p>
<p id="xLY2vZ">Abner is a 6’1, 220 pound Florida commit who is already older for the class at 19 years old. He doesn’t have anything plus but does have three average or better pitches with average command. He probably ends up getting to college and having a successful career there.</p>
<p id="CNFgWb"><strong>20. Brant Hurter, </strong><a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com"><strong>Georgia Tech</strong></a></p>
<p id="90e7cX">Hurter was draft eligible last year but didn’t go as he wasn’t far enough out from his own Tommy John surgery at the time. He returned to the mound this spring and had a solid year but nothing was plus for him and with his delivery having some effort, there is real relief risk versus more of a backend starter profile.</p>
<p id="hyCQfi"><strong>21. Hagen Smith, Texas HS</strong></p>
<p id="U4jAN3">Frank Mozzicato’s four straight no hitters drew more recognition, but Smith had seven no hitters among his first 19 starts to the season after missing last summer following Tommy John surgery. Smith doesn’t have a plus pitch but has four that are average or better and could fill in his 6’3, 200 pound frame since he isn’t even 18 years old yet. The Arkansas commit is an alumni of the same high school as Braves reliever AJ Minter.</p>
<p id="8Vc7QY"><strong>22. Christian MacLeod, </strong><a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com"><strong>Mississippi State</strong></a></p>
<p id="diJlUI">Christian MacLeod has had a successful career in the SEC without a true plus pitch. His 94 MPH fastball plays up with its great movement and he also brings a swing and miss curve that gives him a second quality offering and at least a chance to be a solid reliever. MacLeod has a chance to start but to do so will need to tighten up his command after being a little too homer prone this spring.</p>
<p id="CyEN7c"><strong>23. Andrew Walling, Oklahoma JUCO</strong></p>
<p id="7IIN6K">Walling is an interesting arm, an older player in the class at 22 years old and currently in JUCO. He does have a fastball he can touch 98 MPH with and an above average slider to go with an average change. The Mississippi State commit got off to a slow start to his career because of Tommy John surgery and started his college career at <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State</a>. He could improve his stock with a good year at Mississippi State, proving the command gains this year are for real, but he would be 23 years old at the next draft so his clock is ticking a bit to go pro.</p>
<p id="PHUOwQ"><strong>24. Larson Kindreich, Biola</strong></p>
<p id="A41Eyj">One of the toughest guys in the class to rank is D2 lefty Larson Kindreich, who has impressive stuff but more mixed results than a guy with his stuff should have against D2 hitters. Kindreich has a plus change, above average fastball, and average curve but the command has held the results back. He’s currently pitching in the Cape to a similar lineup of good strikeout numbers but with command questions over a short sample size.</p>
<p id="VBjjgG"><strong>25. Justin Wrobleski, </strong><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com"><strong>Oklahoma State</strong></a></p>
<p id="xpc43t">Stuff wise Wrobleski should be higher as he’s up to 95 MPH with a plus curve, but he got hurt early and needed Tommy John surgery. His biggest questions are medical right now, but in a draft that isn’t strong for lefty pitchers he represents an upside play.</p>
<p id="RwmVH7"><strong>26. Mitchell Bratt, Canada/Georgia HS</strong></p>
<p id="3XFiLS">Mitchell Bratt left Canada for the Georgia Premier Academy this spring after being undrafted last year, before heading to the MLB Draft League this spring. Still just barely 18 years old, he sits in the low 90s with feel for two secondaries presently. He’s athletic, projectable, and brings projectability while throwing strikes. If he develops as expected physically you could be looking at a middle of the rotation lefty with a nice three pitch mix.</p>
<p id="GKNADw"><strong>The Next 15</strong></p>
<p id="J9i1hS">27. Seth Lonsway, <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a></p>
<p id="Ew0xM9">28. Ryan Webb, Georgia</p>
<p id="JxqYMe">29. Russell Smith, <a href="https://www.frogsowar.com">TCU</a></p>
<p id="OcnvCY">30. Dylan Dodd, Southeast Missouri </p>
<p id="LH6LK9">31. Julian Bosnic, South Carolina</p>
<p id="s9gt44">32.Jac Caglianone, Florida HS</p>
<p id="3bYZDm">33. Brock Selvidge, Arizona HS</p>
<p id="iVVSRv">34. Trenton Wallace, Iowa</p>
<p id="SziKpD">35. Pico Kohn, Alabama HS</p>
<p id="PRp5X7">36. Michael Kirian, Louisville </p>
<p id="ScC3Lp">37. Christian Lothes, UNC Charlotte</p>
<p id="0N75eo">38. Patrick Wicklander, Arkansas</p>
<p id="HXGNVQ">39. Mo Hanley, Adrian</p>
<p id="NoG6Ty">40. Hugh Fisher, Vanderbilt</p>
<p id="23Ulza">41. Mason Albright, Maryland HS</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/7/6/22563549/2021-mlb-draft-preview-position-rankings-left-handed-pitcherMatt Powers2021-07-05T12:00:00-04:002021-07-05T12:00:00-04:002021 MLB Draft Preview Position Rankings: Outfield
<figure>
<img alt="Worcester Bravehearts Vs. North Shore Navigators" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X9BlqIKcZcSbhZeobieW7UX0LJI=/0x0:6120x4080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69542771/1225678973.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sal Frelick last summer | Photo by Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Today we finish off the final group of hitters left to cover in the 2021 MLB Draft, the outfield.</p> <p id="8JP0Nl">The 2021 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a> Preview position rankings finally covers its last group of hitters today with a closer look at the outfielders. We move to the final two groups, left and right handed pitchers later this week as we are now just days away from draft day.</p>
<p id="OvExYY">This outfielder class is below average as a whole. There is no slam dunk must have guy at the top and very few sure things. What there are is plenty of toolsy guys with hit tool questions and plenty of upside if they can hit enough.</p>
<p id="S8Ose6">The Braves have been heavily looking at some of the toolsy prep outfielders, mostly ones with some questions on the hit tool. The rumors of taking one of them in the first round have started to slow down in recent weeks, and unless Benny Montgomery was to make a surprise fall, it isn’t easy to see them take one with the top pick. However, I can absolutely see the Braves taking one among their top three picks just based on how many guys with fairly similar skill sets they were looking at this spring.</p>
<p id="NFqYg0">As usual if you’re looking for a guy and don’t see him on this list, that may just be because he is listed at another position.</p>
<p id="ZGWuoV">Note that the list was expanded to 76 after a player pulled out of the draft after the list was made, but that player is still included here.</p>
<p id="Nj1H5h"></p>
<ol><li id="MySi4M"><strong>Colton Cowser, Sam Houston State</strong></li></ol>
<p id="vlUDxr">Cowser is probably the most well rounded outfielder in this draft. He’s a plus hitter with at least average power and gets on base at a solid clip. Defensively he has a chance to stick in center though may be better off in a corner where he could be a very strong defender with quality athleticism and arm. The biggest concern is probably the fact he hasn’t faced the best competition regularly, though he has faced some good competition outside of playing for SHSU.</p>
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<p id="HlCKm9"><strong>2. Sal Frelick, Boston College</strong></p>
<p id="xndvjw">Some consider Frelick to be the best outfielder in the draft, as he is a plus hitter with plus plus speed. That equals out to being a top of the order bat who more than adequately patrols centerfield. However, he is undersized and his power comes in below average, though certainly not weak. If he had just a little more power, I’d feel comfortable ranking him above Cowser, but it is a pretty close battle between the two.</p>
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<p id="XbJrKH"><strong>3. Benny Montgomery, Pennsylvania HS</strong></p>
<p id="TS8Htn">Benny Montgomery is easily the toolsiest player in the draft among the expected first rounders. You’re getting a plus plus to potentially 80 grade runner with a plus arm and plus glove in center. He also brings elite bat speed and plus power. Add in that he’s still got plenty of projection on his frame and you can see why he is a favorite of those who prefer upside/tools. The only thing that keeps him below the top two guys is that his hit tool is questionable, though you can point to work he has put in to try to fix it and see a chance he is able to hit enough to make the rest of his tool set play up. This is a player the Braves have been linked to, though it is hard to see him falling to the Braves pick.</p>
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<p id="CWNEf6"><strong>4. Ethan Wilson, South Alabama</strong></p>
<p id="43liwz">Ethan Wilson may have the best bat of the first round outfielders, but the fact he’s a bat first corner outfielder hurts his value a little compared to some players who are more all around skilled. Wilson brings plus power with an above average hit tool and can hit for both average and power. He’s a slightly below average runner whose ability on the bases plays up because of instincts, but he’s limited to left field defensively where he is more playable than he is an asset. </p>
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<p id="RSIvnd"><strong>5. Lonnie White, Pennsylvania HS</strong></p>
<p id="zKzNWr">White is an intriguing athlete with a serious two sport background, being a 4 star wide receiver signee for Penn State football. White is a plus runner with an above average arm that projects as a right fielder type though the glove is the weaker part of his defensive profile. Offensively he brings plus power and some feel for hitting, but also comes with some swing and miss. Despite not having much projection remaining, he still has plenty of upside left as a cold weather prospect and a three sport athlete who would be playing baseball full time for the first time.</p>
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<p id="gZQkTS"><strong>6. Joshua Baez, Massachusetts HS</strong></p>
<p id="5olewg">Joshua Baez was linked to the Braves for the longest time, but he had a tough stretch to end his season and it happened against weaker competition leading to additional questions. What isn’t in question is the double plus power and arm and above average glove that makes him a prototypical right fielder. The run and hit tools are both fringy, and he comes with a lot of swing and miss. However, he is young for the class at just barely 18 years old and has an interesting fallback option as a pitcher considering he has hit 98 MPH off the mound. Baez has been dropping on boards since his second half struggles and no longer feels like a player in play for the Braves top pick despite the fact he is now more than likely available there.</p>
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<p id="E2ZisX"><strong>7. Will Taylor, South Carolina HS</strong></p>
<p id="zgwvfZ">Another two-sport star, Will Taylor is a Clemson football receiver signee although he isn’t likely to make it to campus. Taylor is a plus plus runner with an above average hit tool and a chance to be a plus defender in center. He makes good hard contact regularly, but his power is more gap power than over the fence power in game. Taylor is a speed and defense type of top of the order bat.</p>
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<p id="xDEg4p"><strong>8. James Wood, Maryland HS</strong></p>
<p id="EnH6bk">A player who spent last summer being compared to a left handed Aaron Judge because of his size (6’6, 230) and big power, James Wood had little trouble hitting top pitching in showcases. He also has above average or better tools almost across the board so it isn’t just his plus plus power. However, he spent this spring at IMG Academy and the hit tool didn’t quite play the same way leading to more questions on if he will be able to hit enough to take advantage of the rest of his tool set. </p>
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<p id="Qu5q1t"><strong>9. Jay Allen, Florida HS</strong></p>
<p id="oz1kem">Jay Allen is a freak athlete with huge tools. A kid who could easily be going on to play big time college football or even basketball to a slightly lesser extent. He brings above average power and speed although he may slow some as he fills out leading to a move to a corner outfield spot. His hit tool was always his biggest question and he answered it a little this spring to ease some of the concerns.</p>
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<p id="MsFRBL"><strong>10. Jud Fabian, Florida</strong></p>
<p id="jbLraO">Fabian was a potential first round pick out of high school who skipped the draft by enrolling at Florida early. He has been a toolsy and productive player with plus power, above average running, and a special glove in center. His biggest question is his hit tool with plenty of swing and miss in the profile. While he improved his hit tool in the second half this spring, I still question it based on the first half and a less than impressive run in the <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a> Collegiate Baseball League last summer. With an elite glove and intriguing power and speed, he has massive upside, but his hit tool will determine his value.</p>
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<p id="rnpF2P"><strong>11. Tyler Whitaker, Nevada HS</strong></p>
<p id="NINKVT">Whitaker is a personal favorite of mine. A player who has shown plenty of tools, plus or better run, arm, and power for the former shortstop who is likely to be a big time defender in right field or even center. Some questions surround the hit tool, but the work he put in over the winter to make changes to his swing and approach show both the work ethic and ability to make changes that have me sold on his ability to hit enough for the rest of his tools to play. He is another player who has been connected to the Braves, though it isn’t feeling like they would go this direction in the first and I wouldn’t expect them to have a chance in the second.</p>
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<p id="WvZnvQ"><strong>12. Christian Franklin, Arkansas</strong></p>
<p id="SvqYvL">Arkansas star Christian Franklin is an interesting power and speed prospect, though one with a questionable hit tool. It is hard to see Franklin hitting for average as a pro, but he does have a solid approach and is skilled at getting on base despite the low average. He has some chance to stick in center.</p>
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<p id="rQ6M9c"><strong>13. Braden Montgomery, Mississippi HS</strong></p>
<p id="TTrjKo">One of the more interesting players in the class is Braden Montgomery, a kid who teams are fairly split on where he gets drafted between the outfield and as a right handed pitcher. Still ,just barely over 18 years old and having plenty of projection there is a lot to like, though he will not be an easy sign as a Stanford commit. At the plate, Montgomery is a switch hitter who has above average power and a decent feel for hitting to go with above average running and a huge arm that has him profile well in right field. He’s still fairly new to pitching but is in the low 90s already and has a promising curve with decent command. I caught him in Boston at the Future Stars Series International Week last fall as both a pitcher and hitter and liked what I saw both ways. I prefer his bat as he was one of the most consistent hitters at the event and made me feel comfortable that he should be able to hit enough.</p>
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<p id="FMvgib"><strong>14. Malakhi Knight, Washington HS</strong></p>
<p id="w5kwqw">Washington prep star Malakhi Knight is yet another toolsy prep outfielder with a questionable hit tool. He brings potentially plus power with plus running and a chance to be a strong center field defender. The hit tool will need a lot of work, but again this is a cold weather prospect who hasn’t played baseball full time (basketball is other sport), so there is more to unlock with him.</p>
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<p id="88SrWd"><strong>15. Justice Thompson, North Carolina</strong></p>
<p id="41KcKo">A JUCO transfer for this season, Justice Thompson impressed in fall ball and has only continued to look good since. Thompson is definitely close to a five tool player with the one tool in question being the hit tool as he comes with a lot of swing and miss. Some of that can be attributed to it being his first year in the ACC, but he is likely to be a below average hitter. The thing with Thompson is he offers plus plus running with above average power and a chance to be a quality center field defender. If a team thinks Thompson can unlock the hitting ability, he could be a huge steal on Day 2.</p>
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<p id="7RVQTF"><strong>16. Reed Trimble, Southern Miss</strong></p>
<p id="KuiWlS">A 2021 breakout, Reed Trimble showed more than expected power when he hit 17 home runs this year. He’s always been a plus to plus plus runner with an average hit tool and some defensive versatility. Once you add in some power to that mix, you get a player that is hard not to like especially when you consider he hasn’t been able to play much in college as a two year guy that essentially lost one year to COVID.</p>
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<p id="yrsihL"><strong>17. Daylen Lile, Kentucky HS</strong></p>
<p id="uvkJQI">Daylen Lile is a tough profile. He’s got one tool above an average grade, but that is his hit tool. Everything else comes in at 45-50 on the 20-80 scouting scale, but the hit tool is above average to plus and he raked in the summer against top pitching, Lile is a fringy power guy with just an average run who is limited to left field defensively, so he really needs to hit to make the profile work. That said I firmly believe in his hit tool, especially against good pitching that he has seen.</p>
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<p id="KmP6YB"><strong>18. Chase Mason, South Dakota HS</strong></p>
<p id="kc6KSo">If Benny Montgomery isn’t the most toolsy prospect in the entire draft, it is because Chase Mason is. Mason is a true athletic freak in an athletic and projectable 6’4, 215 pound frame. He brings plus plus to true 80 grade power with a plus run and plus to plus plus arm. Of course he is very raw considering he is a four sport star and that he is from South Dakota, not to mention a torn ACL in football got him a late start to this spring. There is a lot to like but he will take plenty of time to develop. He is a player moving up draft boards of late.</p>
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<p id="V29BNT"><strong>19. Braylon Bishop, Arkansas HS</strong></p>
<p id="d0LbSl">Another super toolsy prep outfielder with a questionable hit tool is Braylon Bishop. Bishop has plus power and plus running with some of the best bat speed in the draft. Unfortunately he has a hitch in his swing and comes with a lot of swing and miss, which is why he isn’t ranked higher despite his potential. The Arkansas commit is expected to stick in center field, but may not go high enough to buy him out of school.</p>
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<p id="SXta1n"><strong>20. Isaiah Thomas, Vanderbilt</strong></p>
<p id="BrYsVe">This may be a little low for the Vanderbilt star, with above average to plus tools across the board except one. That is because the one tool that is an exception is a hit tool that I see as below average and low walk rate with a questionable hit tool just isn’t going to work the same in the pros. There is some question on if he has to move to a corner in the future defensively as well.</p>
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<p id="czURAk"><strong>21. Nick McLain, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="15U7AV">Nick McLain is the younger brother of <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com">UCLA</a> shortstop and first round lock Matt McLain. Nick has some similarities as a plus plus runner with a plus arm and glove that shouldn’t have a hard time in center, but the switch hitter has below average power. He’s new to hitting lefty but he hasn’t had any issues with the conversion into switch hitting and it goes to show his instincts and makeup are high end. Like his brother, McLain projects as a top of the order guy.</p>
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<p id="SkH1mz"><strong>22. Denzel Clarke, CSU Northridge</strong></p>
<p id="R7qt9T">The cousin of Indians Josh and Bo Naylor, Denzel Clarke is another interesting Canadian bat. He’s 6’5, 220 with plus running and easily plus power. The hit tool is below average but the strides he has made since high school and how raw he was/is, give hope that he can unlock more and let the power play. He has a chance to handle center but if he outgrows it, he would be limited to left field because he doesn’t have the arm for right.</p>
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<p id="nWkugH"><strong>23. Lorenzo Carrier, Delaware HS</strong></p>
<p id="CtJOLf">Carrier is another two-sport star and power and speed guy. Still projectable with a host of above average to plus tools, he also has a questionable hit tool like many others in this class. He’s also a cold weather guy and multi-sport star in addition to being a two way guy, so there is hope that hitting full time as a pro can unlock some upside. On Sunday night he announced he is pulling out of the draft.</p>
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<p id="tYMoLL"><strong>24. Ryan Holgate, Arizona</strong></p>
<p id="FJfoby">Ryan Holgate is a bat only left field prospect with an above average hit tool and plus power. Holgate is a guy who will hit and brings a track record of doing it in college, and in a class with so many questionable hit tools he could rise.</p>
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<p id="HqMPGb"><strong>25. Michael Robertson, Florida HS</strong></p>
<p id="a1FhiM">Michael Robertson is a speed and defense type of centerfielder with 70-80 grade run times and a plus glove to go with an average arm. The hit tool is fringy and he has well below average power, but he has carrying tools. Despite being a fringy hit tool, he doesn’t swing and miss a lot, it is fringy more because he didn’t have the strength to drive the ball previously, something that slightly improved this spring. He is old for the class at almost 19 years old.</p>
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<p id="C8yNL7"><strong>26. Tanner Allen, </strong><a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com"><strong>Mississippi State</strong></a></p>
<p id="pz4MYO">Tanner Allen brings one of the best looking lefty swings in the draft, and the SEC Player of the Year has a track record for production. He has worked hard to improve his speed and glove to the point he could stick in the outfield now rather than being a first base/DH profile. He’s a plus hitter with average power that plays up because of the hit tool and borderline above average runner. The biggest drawback is the fact he’s already 23 years old.</p>
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<p id="afcMkx"><strong>27. Aaron Zavala, Oregon</strong></p>
<p id="Lib6Y3">Aaron Zavala is a very productive player but one who also only one tool that grades as average or better. However that tool is a potentially plus hit tool. Zavala should hit for average and get on base at a good clip as he takes plenty of walks. The power is more fringe average the way it plays as more gap power, but he could tap into it more with some changes to his swing. Defensively he is limited to left field.</p>
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<p id="2AKNdS"><strong>28. Robby Martin, Florida State</strong></p>
<p id="1BCfdK">Martin was highly regarded out of high school and is still highly regarded despite being a different type of player now than he was as a prep. He is well rounded without any standout tools but also no glaring weaknesses. Martin has a good track record for performance in the ACC, but had a disappointing spring as he tried to hit for power to impress scouts in his draft year. If a team buys that it was just trying to improve his draft stock as opposed to a newer issue with his game, a team would be more inclined to draft him high.</p>
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<p id="NE7w7f"><strong>29. Brady Allen, South Carolina</strong></p>
<p id="EuKmKG">Brady Allen is a bat first corner outfield prospect with a well rounded tool set but no carrying tool. The biggest question is a hit tool that is fringy but it should be enough to get the job done with above average power and solid average run and defense.</p>
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<p id="E8b0ly"><strong>30. Cam Butler, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="CxQlWU">A helium guy this spring who had a big breakout and has big tools like potential for plus power, plus run, and a plus arm. He’s raw and hasn’t faced much top competition both nationally and locally, so there is a lot of projection going on here. That said he has shown the feel to have an average hit tool mixed with a good work ethic and ability to make adjustments so there is hope despite coming with swing and miss. There is a lot to like here, but he will need to be brought along slowly.</p>
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<p id="uhtMUZ"><strong>The Next 46</strong></p>
<p id="SZH1OG">31. Logan Cerny, Troy</p>
<p id="025jSY">32. Colin Husser, Louisiana HS</p>
<p id="dDygsf">33. Tyler Collins, Texas HS</p>
<p id="MvRghY">34. Thaddeus Ector, Georgia HS</p>
<p id="LZbPEm">35. Parker Chavers, Coastal Carolina </p>
<p id="dGIDk0">36. Ty Evans, Florida HS</p>
<p id="oTsytZ">37. Michael Sirota, Connecticut HS</p>
<p id="V8OQ1Y">37. Jacen Robertson, CSU Bakersfield</p>
<p id="H4jyJY">39. Camden Hayslip, Tennessee HS</p>
<p id="zLaBmd">40. Rodney Green, California HS</p>
<p id="9mbUc2">41. Thomas DiLandri, Nevada HS</p>
<p id="42sghB">42. Jerrion Ealy, <a href="https://www.redcuprebellion.com">Ole Miss</a></p>
<p id="PBZzGF">43. Jonathan Santucci, Massachusetts HS</p>
<p id="0lL77U">44. Billy Cook, Pepperdine </p>
<p id="HdAA4a">44. TJ White, South Carolina HS</p>
<p id="UjJo2D">46. Jordan Viars, Texas HS</p>
<p id="2iJU6h">47. Tyree Reed, California HS</p>
<p id="EoHGa4">48. Corey Rosier, UNC Greensboro </p>
<p id="ZHP5xe">49. Dru Baker, <a href="https://www.vivathematadors.com">Texas Tech</a></p>
<p id="paiZAP">50. John Rhodes, Kentucky</p>
<p id="xajGFe">51. Donta Williams, Arizona </p>
<p id="Lyhtq2">52. Levi Usher, Louisville</p>
<p id="Jnvyft">53. Mason Auer, Texas JUCO</p>
<p id="Ksgr97">54. Rowdey Jordan, Mississippi State</p>
<p id="ZqSDuR">55. Christian Robinson, Stanford</p>
<p id="Cjo6kW">56. Kevin Kendall, UCLA</p>
<p id="0bGULZ">57. Mike Peabody, UC Irvine</p>
<p id="baaw4K">58. Tim Tawa, Stanford </p>
<p id="3WtYAt">59. Teo Banks, Texas HS</p>
<p id="kkuvep">60. Elijah Cabell, Florida State</p>
<p id="uUgiVY">61. Jaden Fein, San Diego State</p>
<p id="oHgk29">62. Jacob Young, Florida </p>
<p id="kSxFzd">63. Steven Williams, Auburn</p>
<p id="0GSjpb">64. Jace Avina, Nevada HS</p>
<p id="C82Gqd">65. Matt Rudick, San Diego State</p>
<p id="sotflp">66. TJ Reeves, Alabama</p>
<p id="hbgnm0">67. Quincy Hamilton, Wright State</p>
<p id="YZmIUB">68. Philip Sikes, <a href="https://www.frogsowar.com">TCU</a></p>
<p id="XLre8d">69. Caleb Roberts, North Carolina</p>
<p id="tJIAn1">70. AJ Guerrero, Washington HS</p>
<p id="LObjg8">71. Aaron Beck, Indiana State</p>
<p id="VyC9bz">72. Juju Stevens, Connecticut HS</p>
<p id="ndsxCI">73. Gabriel D’Arcy, California HS</p>
<p id="a6305b">74. Braiden Ward, Washington</p>
<p id="L6MWR6">75. James Tibbs, Georgia HS</p>
<p id="QDkLtX">76. Carter Mathison, Indiana HS</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/7/5/22562519/2021-mlb-draft-preview-position-rankings-outfieldMatt Powers2021-07-01T12:00:00-04:002021-07-01T12:00:00-04:002021 MLB Draft Preview Position Rankings: Shortstop
<figure>
<img alt="UCLA v Oregon State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sTPpawrV0Wra2imTM8Buicu5gqY=/1x0:4000x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69529511/1315916167.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt McLain | Photo by Andy Bao/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We move to the final spot in the infield, where a loaded high school crop of shortstops fill the list.</p> <p id="LsaEFs">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> 2021 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a> Preview finally finishes off the infield today as we look at the shortstops in the 2021 draft class.</p>
<p id="8JkGJx">This position probably grabs the most attention in the class, especially the prep shortstops at the top of the class. It’s a very strong class and could maybe be a special one because of the top few names. However, the lack of college shortstop talent is very apparent with this list. The good thing is the list is deep as I would be happy to see the Braves draft any of the 40 players I ranked here. There are even a few talented guys who just missed the cut.</p>
<p id="lje1XO">The Braves will have no shot at any of the Top 5 guys on this list as they will all be long gone. After that group, there isn’t really a slam dunk first rounder, though you could make an argument that an additional five or six guys from this list have a chance to go in the first round. </p>
<p id="3eYbPn">Note that the Braves have been tied to two guys (Bubba Chandler and Spencer Schwellenbach) some other sites list as shortstops, but you won’t find either of them on this list because in the cases of both players, I feel as though they have more potential on the mound, so they will be in those rankings.</p>
<ol><li id="IBIPE4"><strong>Jordan Lawlar, Texas HS</strong></li></ol>
<p id="GwlMLI">The top four guys here are so close together that it’s really just a matter of preference for the order, and Jordan Lawlar is the top guy for me and the guy I would take No. 1 overall in this draft. Lawlar is a plus hitter and runner with above average future power, and defensively an above average glove with a plus arm. His feel for the game and work ethic have also been positives and for my evaluation, I think he brings the best combination of upside with likelihood to reach it.</p>
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<p id="CjzN7i"><strong>2. Kahlil Watson, North Carolina HS</strong></p>
<p id="RzCMZG">Kahlil Watson has the loudest tool set of the top prep shortstop group, bringing what times occasionally as double plus speed with the ability to hit for both average and power, despite being smallish at 5’9, 180. Watson is also a quality defender who should stick at short unless a team wanted to use his speed in center. Watson really impressed everyone last summer with a big performance and may have actually improved upon that this spring.</p>
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<p id="ln6bUs"><strong>3. Marcelo Mayer, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="njNni7">A bigger framed shortstop, Marcelo Mayer has put himself into the mix for the top pick with a big spring. He’s got a similar tool set to Jordan Lawlar offensively, plus hit tool from the left side and above average power though he is a fringy runner so the slight edge went to Lawlar. Defensively, he is a high end guy who will stick at short.</p>
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<p id="vPpK2n"><strong>4. Brady House, Georgia HS</strong></p>
<p id="pll9LB">Brady House has arguably the highest upside among the top group, but also the biggest question mark. The reason for the upside is he has legitimate plus plus power, but there are some questions with the hit tool as he really struggled at times last summer against top competition. He did get better as the summer went on and has helped erase the doubts a bit, but in such a talented group it is the biggest question mark. He’s got a big frame and is only an average runner, so despite being a solid fielder with a plus plus arm, there is a strong possibility that House needs to move to third base. House is also young for the class having just recently turning 18.</p>
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<p id="29PPdr"><strong>5. Matt McLain, </strong><a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com"><strong>UCLA</strong></a></p>
<p id="SH8u3o">Matt McLain was the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> first rounder in 2018 but chose to go to UCLA. He profiles as a top of the lineup type of hitter with a plus hit tool and plus speed to go with average power. The questions with him are defensively as he’s more of an adequate defender at short, leading to some teams thinking of him as a second baseman, or more likely center field to take advantage of his speed. With his high school and college track record and his tool set, McLain is one of the safest players in this draft.</p>
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<p id="SIU7Ma"><strong>6. Peyton Stovall, Louisiana HS</strong></p>
<p id="5UKiZr">One of the guys whose stock shot up this spring is Peyton Stovall, a bat first middle infielder with a bit of an unusual profile. Stovall is at least a plus hitter, one of the best hitters in the prep class and a guy who could be double plus. The power is average to slightly above, though with his hit tool it could play up. The questions are all defensive as he gets fringy grades on both his run and arm tools, meaning he won’t stick at short and doesn’t have the arm for third. He will likely get a look at second, but the glove is more average so sticking there isn’t a total lock. The bat will get him drafted high, but he isn’t the type of guy that every team likes.</p>
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<p id="VUjF9I"><strong>7. Trey Sweeney, Eastern Illinois</strong></p>
<p id="sFpm7K">Trey Sweeney is arguably the fastest rising college bat in this draft after improving his whole game. After an offensive breakout Sweeney brings a plus hit tool with a good feel for hitting and solid approach with average power for now and some chance to improve. He didn’t face much top competition, but did well when he had opportunities including against first round lefty Jordan Wicks. Coming into the year he was seen as a guy who would not stick at short, but the glove and run have improved to the point they’re fringe average and he’s got a plus arm. Sweeney will at least get a chance to stay at short now but would be a quality defender at third if he needs to move.</p>
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<p id="Mt4MNF"><strong>8. James Triantos, Virginia HS</strong></p>
<p id="RBz7jA">James Triantos is one of the lesser scouted top prep guys in this class because he only reclassified into this class from the 2022 class towards the end of last summer. He did perform well in big events last summer and continued that this spring. Triantos is definitely a bat first prospect with a plus hit tool and average power to go with being average across the board with his tools. The run tool is above average and he’s easily got a plus arm- he is also a pitching prospect who has topped out at 96 MPH, though his future is with the bat. He will likely need to move off short as the glove isn’t quite good enough, but would have the bat and arm to handle third. This is higher than most on Triantos, but I believe in what I've seen with the hit tool and think he could gain more as he drops pitching to focus solely on hitting.</p>
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<p id="pXwDCt"><strong>9. Colson Montgomery, Indiana HS</strong></p>
<p id="SOqUlE">Colson Montgomery is an interesting prospect who has some split opinions. He’s a very good athlete and also a star basketball player, though his run time grades as fringy likely pushing him to third where he can be a real asset with the glove and arm. The first question is the hit tool as his swing and limbs (6’4, 190) are both long and it leads to plenty of swing and miss, though when he connects, he hits it hard as he has future plus power. The other question is that he is very old for the class by prep standards, closing in on 19.5 years old when being 19 is considered old for the class.</p>
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<p id="znfYm3"><strong>10. Jackson Merrill, Maryland HS</strong></p>
<p id="oXEHZf">Jackson Merrill is this year’s biggest helium prospect, a player who has come out of no where to emerge with some first round buzz. He has some questions about how good the hit tool really is because he didn’t do many big summer showcases last year and doesn’t face the best competition, so you could see grades anywhere between fringy to above average on it (45-55). He has real raw power that could approach plus in the future, and showed that off last weekend hitting a home run at an All-Star game played in Camden Yards. The run and glove tools are both projected as average tools and he's got an above average arm, so he has a chance to stick at short or be a strong defender at third.</p>
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<p id="qa5Lwo"><strong>11. Izaac Pacheco, Texas HS</strong></p>
<p id="y5AZe6">Izaac Pacheco is highly unlikely to stick at short because he is 6’4, 225 and a fringy runner but he should be a very good defensive third baseman with a plus arm and above average glove. The power is what really intrigues, as he has at least plus power from the left side but has a lot of swing and miss. He does have a feel for hitting and decent pitch recognition so while he is expected to be a low average big power number type of hitter, he should post solid on base percentages.</p>
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<p id="eVU29j"><strong>12. Maxwell Muncy, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="7h3d8N">No this Max Muncy is not related to the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> slugger, but the shortstop for famed Thousand Oaks HS who plays for alumni and former big leaguer Jack Wilson has an average or better across the board tool set. While nothing about Muncy is plus on paper, he has a great feel for the game and doesn’t have any holes either. There is a chance he doesn’t stick at short but could play second or third and has versatility. His best tool is probably his above average power and he should be able to hit for some average and power while being a fairly safer prep prospect.</p>
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<p id="Q56USc"><strong>13. Carson Williams, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="21Ee6I">Carson Williams won the MVP at the WWBA last fall and after adding some good weight, carried that performance over to this spring. Williams only has one plus tool, his arm, but he fills out his scouting scorecard with average or better tools. There is some question about his hit tool as he has a bit of a grooved swing, which is the only reason he doesn’t rank higher. Some teams prefer Williams as a pitcher, and he does have a fastball up to 95 MPH, but Williams has made his preference of being a hitter clear. One more thing to note is that he is a strong commit to Cal and will need to be bought out of that.</p>
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<p id="MDkmip"><strong>14. Alex Mooney, Michigan HS</strong></p>
<p id="GoovBa">Alex Mooney is another average or better across the board tool guy without anything being plus. For most guys, being a cold weather player would have them higher on the list since they tend to have more untapped potential, but Mooney is old for the class at 19. His hit and power tools both grade more on the average side with an above average run tool. Defensively, there are some questions about his ability to stick at short, but he brings versatility and that shouldn’t be an issue. He is a Duke commit and won’t be cheap to sign.</p>
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<p id="QHAkwR"><strong>15. Edwin Arroyo, Puerto Rico/Florida HS</strong></p>
<p id="lLuDus">Puerto Rican shortstop Edwin Arroyo left home to spend his senior year playing in Florida. He really saw his stock move up with a strong game with the bat in the Perfect Game All American Classic, but is a glove first guy at present. Arroyo is a plus fielder with a plus arm and an above average runner that should be an outstanding defender at short. His hit tool is more of an average future grade with fringy power, but he is young for the class at just 17 years old through the minor league season and I believe there is more to come in the bat for the switch hitting and switch throwing Arroyo.</p>
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<p id="TPwULb"><strong>16. Jose Torres, </strong><a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/"><strong>NC State</strong></a></p>
<p id="VfrMio">Jose Torres came into the spring as a dark horse to move into the first round after surprising with the bat as a true freshman in 2020. The glove first Torres didn’t take that next step forward, but did prove his 2020 numbers weren’t just small sample size. Actually he did take a slight step forward by cutting his strikeout rate nearly in half. I think there is a little more in the bat with Torres and rank him here for that reason along with the fact he has a high floor as a plus defender with plus arm.</p>
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<p id="Jlz1FX"><strong>17. Seth Stephenson, Texas JUCO</strong></p>
<p id="L4JKXB">Seth Stephenson saw a huge improvement with the bat this year to really improve his stock. He’s one of if not the fastest runner in the draft with 80 grade speed and teams are now thinking he has a shot to stick at short, though some prefer they type of speed in center. Stephenson dropped switch hitting for hitting right handed only this spring and has started to drive the ball more, leading to more power. He didn’t face the best competition but his hit tool looks like it could be at least average to above, with fringy to average power potential and elite speed. If he gets to Tennessee he could really move way up for next year’s draft with good performance in the SEC.</p>
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<p id="ubvpJd"><strong>18. Kamren James, </strong><a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com"><strong>Mississippi State</strong></a></p>
<p id="XmoGfW">A draft eligible freshman Kamren James has loud tools. He brings plus plus speed and an arm that is also potentially double plus. He’s a twitchy athlete with plenty of bat speed, but also has some swing and miss because of issues with his timing. James is the type of player who could come back to school and with the right adjustments he could find himself in the first round next year.</p>
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<p id="8ovXoP"><strong>19. Ryan Spikes, Georgia HS</strong></p>
<p id="JR3fvV">Ryan Spikes is one of the more divisive players in the class in the class. Spikes is a two way star at one of the historically top schools in the Atlanta area, Parkview HS. He’s just 5’9, 185 and has above average grades on his speed and fielding to go with a plus arm. Spikes has potential for an average hit tool as he makes a lot of hard line drive contact, but he hasn’t always fared well against breaking balls. With his size there are questions as he won’t ever be a big power threat, though he does have sneaky power for his frame due to the hard hit line drives producing such high exit velocities. Defensively he has a chance to stick at short and could handle other positions like second, third, or even the outfield. Spikes is also a very good prep pitcher who would play both ways at Tennessee, though his future in pro ball is as a bat. I saw Spikes up close against good pitching in Boston at the Future Stars Series International Week games and believe in the player and person and that he will put in the work and make the adjustments to get the most out of his hit tool.</p>
<p id="ndrHv3"></p>
<p id="ZZ4s6y"><strong>20. Ryan Bliss, Auburn</strong></p>
<p id="Bvz5bu">Ryan Bliss is almost the college version of Ryan Spikes. Both from the Atlanta area and just 5’9, 165 with above average grades for the hit, run, and glove though there are some differences. Despite 15 homers this spring it is hard to buy into Bliss having better than slightly below average power because it is all pull side. He’s also got a fringy arm and would likely need to move to second where he could be a very good defender. Bliss like Spikes is the type of guy who has a good feel for the game and makes his tools play above their actual grades.</p>
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<p id="Is8umm"><strong>The Next 20</strong></p>
<p id="BxniV7">21. Alex Ulloa, Florida HS</p>
<p id="ntbfHW">22. Caiden Huber, California HS </p>
<p id="skT3M4">23. Payton Green, North Carolina HS</p>
<p id="dlzAVd">24. Cameron Cauley, Texas HS</p>
<p id="HCNJAO">25. Davis Diaz, California HS</p>
<p id="vXKaRr">26. Michael Braswell, Georgia HS</p>
<p id="8Wt9n8">27. Jordan McCants, Florida HS</p>
<p id="uaGsGa">28. Luke Waddell, <a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com">Georgia Tech</a></p>
<p id="bjRiEp">29. Noah Miller, Wisconsin HS</p>
<p id="ExlOPb">30. Cal Conley, <a href="https://www.vivathematadors.com">Texas Tech</a></p>
<p id="8f4Vl7">31. Cody Schrier, California HS</p>
<p id="YwFYtL">32. Ethan Murray, Duke</p>
<p id="ujQ6R8">33. Cole Cummings, UC Santa Barbara</p>
<p id="fhMTYx">34. Chad Stevens, Portland</p>
<p id="F3cozS">35. Justin Colon, Florida HS</p>
<p id="dQqQG8">36. Luke Heefner, Texas HS</p>
<p id="BEBuUm">37. Josh Hood, Penn </p>
<p id="zGeF5s">38. Jonathan Vastine, Florida HS</p>
<p id="wwWXh8">39. Connor Simon, Louisiana HS</p>
<p id="knKAcJ">40. Jalen Battles, Arkansas</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/-mlb-draft/2021/7/1/22555262/2021-mlb-draft-preview-position-rankings-shortstopMatt Powers2021-06-28T12:00:00-04:002021-06-28T12:00:00-04:00Atlanta Braves 2021 MLB Draft Preview Position Rankings: Third Base
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<img alt="Syndication: The Clarion-Ledger" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_I_DhejheroivJgCXubP4343QLM=/0x0:2251x1501/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69513797/usa_today_16294533.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Zack Gelof | George Walker IV / Tennessean.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC</figcaption>
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<p>We move right into the middle of the rankings with a look at the top 3B in the 2021 MLB Draft today.</p> <p id="gD1eKv">With three positions already done, today we move to our fourth position group in the 2021 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a>, third base. </p>
<p id="qhobWM">This isn’t an easy class at third to give an overall evaluation on. If you look at only the names here, this is an extremely weak crop of third basemen. However, if you factor in that there are some guys listed at shortstop and even in the outfield who have a good chance of ending up here, this group suddenly looks a lot better.</p>
<p id="MW2Cuc">While the Braves are definitely a team who can use some additional talent at third base in the system, I’m not sure there is a first round caliber 3B to be found - at least not listed among these third basemen. With that said there are still plenty of intriguing Day 2 and 3 options out there that have tools to attract teams.</p>
<ol><li id="i6HD3h"><strong>Wes Kath, Arizona HS</strong></li></ol>
<p id="fYce9n">Wes Kath is a bat first oversized prep shortstop likely to move to third, though some teams see a potential to stay at short. He brings what should be at least an average hit tool with the potential for plus power, and after opening eyes last summer he has proven himself against top competition. He isn’t a great athlete, which is partially why some don’t think he can handle short, but he has an arm that is more than strong enough for the left side of the infield. Kath is the lone guy on this list getting any first round buzz, though I personally think he’s more of a second round talent- especially when you factor in that he’s older for the class at age 19.</p>
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<p id="URc167"><strong>2. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, </strong><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com"><strong>Oklahoma State</strong></a></p>
<p id="lnOllK">Christian Encarnacion-Strand just rakes. He did it in JUCO ball, got to Stillwater and just continued to rake there. He comes with big power and does have a feel for the barrel of the bat, but he comes with a lot of swing and miss. That swing and miss is a little more than just what’s normal for a slugger as he has an unorthodox swing that some teams will want to make adjustments to, but the potential for an average hit tool is in there. His bigger issue is that he doesn’t provide much defensive value as he is fringy with limited range at third, and the only place he could move would be first base should he not be able to stick at third. </p>
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<p id="xHzGEU"><strong>3. Zack Gelof, Virginia</strong></p>
<p id="O64SpA">This may be the lowest you see Virginia star Zack Gelof ranked among the third base group considering how much attention he has received since high school and how productive he has been at UVA. He’s a very well rounded player without any huge flaws, though there are some questions with him. The reason he’s ranked lower here is because there just isn’t a plus tool to offset the questions that exist. He’s got potential to have an average hit tool and has had success with wood bats, but strikes out more than you’d like as well as some questions against breaking balls and offspeed pitches. Then there are some that question his ability to stick at third with just an average arm and fringe to average glove. The power is likely a tick above average and his run tool plays up above its average grade because of his instincts, so there isn’t that major weakness but it’s more of a third round grade.</p>
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<p id="fIMrUL"><strong>4. Tommy White, Florida HS</strong></p>
<p id="k8IfUb">There is one reason why Tommy White will be drafted, that being his massive raw power. The big slugger has a chance to hit enough to make the power play, but he will need to reign in his very aggressive approach that leads to a lot of swing and miss. Despite the strikeouts he does show some natural feel for hitting, so he isn’t an all or nothing power guy with refinement. He’s a below average runner and has limited range, so his ability to stick at short is in question despite having soft hands. Should he have to move first base would be the position, but he’s got enough bat to handle that move.</p>
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<p id="Kq87Hn"><strong>5. Justyn Henry-Malloy, </strong><a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com"><strong>Georgia Tech</strong></a></p>
<p id="AfZU9e">I was a little high on Justyn-Henry Malloy out of high school, when he passed up going pro to attend Vanderbilt. He didn’t play a big role there and ended up transferring to Georgia Tech for this season where he finally got his shot and made the most of it. Henry-Malloy proved that he’s a very good hitter, probably enough to get an above average grade. He’s also a guy who could grow into more power and potentially grade above average there, with an average run tool. The biggest question with him is defensive mistakes putting his home in question- though he does have some versatility. Henry-Malloy could be a very good bat first utility type, unless he is able to settle into a defensive position.</p>
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<p id="xoEphs"><strong>6. Luke Leto, Michigan HS</strong></p>
<p id="A2mz31">Going into last summer Luke Leto was a real candidate to go in the Top 10 of this draft, but he couldn’t have had a more disappointing summer as the layoff made scouts question both the hit took and athleticism that were previously assets for him. He hit well in the past in big showcases, and the struggles really only came last summer whether it was due to the layoff or him trying to sell out for power to impress scouts, so there is hope he can get back to where he was previously. The hit tool wasn’t the only concern as he went from shortstop/third base prospect to more of a third/first/left field profile with slower run times- however there are some teams that like him as a pitcher. Leto is the kind of prospect a team drafts hoping to find upside by getting him back to what he did previously, assuming they can make the money work.</p>
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<p id="3hBQxX"><strong>7. Ryan Higgins, Fresno State</strong></p>
<p id="xt3myq">Ryan Higgins is a slugger with real power and a chance to be an average hitter, though like most sluggers comes with a lot of swing and miss. The bigger problem with him is that there is a very good chance he has to move off third defensively, and likely over to first which just puts that much more pressure on the bat. I believe in the bat, but it’s not an easy profile for a prospect.</p>
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<p id="fQUnND"><strong>8. Damiano Palmegiani, Nevada JUCO</strong></p>
<p id="RNo11S">Another big bat with defensive home questions. Palmegiani raked this spring, but has hit tool questions since he didn’t face much high end velocity. The power will play and he gets on base a good amount, but how impactful the bat can be is a question. Palmegiani is almost assured of moving off third base, with left field seeming the most likely option since the speed is fringy and the arm is merely average. He could be a steal here, but the questions about the hit tool make him harder to evaluate in this weird draft year.</p>
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<p id="ls6wsj"><strong>9. Tyler Hardman, Oklahoma</strong></p>
<p id="aHSOtk">Tyler Hardman has been around forever it feels like after being a key contributor at Oklahoma since 2018, though that means he is already 22.5 years old. There has never been much question about him having the hit tool to be drafted, but this spring we saw a power spike that has raised his stock overall, and matched his 2019 Cape Cod League power showing. His defensive home is question as he has played plenty of first base and projects best there as a pro, but he may be a playable below average at third. Hardman probably doesn’t have enough bat to be a regular, but he could be a utility type with some hitting and power ability plus some versatility.</p>
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<p id="qmYWmk"><strong>10. Gavin Conticello, Florida HS</strong></p>
<p id="sHNciz">After a good showing last summer Gavin Conticello was seen as one of the better lefty power bats in this draft on the prep side. Things didn’t go as planned this spring, but he’s still a big lefty with plus power and could end up being an average runner after he slows down at maturity. There is a good chance he has to move off third defensively, but he has enough athleticism and arm to handle left and not be stuck at first base.</p>
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<p id="eugQVR"><strong>The Next 10</strong></p>
<p id="VcNqX2">11. Aaron Downs, Mississippi HS</p>
<p id="89Sksi">12. Jake Rucker, Tennessee</p>
<p id="11QiAR">13. Riley Tirotta, Dayton</p>
<p id="3W0h0d">14. Tim Elko, <a href="https://www.redcuprebellion.com">Ole Miss</a></p>
<p id="Af3x3G">15. Ben Ramirez, USC</p>
<p id="OPx2HL">16. Jamal O’Guinn, USC</p>
<p id="npZsXY">17. Brady Slavens, Arkansas</p>
<p id="MvAg4f">18. Lucas Dunn, Louisville</p>
<p id="VKoqlX">19. Dustin Demeter, Hawaii</p>
<p id="TGEIfq">20. Juan Colato, Grand Canyon</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/6/28/22548425/atlanta-braves-2021-mlb-draft-preview-position-rankings-third-baseMatt Powers2021-06-25T12:00:00-04:002021-06-25T12:00:00-04:002021 MLB Draft Preview Position Rankings: Second Base
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<img alt="NCAA Baseball: Nashville Super Regional-East Carolina vs Vanderbilt" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oJ1QquK8ZJAbpSxQq7m-0n99EWo=/274x0:2692x1612/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69504468/usa_today_16245707.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Connor Norby | Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Taking a look at the second basemen in the 2021 MLB Draft.</p> <p id="daINV2">After we looked at both catcher and first basemen in the 2021 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a>, the draft preview moves along to the second basemen.</p>
<p id="PTLRxi">This is a very strong crop of second basemen, a position that is usually a weaker crop of players. The reason for that is, like first baseman, it is a position guys tend to move to if they can’t handle that other more premium position.</p>
<p id="prYpKh">This class features 11 players who bring good value to the table and there is a chance that some could sneak into the later half of the first round, especially for teams who put value on 2021 college production.</p>
<p id="rxWuWM">This isn't a position of need for the Braves, but should the right player be available then they shouldn’t hesitate to take someone especially if they like the bat enough. With that said, none of these players are guys I would use the first round pick on, but each of the guys in my Top 3 would be appealing in the second round.</p>
<ol><li id="MALy2R"><strong>Connor Norby, East Carolina</strong></li></ol>
<p id="YAfvGE">A breakout 2021 has put Norby into first round consideration. His tools are pretty average across the board, with the exception of his hit tool being potentially a plus tool. I say potentially because while he makes good contact and has no problem drawing walks with his discipline, he does have questions about facing elite velocity which is something he didn’t do a ton of this year. While his speed is only average to a tick better than that, his ability to steal bases plays up because of his instincts. Norby is a bit of an undersized overachiever who doesn’t have the biggest tools or frame, but he gets the most out of what he does have. He’s a consideration for late in the first and has been linked slightly to the Braves.</p>
<p id="vtLqoh"><strong>2. Cody Morissette, Boston College</strong></p>
<p id="BFCpTS">Morissette is a shortstop playing second in college due to BC already having an elite defender there. Morisette is likely a better pro fit at second or even third or possibly the outfield. He’s a very good hitter from the left side with a great swing and long track record of success with a plus hit tool, though he was slowed at times this spring by a hand injury. The power likely grows into big league average as he still has a little projection on him, though his swing is more geared to contact than power. Both the running and glove are solid and he does offer some versatility defensively. Morissette would bring solid value in the second round.</p>
<p id="SW22Gz"><strong>3. Cooper Kinney, Tennessee HS</strong></p>
<p id="IUKoh6">One of the more unique prep prospects in some time, Cooper Kinney is an all bat second baseman only. Kinney brings an above average to plus hit tool and likely average power that could play up to above average. The drawbacks are that he’s already a well below average runner and a fringy fielder without a strong enough arm to profile elsewhere. All of the value with Kinney comes from the bat, and it’s a tough sell to draft a prep second base only guy high, especially one without plus power or even average speed. Kinney is one of the better pure hitters in this prep class and that will influence his draft status. There is some talk of him going in the late first round, though I would have a hard time seeing him go before the second.</p>
<p id="vUb5Mm"><strong>4. Tyler McDonough, </strong><a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/"><strong>NC State</strong></a></p>
<p id="0d9wwk">Tyler McDonough is a bit of a tweener all the way around. He’s a bit undersized and shuffled between second and third base and the outfield during his time in Raleigh. McDonough has always been productive, even though he doesn’t have the loudest tool set. Nothing in his tool set other than his running ability grades out as better than average, but he’s also got no weaknesses as every other tool can get an average grade and he brings defensive versatility. Whether it’s in a starting role or as more of a super utility role, McDonough is the type of player whose Trackman exit velos will have him looking better than his true average raw power, so he is the type who could surpass expectations.</p>
<p id="igVJ2y"><strong>5. Max Ferguson, Tennessee</strong></p>
<p id="Enc17k">Max Ferguson is a guy coming off a disappointing spring as he failed to capitalize on his 2020 breakout in part because it felt like he was trying to sell out for more power in his draft year. He’s got an above average hit tool and I believe he can get back to his 2020 numbers by simply changing his approach and gearing it more towards contact. If he can get back to his 2020 approach, that plus speed and potentially plus glove with some versatility to it make him intriguing. If he’s going to continue to try to get the most of his below average power out that he can, this ranking will have been too high.</p>
<p id="Ow9F3R"><strong>6. Peyton Wilson, Alabama</strong></p>
<p id="G1GnQx">Peyton Wilson has a shot of going on the first day of the 2021 MLB Draft but even with that he is only the third most famous sibling in his family. Oldest brother John Parker was the starting QB for Alabama and middle brother Ross, a former <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> draft pick, was the star of the MTV show Two A Days featuring a look at the Hoover HS football program. Peyton is a guy with some differences in opinion based on how much power you think he will develop. What he does bring is plus speed, a good glove, and at least an average hit tool to go with plenty of defensive versatility. If you’re a team that thinks there is more power to come from this athletic switch hitter, you see a regular. If you’re a team who thinks the power isn’t going to come, you see a utility type with a game based around speed and defense.</p>
<p id="h5QYWt"><strong>7. Tyler Black, Wright State</strong></p>
<p id="w3ls7C">This may be the low ranking you see with Tyler Black, a player that elsewhere has gotten linked in the late first round. Black had an extremely productive 2021 season along with a very productive 2019 season and brings a hit tool that is either above average or plus. The issues I have with him are that the rest of his tools are more fringy than big league average and the former hockey prospect’s impressive numbers are inflated by playing at a hitter friendly park. He’s the type of prospect that will have a wide range of opinions on him going from anywhere near the end of the first round to not until the third round.</p>
<p id="Ftu1qa"><strong>8. Eddie Saldivar, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="RLohtd">I hadn’t had Eddie Saldivar on my radar until the middle of last summer when he broke out at the Area Code Games with a very good swing to go with plus running ability and solid defense. I caught him in Boston at the Future Stars Series event and the bat didn’t do a ton over a short sample size, though he has had a very good spring. Saldivar is a potential plus hitter from the left side with plus running and average to above average defense at second. He’s a little undersized, but based on his hitting ability there is thought that he may be able to grow into average power, even though his swing has been more geared towards contact. Saldivar starts the next tier of the second basemen and is a candidate to come off the board as early as the third round.</p>
<p id="u42owF"><strong>9. Roc Riggio, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="z4xs5A">The best way to describe Roc Riggio is almost too stereotypical because he’s an undersized(5’9, 180) gamer who doesn’t have the best tools, but he gets the most out of the tools he does have. I saw him in the fall at the Future Stars Series and after a quiet start to the weekend he really stood up and made you take notice with the bat and with a very good defensive play. The bat is what will get him drafted, as it is an above average to plus hit tool and while he doesn’t offer the most raw power he does make a lot of hard line drive contact. The knocks on him are that outside of the hit tool all of his other tools grade as fringy, he is already 19 years old, and he doesn’t have a set defensive position- though he does offer some versatility with the ability to play the outfield in left.</p>
<p id="Yqhjf6"><strong>10. Dayton Dooney, Arizona JUCO</strong></p>
<p id="bKJ6TC">Dayton Dooney had a big year at Arizona in 2019 as a true freshman before getting off to a slow start in the shortened 2020 and ending up in a JUCO for this spring. It should surprise no one that he was extremely productive at his school this year as he just rakes with a potentially plus hit tool and average to slightly above power and quality plate discipline. The only reason he’s not higher on the list is because he’s in the Keston Hiura mold of all bat and not much defense at second, but without the same power Hiura brought coming out of school. Still someone will take a chance because the bat will play.</p>
<p id="TS0DHI"><strong>The Next 8</strong></p>
<p id="kqlzrn">11. Darren Baker, Cal</p>
<p id="ZWomLY">12. Cooper Bowman, Louisville</p>
<p id="Tfw1Pa">13. Zack Raabe, Minnesota </p>
<p id="ZEa7vn">14. Nick Biddison, <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a></p>
<p id="ioxW10">15. Drew Swift, <a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com">Arizona State</a></p>
<p id="DpqeEW">16. Austin Schultz, Kentucky</p>
<p id="QXYTUn">17. Kobe Kato, Arizona</p>
<p id="hmyviH"><strong>18. Elijah Hammill, Canada HS/Georgia HS</strong></p>
<p id="96cMZt">Hammill is going to get a writeup because he’s such a fascinating story. From successful child actor to legit MLB hopeful, he left home in Canada to attend the Georgia Premier Academy this spring so he could play. He’s got enough versatility that there are reports of some teams considering him at catcher, which isn’t a spot many have seen him play to this point and only adding to the intriguing story. The bat is the real attraction though, as he can flat out hit as a switch hitter and has some pop in there to go with strong plate discipline in addition to him being a solid athlete with a decent arm.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/-mlb-draft/2021/6/25/22546416/2021-mlb-draft-preview-position-rankings-second-baseMatt Powers2021-06-22T12:00:00-04:002021-06-22T12:00:00-04:002021 MLB Draft Preview Position Rankings: First Base
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<img alt="Notre Dame v North Carolina" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w2kc6rEteSsJ2RjU2PFqqExr258=/1x0:4387x2924/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69486910/1214360703.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Notre Dame slugger Niko Kavadas | Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After starting at catcher earlier this week, we move to first base to examine the 2021 MLB Draft.</p> <p id="SScoyd">After we looked at catcher over the weekend, the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> 2021 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a> Preview Position Rankings move to first base today.</p>
<p id="iX8XSM">This is a very weak crop of first basemen, and pretty much every one has significant question marks attached to them. Of course first base is a bit of a last resort position to move guys to, so guys you see listed elsewhere could end up having to move here down the road, strengthening the class.</p>
<p id="PCNw16">While the Braves could use some first base depth in the farm system, especially considering Bryce Ball’s stock has dropped a bit and we haven’t seen Mahki Backstrom yet this year, I don’t think they should or will target anyone specific at the position and would only take one in the first few rounds if that player ended up being the best available prospect. </p>
<p id="gGGtjr">We will take a look at the Top 15 first basemen in the class with the first 10 getting short writeups and the last 5 being put into a list.</p>
<ol><li id="xus0zr"><strong>Alex Binelas, Louisville</strong></li></ol>
<p id="mJP3Ap">Coming into the year Alex Binelas was a potential Top 5-10 pick as a third baseman, but he started the season very slow and he already got moved over to first by the Cardinals this spring. Add that to an injury that basically wiped out his entire shortened 2020 season, and he's now two years removed from his big 2019 freshman season. The positive here is he did at least finish strong to make his final stat line look better, but still he is most likely a first baseman with a questionable hit tool and a bunch of swing and miss to go with his plus plus power. Note I did say most likely a first baseman because he is athletic enough to at least consider trying out in left field where there would be less pressure on his bat.</p>
<p id="3yXg3q"><strong>2. Brandon Boissiere, Arizona</strong></p>
<p id="3BHsRd">One guy who moved up a lot this spring is Brandon Boissiere from Arizona. One of the key pieces to the Wildcats season, Boissiere is more of a hit over power type, though he did see his power improve this spring. Some will say that Boissiere has a chance to play in the outfield, but he is most likely a first base only profile due to his below average running and arm tools.</p>
<p id="UsBbtQ"><strong>3. Kyle Manzardo, </strong><a href="https://www.cougcenter.com"><strong>Washington State</strong></a></p>
<p id="Y6Bf14">I may be the low man on Kyle Manzardo because he doesn’t quite profile as the ideal first baseman to me and with his athleticism he is a first base only prospect. The reason I don’t see him as an ideal first base prospect is because he is definitely more of a hit over power type who has an above average to plus hit tool and will take plenty of walks. He reminds me of former <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> first baseman Mark Grace offensively, a guy who hit for very good average and high on base percentage but in his best four year power stretch only hit 59 homers. Obviously the game has changed since then and I would expect Manzardo to hit closer to 20 homers than the 15 Grace hit during that time, but it is a similar offensive profile.</p>
<p id="8XotOA"><strong>4. JT Schwartz, </strong><a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com"><strong>UCLA</strong></a></p>
<p id="94UcX9">JT Schwartz is another player similar to Manzardo, a hit over power first base prospect- but he’s also got more upside than Manzardo as well as more questions. No one doubts that Schwartz will hit for average and get on base at a high clip, but his power is more below average presently. The good news there is the fact Schwartz has some projection to grow into more power, though like Manzardo the swing is built more for contact so it’s hard to see him ever reaching plus in game power. Another reason he has more upside is that he’s a decent athlete and has a chance to get looks in left or even third base as opposed to being a first base only guy. Of course the other red flag is he comes with a fairly lengthy injury history for a player his age.</p>
<p id="bAkVGJ"><strong>5. Niko Kavadas, </strong><a href="https://www.onefootdown.com"><strong>Notre Dame</strong></a></p>
<p id="yD8du0">Niko Kavadas is one of the top power bats in the nation and had some big moments during Notre Dame’s NCAA Tournament run. Kavadas has plus plus power and knows how to draw walks. The negative with him is that not only does he have serious hit tool questions, but there is some thought he may end up needing to move to DH, and he’s already nearly 23 years old since he was eligible in last year’s draft. It’s a tough guy to fully buy in on, but if he can hit enough to showcase that plus plus power then nothing else really matters.</p>
<p id="WbF0Hq"><strong>6. Ivan Melendez, Texas</strong></p>
<p id="1Jhdzl">Ivan Melendez came from the JUCO ranks in time tor this season and has been a force in the Longhorns lineup this spring. Like most sluggers he comes with significant swing and miss as well as the fact that he’s likely a right handed hitting and throwing first baseman- something many teams knock as there just haven’t been many of those types to succeed in a few years. Also my use of the word likely is because teams just haven’t gotten many looks at him defensively since he came from JUCO this year and spent the bulk of the year playing DH since Texas has another draftable first baseman.</p>
<p id="0lIGse"><strong>7. Jacob Walsh, Nevada HS</strong></p>
<p id="ooJSRG">Jacob Walsh is the first player we’ve covered so far in the rankings from a very strong Las Vegas prep class. He checks off a few boxes the Braves like- not only is he a two way guy as a left handed pitcher, but he was also a football player throughout his high school career. That means there is more to be gained as he commits to just baseball and just hitting, and to add on to the potential he still has some projection on his 6’4”, 215 frame. Walsh brings plus power however has questions about the hit tool and will be limited to just first base defensively.</p>
<p id="oggAs9"><strong>8. Blake Burke, California HS</strong></p>
<p id="ysBask">Blake Burks is in the conversation for the top power bat in the prep draft class, having 70 grade power. Obviously if you can’t tell by the ranking, having plus plus power and being ranked this low means hit tool questions are present with Burke. It is important to remember though that he is just barely over 18, putting him on the younger side for this prep class, and he’s enough of an athlete that he may not have to stay at first defensively.</p>
<p id="0E9N1Z"><strong>9. Alex Toral, Miami</strong></p>
<p id="QGkqMd">If it feels like Alex Toral has been around forever, it’s because he has. He was a big prospect in high school but got to Miami, and was a real candidate to get picked last year but didn’t. Nothing has changed here, he’s still got massive plus plus power and he’s still got a ton of swing and miss. Similar to teammate Adrian Del Castillo(covered at catcher), this multi-year producer really struggled by his normal standards in 2021 and only added to the questions around his hit tool and the swing and miss in his game. There’s serious power to work with, but every year it feels less and less likely that he maximizes it in the pros.</p>
<p id="AfnyKW"><strong>10. Austin Murr, </strong><a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/"><strong>NC State</strong></a></p>
<p id="qj79xt">Senior sign candidate Austin Murr has a bit of a different tool set than most of these other first basemen. While he has above average raw power, his swing is geared more to line drive contact than it is power. He’s also a guy who gets on base a lot, even though he doesn’t take many walks. A team could take a chance they can tweak his swing to get more of his power into games and do it at a discounted dollar amount.</p>
<p id="DuJoCh"><strong>The Next 5</strong></p>
<p id="Pv1E8R">11.Dominic Keegan, Vanderbilt </p>
<p id="e067xO">12.Wes Clarke, South Carolina</p>
<p id="ueSH6m">13.Tyler Miller, Auburn</p>
<p id="v1icIJ">14.Ruben Ibarra, San Jose State </p>
<p id="G2UbSJ">15.Jacob Teter, Florida Southern</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/-mlb-draft/2021/6/22/22542068/2021-mlb-draft-preview-position-rankings-first-baseMatt Powers2021-06-19T12:00:00-04:002021-06-19T12:00:00-04:00Atlanta Braves 2021 MLB Draft Preview Position Rankings: Catcher
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<img alt="Syndication: Nashville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MKqhE3jMG1BjVq4Z0vYkihTBDFg=/0x0:2880x1920/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69475862/usa_today_12936998.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Henry Davis | George Walker IV / Tennessean.com</figcaption>
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<p>As usual the annual MLB Draft rankings start out with catcher.</p> <p id="50aWFi">It’s already time our the annual <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a> position rankings, and the 2021 MLB Draft rankings start out where we’ve always started and that’s at catcher.</p>
<p id="gW3qDV">This is a very strong catching class, particularly on the high school side, and it’s not out of the question that you see as many as six different catchers with legitimate first round potential. Not that all of them are likely to stick at catcher defensively, but they all at least have a chance.</p>
<p id="fukPBT">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> aren’t expected to be targeting a catcher in the first round due to the presence of William Contreras and Shea Langeliers. That doesn’t mean they won’t take one in the first round should the unlikely happen and Harry Ford drops, considering he would be the best player available. The only other way the Braves take a first round catcher is if they were to believe in Adrian Del Castillo’s bat so much that they aren’t worried about his defensive home, but it seems more likely that better options will be available at 24.</p>
<p id="wkvMVF">I will rank my Top 30 catchers in the class with short writeups on the first 20 and then the final 10 just being listed. There may not be an Adley Rutschman in the group, but each of the guys in the Top 11 comes with real upside which is what makes this class is so strong.</p>
<p id="jdkKyZ">If you see a guy missing that you think is a catcher or is listed as a catcher on another site, there is a very solid chance that player is listed elsewhere as I have very little faith in them sticking behind the plate. Case in point: this is why you don’t see SEC stars Wes Clarke and Dominic Keegan as they do deserve to be ranked, just not here.</p>
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<p id="g5gzkU"><strong>1. Henry Davis, Louisville</strong></p>
<p id="HYJL55">Henry Davis has seen his stock take off this spring to the point that he’s in the conversation to become the #1 overall pick in the draft. Davis has successfully gone from being considered a defense first guy to a bat first guy at this stage of his pre-draft evaluation. His arm is easily a double plus tool, but his receiving is more fringy and some teams aren’t completely sold on him sticking behind the plate for sure. The positive is that he will have the bat to play elsewhere as he has the ability to hit for both average and power with each tool being a potential plus tool for him. He adds fringy overall run times, the type that could get him considered in the outfield if catching doesn’t work out. Davis might be a pick that saves the Pirates some money if they take him #1, but if you believe in his ability to stick behind the plate as a pro then he is worthy of that pick based on talent alone.</p>
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<p id="MJrgvO"><strong>2. Harry Ford, Georgia HS</strong></p>
<p id="EXmS4h">Harry Ford is a freak of an athlete at catcher, routinely posting some of the best numbers in drills at national events all last summer and producing in games as well. Compared often to JT Realmuto because of his athleticism behind the plate, the <a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com">Georgia Tech</a> commit from North Cobb HS brings plus tools with his power, arm and run speed which is....not a tool set you find very often at catcher. His spring didn’t quite continue on the roll he was on last summer as the hit tool and production dropped to merely good instead of being the guy grabbing everyone’s attention, but he’s shown that potential in the past. It also doesn’t hurt that with his athleticism and arm he has the fallback ability to play multiple other positions of a team wanted. Ford is a guy who isn’t likely to drop to the Braves pick, otherwise he would be #1 on my personal board for potential Braves draft choices.</p>
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<p id="zo59p7"><strong>3. Joe Mack, New York HS</strong></p>
<p id="tTQc3C">The younger brother of recent Twins sixth rounder Charles Mack, Joe Mack is a bat first catcher who also spent last summer impressing at every stop he made. He projects as a guy who should hit for both average and power and brings a plus arm and average receiving skills behind the plate to go with solid athleticism for the position. Mack is a guy likely to come off the board somewhere between picks 20-35, but with the volatility of prep catchers, it is tough to pinpoint where in that range he lands.</p>
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<p id="5oZVqb"><strong>4. Adrian Del Castillo, Miami</strong></p>
<p id="l17hIg">Adrian Del Castillo came into the spring as a potential Top 5 overall draft pick with one of the best pure bats in the country, able to hit for both power and average with a proven track record against top competition. Those performances came despite major questions about his ability to stick behind the plate defensively, however. Well, the 2021 season happened and he struggled at the plate as he had the worst season of his career while slashing .275/.380/.395 with just 3 homers in 237 plate appearances as well as striking out more than he walked for the first time in his career (28-27). For a pure hitter with above average power, it was shocking considering his previous career low marks were .331/.418/.547 between 2019 and 2020. Considering he will never be a quality defender, he needs to produce with the bat to retain his value. If the old Del Castillo shows up in pro ball he is a steal after the Top 15 picks in this draft, even if he ends up having to play first base as the bat is that strong. It isn’t out of the question that he catches as his tools are fringy and he does put in the work to try to improve, so he still has the potential to be a special offensive catcher if he can figure things out.</p>
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<p id="HSy6hI"><strong>5. Matheu Nelson, </strong><a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/"><strong>Florida State</strong></a></p>
<p id="bLEhNJ">Matheu Nelson is a bit of an unusual riser this spring considering he has been highly regarded both out of high school and as a sophomore eligible player in the 2020 MLB Draft- which means he’s on the older side for this draft class. He’s always been a plus defender with a plus arm, but saw a spike in his power production this spring. He doesn’t bring the highest upside, but he’s a sure thing catcher with a real shot to be an every day guy and is the top college catcher on the board beyond Henry Davis that is actually expected to stick behind the plate.</p>
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<p id="uewcc0"><strong>6. Hunter Goodman, Memphis</strong></p>
<p id="EAEpY7">Goodman is that sixth potential first round catcher and the one with arguably the lowest chance of sticking behind the plate due to less than average receiving skills and more of a fringy arm at catcher. The good news is he has a huge bat with enough athleticism to handle a corner outfield spot and an arm that grades out better in the outfield anyway. His value is in his easily plus power, though it does come with a lot of swing and miss. For him to go in the first round, a team likely needs to believe in his defense enough to have a real shot at catching which is possible since he hasn’t been catching very long so there is some thought he can still improve there. Either way, the bat is more than enough to play anywhere if he’s able to hit enough to make use of that big power.</p>
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<p id="SLgwV7"><strong>7. Luca Tresh, </strong><a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/"><strong>NC State</strong></a></p>
<p id="OWdxIc">A month or so ago Luca Tresh would have been the 7th catcher in this class with a chance to end up in the first round, but a tough end to his season has likely limited the chances of that. Tresh only took over the catching duties this year as the Wolfpack has last year’s Giants top pick Patrick Bailey locked into the job. Tresh did an adequate job there defensively and has a good chance to stick behind the dish. The worry comes with his bat as the hit tool was exposed as a below average tool with plenty of strikeouts as the season progressed. Tresh is going to be drafted for his big raw power and the chance to be an adequate defender at catcher, which profiles as a starter if he can just make enough contact for the power to play.</p>
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<p id="rFKAZQ"><strong>8. Carter Jensen, Missouri HS</strong></p>
<p id="xAxyTS">Carter Jensen is definitely a bat first catcher who has proven that he should be able to hit for both average and some power, and brings a borderline plus arm behind the plate. His receiving skills are more debatable, but as a kid who just turns 18 days ahead of the draft he is on the younger side which gives him a little extra time to work on the defensive side of things, there is room for growth here.</p>
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<p id="OneS0W"><strong>9. Nathan Hickey, Florida</strong></p>
<p id="kwsM8t">The only reason Nathan Hickey isn’t ranked higher is because of the serious doubt when it comes to his future defensive home. No one doubts that he should be able to hit for some average or that he brings plus power, but he’s a well below average athlete and fielder without the arm to stay at catcher leading to many expecting a move to first base. There is more than enough in his lefty bat to be able to handle first base, but it’s not quite the potentially special bat it would be as a catcher.</p>
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<p id="dyOmyj"><strong>10. Ian Moller, Iowa HS</strong></p>
<p id="xRrnui">There was a time Ian Moller was the top overall catcher in the draft, but his fall from that spot had little to do with him and more to do with other guys moving up. Moller still brings serious power and had the single most impressive rounds of BP that I saw in Boston at Future Stars Series International Week. The thing that dropped him was his glove, as he had a rough weekend behind the dish in the three games played. I still believe in the bat as well as still think the tools are there to become a quality catcher, but now he will need to prove he can stick behind the plate as a receiver.</p>
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<p id="Bd609E"><strong>11. Anthony “Blaise” Priester, Louisiana HS</strong></p>
<p id="scEoF3">Sometimes listed as Anthony Priester and other times listed as Blaise Priester, this prospect broke out in a big way in October at the WWBA Championships. Priester showed significant power and a huge arm behind the dish to really get himself on the radar. Priester brings a pair of carrying tools in his power and his arm, and with his commitment to a junior college rather than a four year school, he shouldn’t be an impossible signing for a reasonable price.</p>
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<p id="mzyS9K"><strong>12. Pat Winkel, </strong><a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com"><strong>UConn</strong></a></p>
<p id="iY81Ou">Pat Winkel used 2021 to prove his 2019 was for real after missing the 2020 season with Tommy John surgery. He had to prove his quality 2019 with the bat was legitimate and did more than that as he not only produced at a similar level, but significantly cut down on his strikeout rate while showing potentially average power. The gains with the bat while he’s been at UConn add to his value that already came from being a quality defender behind the plate. While he’s just outside that Top 11, there is some starter potential here.</p>
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<p id="0c10Ha"><strong>13. Casey Opitz, Arkansas</strong></p>
<p id="B5F4Ra">Casey Opitz was a huge riser last year after the longtime top defender saw a spike in power for the shortened 2020 season. It was a bit of a surprise to see him go undrafted and he returned for 2021 which showed that the 2020 power seems like it was just short sample size production. He’s a top defender and has worked with plenty of top arms, but he hasn’t shown the power consistently to be more than a high floor glove first backup.</p>
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<p id="FSIfDx"><strong>14. Braxton Fulford, </strong><a href="https://www.vivathematadors.com"><strong>Texas Tech</strong></a></p>
<p id="m8g2qQ">Texas Tech mainstay Braxton Fulford took a step forward with his power this year, nearly tripling his career home run total in one season (five previously, 14 this spring). He’s a quality defender with experience handling quality arms and if you believe in the power spike, then Fulford has real value at catcher.</p>
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<p id="8sjsTK"><strong>15. Noah Cardenas, </strong><a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com"><strong>UCLA</strong></a></p>
<p id="mJjgDg">Noah Cardenas is another glove first catcher with limited power who had a brief moment of better power production only to see things go back to normal this spring. He’s a high end defender with decent athleticism and has already proven he has the ability to call games. He profiles as a backup catcher.</p>
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<p id="M6ObTT"><strong>16. CJ Rodriguez, Vanderbilt</strong></p>
<p id="JHpzzk">CJ Rodriguez is a guy who has some teams and scouts split. He’s an excellent defender who has spent plenty of time handling some of the very best arms in the country. The drawback is he has next to no power, though his pure hitting ability has led to him being able to minimize the strikeouts and post high on base percentages. He won’t have the bat to be a starter, but Rodriguez is a high floor backup catcher.</p>
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<p id="rTlNnF"><strong>17. Kevin Bazzell, Texas HS</strong></p>
<p id="chTUAQ">One of the harder guys to rank in this catcher class after some helium this spring, Kevin Bazzell comes with two significant tools in his power and his arm. As a catcher with those two tools being carrying tools, teams will be intrigued.</p>
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<p id="46Knmh"><strong>18. Joey Spence, Wisconsin HS</strong></p>
<p id="S2u0Ef">Wisconsin has been putting out some interesting bats from the high school ranks in recent years, and Joey Spence may be the next one. The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> commit has real power from the left side and has shown enough defensive ability that makes you think he’s got a chance to stick behind the plate, even though the main draw is the lefty power in his bat.</p>
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<p id="9fEDIm"><strong>19. Ryan Wrobleski, Dallas Baptist</strong></p>
<p id="1WsgKh">Wrobleski is an interesting prospect. Potentially a solid defender behind the plate with the athleticism to play in the outfield as well, he made his debut at DBU this spring. He had a decent showing at the plate, though he doesn’t walk much and strikes out more than you’d like. However, he did show the power to hit 7 HR over 141 plate appearances. With a little work on the approach to be able to draw more than seven walks, a team could have something here.</p>
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<p id="WUt0iF"><strong>20. Sergio Guerra, Texas HS</strong></p>
<p id="eVtozw">Guerra came into last summer without much hype, but quickly got noticed as he’s an athletic catcher with a huge arm and serious defensive potential to go with some pop in his bat. This is a little higher on him than most others seem to be, but the defense and some power make him intriguing.</p>
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<p id="KzfZKE"><strong>The Next 10</strong></p>
<p id="zTphdf">21. Rene Lastres, Florida HS</p>
<p id="H6noKO">22. Anthony Migliaccio, Michigan HS</p>
<p id="oB4l5L">23. Michael Rothenberg, Duke </p>
<p id="Ich6QV">24. Jayden Melendez, Florida HS</p>
<p id="WMmV54">25. Wyatt Hendrie, San Diego State</p>
<p id="o9sIXf">26. Charlie Saum, California HS</p>
<p id="tRmUEK">27. Troy Claunch, <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State</a></p>
<p id="SsnpcY">28. Anson Aroz, California HS</p>
<p id="ebo5tb">29. Shane McGuire, San Diego</p>
<p id="67D5MU">30. Caleb Lomavita, Hawaii HS</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/6/19/22534285/atlanta-braves-2021-mlb-draft-preview-position-rankings-catcherMatt Powers