2020 MLB Mock Draft 3.0
Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christian Yelich! Yes, it’s time for Round 3 of Minor League Madhouse’s mock drafts. As you have probably heard, the draft is undergoing a significant facelift this year in the fact that it’s being relocated to Omaha. Frankly, this is a move that they should have done a long time ago. Additionally, the draft will be held before the College World Series, so more players will be in attendance. For as much grief as we give Rob Manfred for being somehow worse than Bud Selig, his attempts to bridge the divide between MLB and college baseball do deserve some recognition, even if his minor league proposal deserves the highest level of criticism and disdain. Still, with the college and prep seasons around the corner, let’s take a look see and make some early predictions on who goes where. Remember, picks are based on organizational depth and unless noted, tendencies are not taken into consideration until we have a clearer picture of who may be going where.
Detroit Tigers: Austin Martin, 3B, Vanderbilt
What started off as a two horse race for the top pick has expanded to three as Austin Martin has all but overtaken Emerson Hancock and Spencer Torkelson as the top prospect in the draft. Martin’s arguably the best hitter in the draft, and his tools range from average to above average. Like all college shortstops, there is debate as to where he’ll play professionally, but scouts feel that he’ll be a gold glove caliber second or third baseman.
Baltimore Orioles: Nick Gonzales, 2B, New Mexico State
Gonzales is this year’s small school darling after turning the Cape Cod League into his personal playground and being named its MVP. He’s in the same stratosphere as Martin in regards to his capability as a hitter, and while his defense isn’t stellar, he can handle middle infield with little issue. Gonzales represents a major upgrade over whomever is playing for the Orioles right now. He comes across as 5 hitter with his below average power, but in Camden Yards’s dimensions, he appears capable of hitting 15–20 home runs.
Miami Marlins: Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Arizona State
The Marlins lineup has looked toothless the past two seasons with the trades of Stanton, Yelich, Realmuto and Bour. Spencer Torkelson represents the type of player the Marlins could use in their latest reboot. His prodigious power display in his first two years with the Sun Devils does set him up for astronomical if not insurmountable expectations. Defensively, he’s best at first base, however he’s capable of moving across the diamond and even playing a passable outfield. Pairing him with JJ Bleday and Kam Misner would provide some serious juice to a lineup in need of some offensive production.
Kansas City Royals: Garrett Mitchell, OF, UCLA
Mitchell is the most athletic prospect in the draft, and had it not been for a leg injury he suffered while with the Collegiate National Team, he’d probably be in the conversation for the top pick right now. A type-1 diabetic, Mitchell has impressed during fall ball with the bat, and while he hasn’t been fully cleared his body of work defensively and on the basepaths certainly doesn’t need any further defense. Mitchell is the type of all-around player the Royals have been looking for and he’d be a nice top of the order player.
Toronto Blue Jays: Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia
This is probably an unrealistic scenario barring an injury or performance decline, but should Hancock fall this far, the Blue Jays would be absolutely stupid to pass him up. Hancock is your typical SEC pitcher with a great build and a major league caliber arsenal of pitches. His above average control can only get better and he’s shown great feel for his pitches. Hancock’s only concern is, as previously mentioned, his health and performance. In his sophomore year, he missed two weeks, and did not return the same pitcher. Still, pairing him with the blistering velocity of Nate Pearson and the pitchability of Anthony Kay as well as whomever pitcher they are able to lock up long term could make the Jays rotation that much more daunting to face.
Seattle Mariners: Asa Lacy, LHP Texas A&M
Whereas Emerson Hancock is the most complete college pitcher in the class, Asa Lacy is definitely the most projectable. Lacy started off as a low-90’s pitcher but has since topped out at 97. His stuff is plenty swing and miss, and while his secondary offerings aren’t particularly overpowering, they still get results. Lacy’s biggest issue is command and control and his mechanics could use some tweaking. Still, Lacy has ace potential and his ceiling is definitely higher than that of George Kirby and Logan Gilbert.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS, Texas
Had Nate Savino not opted to enroll early at the University of Virginia, this year’s high school pitching crop would have probably been better than last year’s. But with Savino out of the question, Jared Kelley takes on the as-of-yet uncontested distinction of being the top prep pitcher of 2020. Kelley’s best offering is his fastball which is a tick below elite status, though it can get up to 98 mph. He complements it with another pro grade offering in his changeup, which is incredibly deceptive. Incidentally, Kelley has been compared to a fellow Pirates high school draftee, Jameson Taillon, who incidentally was taken ten years prior. Kelley would pair very well with 2019 first rounder Quinn Priester and give the Pirates a solid pairing.
San Diego Padres: Austin Hendrick, OF, West Allegheny HS, Pennsylvania
What was viewed initially as a position of strength in this year’s draft class has devolved into more of a question mark with inconsistent summer performances. Still, among outfielders on the showcase circuit, Hendrick had probably the best showing, which isn’t saying much. He’s got plenty of power potential, which in a ballpark like Petco is an absolute necessity. Hendrick needs to get back to his original form where he wasn’t striking out as much, and if he can return to that form, he can easily go higher in the draft.
Colorado Rockies: JT Ginn, RHP, Mississippi State
Ginn was drafted by the Dodgers in the first round out of high school and opted to honor his college commitment. A repeat of his freshman year will ensure he goes higher than he did in 2018. With some of the best life in his offerings, as well as a stripped down mechanical approach, Ginn could solidify his Tier 1 starter status as long as he can prove he’s healthy. Though the Bulldogs did lose some key contributors in last year’s draft. Ginn will greatly benefit from a strong infield. Considering the volatility of the Rockies rotation, should Ginn not be cut out for pitching, he can always switch back to first base.
Los Angeles Angels: Carmen Mlodszinski, RHP, South Carolina
In a class flush with exceptional SEC pitching talent, Mlodszinski has somewhat fallen to the wayside due to myriad injuries but could pitch himself into top 10 status after dominating in the Cape Cod League this past summer. His velocity has ranged from mid to high 90’s with emerging secondary pitches. Because of developmental delays, Mlodszinski is still somewhat unproven, however the potential for him to be an ace level starter, one who can contribute in short order when Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon and Shohei Ohtani hit their primes, should convince Billy Eppler to take a break from drafting athletes and move on to pitching.
Chicago White Sox: Ed Howard, SS, Mt. Carmel HS, Illinois
Illinois has surprisingly produced some legit prospects the past few years, and Ed Howard has the potential to break into the first round. Howard’s calling cards are his athleticism, consistency at bat, and his professional grade fielding ability. Howard is the type of advanced defender/emerging offensive threat that has defined shortstops the past decade; even if he doesn’t have a spot at his natural shortstop, Howard could still find a way to put himself in the lineup every day for the White Sox.
Cincinnati Reds: Heston Kjerstad, OF, Arkansas
Kjerstad, part of a vaunted 2017 recruiting class for the Razorbacks, has a shot to be the first off the board. While his hitting does need some work, especially his loopy swing, he does possess major league power that the Reds could exploit at GABP. Kjerstad looks best as a corner defender and would be an ideal power complement to Nick Senzel and Jon India.
San Francisco Giants: Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville
The Giants have generally shied away from pitching in the past few drafts, but in a vaunted pitching class like this, ignoring it would not be wise. Detmers is the latest product of the Louisville baseball factory, a big bodied average to above average tools across the board starter. Detmers played a key role in bringing the Cardinals to Omaha within one game of the College World Series final. His stuff is effective and his mechanics are easy and repeatable, and his pitchability will ensure that his minors stint is quick. While he doesn’t have Bumgarner’s ace potential at the present moment, he could grow into a Bumgarner type starter for the Giants.
Texas Rangers: Casey Martin, SS, Arkansas
In 2018, the Rangers spent their first 13 picks on pitchers and infielders, and while it’s still early, none of those infielders have done much in terms of making an impression. Casey Martin can however. Since joining the Razorbacks, Martin has played the game at a high level, hitting double digits in home runs, tearing up the basepaths with his speed, and having a good enough arm to, if not stick at shortstop, play the multipositional weapon type player that has emerged as a major league favorite the past couple years. Martin’s ascendance would be a nice succession plan for Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus.
Philadelphia Phillies: Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee
Crochet had an impressive fall ball after a strong spring, and while this is a conservative estimate of where he could land, it’s clear that with his velocity topping out at triple digits he could find himself in top 10 conversation in short order. His build, pitchability, and velocity ensures he’ll be an ace-caliber pitcher, however for him to surpass Asa Lacy, and potentially Hancock as the best pitcher in the draft, he’ll need to improve his command. It’s not a difficult task, although the Volunteers are going to have a rough go, especially considering how strong this year’s SEC ace crop is. Still, Crochet, wherever he lands, would be an excellent ace.
Chicago Cubs: Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS, Oregon
Another “Conservative estimate” pick, barring a bad spring or an injury, Abel is a virtual lock for the first round. With a build and a pitchers arsenal that rivals Jared Kelley, Abel’s one knock is that he’s pitching in a state that isn’t as strong baseball wise as Kelley’s Texas. Still, Abel comes off as a mature-for-his-age starter, one who can easily pitch his way through the minors at an accelerated rate. The Cubs seem like an ideal pick here because of the proximity to their A level team, so they probably have seen a good amount of him already.
Boston Red Sox: Robert Hassell, OF, Independence HS, Tennessee
With the Jackie Bradley and Mookie Betts era coming to an end in Boston, now seems like a great time to discuss what their plans are for the outfield in the future. Hassell isn’t as well known as his outfield prospect contemporaries, but in a class known for its name recognition, he’s better known for his production. Hassell was a contact fiend from spring to fall, and while he did have short spurts of inconsistency due to shifting power focus, Hassell represents the type of guy who has succeeded in Boston, contact oriented outfielders with above average defensive ability.
Arizona Diamondbacks: CJ Van Eyk, RHP, Florida State
Arizona benefits from a repopulated farm system as a result of a stupid rich 2019 draft and a king’s ransom of players acquired in the Zack Greinke trade. As such, they stand to make whatever pick they desire, and perhaps no pick makes more sense to them then the first Tier 2 pitcher in the class, CJ Van Eyk. A big righty for the Seminoles, Van Eyk emerged as an ace in his sophomore campaign and ultimately turned in a solid summer for the National team. He’s not as overpowering as his SEC contemporaries, but his stuff and his command ensure that, he’s a midrotation option who can eat solid innings.
New York Mets: Patrick Bailey, C, North Carolina State
In about four years, the Mets could have the strongest farm system in baseball thanks to a dominating infield crop, but they could take advantage of a weaker catcher group than last year and nab arguably the best college catcher of the class. While there is split consensus on how well he will hit as a pro, despite generally solid offensive numbers for the Wolfpack and Team USA, Bailey’s floor as a defense first catcher with slightly below average offensive tools represents an improvement over the likes of Tomas Nido, Ali Sanchez, and possibly Patrick Mazeika. He’d be a solid heir to Wilson Ramos.
Milwaukee Brewers: Tyler Soderstrom, C, Turlock HS, California
The Brewers have gotten generally solid results out of their less defensive inclined players, and Tyler Soderstrom is no exception in that while he’s being pushed as a catcher, it’s based on potential. Soderstrom’s offensive capability is well noted, his contact is arguably the best in his class. He has power potential that makes him at worst a 5 hitter in a professional lineup. Where things get muddy is his future position. Soderstrom’s arm is a cannon, but his defensive technique is in need of some work. What doesn’t play in his favor is the fact that he was the backup catcher because his teammate was a better defender. Still, if Soderstrom wants to get more visibility, he will spend as much time behind the plate this spring as possible.
St. Louis Cardinals: Max Meyer, RHP, Minnesota
The Cardinals love specialist pitchers, and nothing screams specialist more than having the best secondary pitch. Meyer’s slider is a 91–94 buckler that he can interchange at will, and his fastball reaches the high 90’s easily. Because Meyer came into the Gophers rotation as an emergency option, even though he outperformed expectations then, he’ll need a solid junior season to solidify his draft stock. Even then, at worst, he could be an elite level closer, one the Cardinals have generally incorporated into their team identity very well.
Washington Nationals: Zac Veen, OF, Spruce Creek HS, Florida
While Juan Soto and Victor Robles aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, the Nats could take advantage of the high school outfield crop and grab Veen, who came up as a late bloomer among an already-well-known outfield crop. Veen’s value as a left handed, average to above average tools across the board player cannot be overstated. His swing is very fluid, and while he’s not as athletic as his contemporaries, he makes up for it with a great build.
Cleveland Indians: Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn
Burns has been on the map since his senior year of high school, and despite durability concerns that have popped up since stepping foot on Auburn’s campus, he’s generally impressed, especially when he struck out 15 batters in a game as a freshman. Despite a shorter build than his contemporaries and a propensity to fade late in the season, Burns has the stuff that makes him a solid pitcher. As a pro, if teams are worried about his stamina and mechanics, he could make for a solid closer, although the hope would be for him to pitch at a similar level to his former college teammate Casey Mize. The Indians have gotten solid results out of their homegrown pitchers, and Burns would thrive in this environment.
Tampa Bay Rays: Austin Wells, C, Arizona
With the amount of electric arms the Rays have waiting in the future, having a good young catcher to catch for them, or at the very least produce for them is something worth drafting. Wells can catch, although the concern is how long he can do it before he’s moved elsewhere. At worst, he’s an offensive producer in the same vein as Wilson Ramos with a better body, with an inevitable move to allowing him to prolong his career. Wells’s all around bat and power, both of which currently grade as above average with potential to get better are viable weapons that will get him regular playing time in the AL.
Atlanta Braves: Jordan Walker, 3B, Decatur HS, Georgia
The Braves pick a player from their own backyard, as Walker is one of the better power hitters in the draft. Walker’s a great all-around athlete, with great speed, a laser of an arm that, if not for the hot corner, could be used well in right field. He should be an easy sign as he’s committed to play for Duke, and would be a solid complement offensively to the team’s young pitching as well as Acuna.
Oakland A’s: Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS, California
Pete Crow-Armstrong has been on radars for a while, and usually when that happens, those prospects are held to a higher standard and tend to fall far. Crow-Armstrong didn’t have a strong summer with a lot of swing and miss, but his track record, not to mention an impressive toolset keeps him in the first round conversation, even with a Vanderbilt commitment to consider. The A’s are in prime territory to grab PCA, or another outfielder here, and should considering Kyler Murray isn’t likely to honor his baseball commitment for a long time, if ever.
Minnesota Twins: Jake Eder, LHP, Vanderbilt
Eder was Vanderbilt’s closer when the team won the 2019 National Championship, but the expectation is that he will be starting in the spring. Eder’s stuff is professional caliber, but he does need to be more consistent to be in consideration for the first round, as he can be battered around when he’s off. His fastball and curveball are good offerings, and if he can utilize his changeup more, he’ll have a solid trio of pitches. Wes Johnson has seen Eder pitch since his days at Arkansas so he’d definitely know how to maximize Eder’s potential as a starter.
New York Yankees: Dax Fulton, LHP, Mustang HS, Oklahoma
The Yankees have drafted injured pitchers in the first round before, see James Kaprelian in 2015 and Clarke Schmidt in 2017, and could conceivably grab the best lefthanded pitcher in the class in Dax Fulton this year. Before needing Tommy John surgery, Fulton was throwing in the low-90’s with plenty of life. His curveball is a buckling pitch, arguably the best in the class. Because of his large frame, he’s able to generate more movement. The Yankees could take their time with Fulton, and it shouldn’t take an exorbitant amount to sway his commitment to Oklahoma.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Daniel Cabrera, OF, LSU
For a while, Cabrera was considered the top bat in the 2020 draft class, if not the top player, but that has obviously changed. He’s still got average to above average tools across the board, although since his spectacular freshman year he’s taken more of a lunch pail, do your job approach as opposed to the expectation that he was going to be a star. Still, Cabrera’s potential to be a producer makes him an ideal heir to AJ Pollock, especially since Jeren Kendall has not lived up to expectations.
Houston Astros: Aaron Sabato, 1B, North Carolina
For a while, it looked like the Astros had the answer to who was going to be Yuli Gurriel’s replacement at first base, but then they inexplicably shipped Seth Beer to the D-Backs. Thankfully, this is a class full of solid first base prospects, none of whom has surprised more than Aaron Sabato. Yet another draft eligible sophomore in a stronger than usual class of them, Sabato’s bat heated up in the late spring and continued to do so in the summer. The Tar Heels product will be known for his offensive production, as his arm and his legs are considered liabilities. Still, if he can continue to produce the way he did during his out-of-nowhere freshman year, Sabato could be another Pete Alonso-type hitter.
COMPENSATORY PICKS:
Baltimore Orioles: Alika Williams, SS, Arizona State
Williams is an upgrade over any shortstop currently playing in the Orioles system.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia
Wilcox gained buzz as a high school senior but fell due to signability. While he has fallen out of favor in deference to Hancock, Wilcox’s stuff screams starter, despite scout belief he’ll be a better bullpen arm.
Kansas City Royals: Blaze Jordan, 1B/3B, DeSoto Central HS, Mississippi
Once you get past the “Blaze Jordan as a meme” narrative, you realize that aside from some swing and miss in his game, he has the chance to be a tremendous power hitter, a bit more well-rounded than his three true outcomes contemporaries. Jordan’s value could be higher if he can handle third base at an average level, possibly making him into a Donaldson-type player. With the Royals, he’d be a solid better-than-Joey Gallo-type anchor, one who would pair well with Bobby Witt and Nick Pratto and Nick Gonzales to give this lineup some multidimensional capability.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Drew Romo, C, The Woodlands HS, Texas
Romo’s contact ability, plus his outstanding defense and arm could potentially vault him to the first round proper ahead of Tyler Soderstrom, but for now, he makes sense as solid defensive contact-first catcher that could eventually catch for the D-Backs young hurlers.
San Diego Padres: Carson Montgomery, RHP, Windermere HS, Florida
As previously mentioned, this is a weak class for prep pitching, but considering the Padres are stacked in the minors, Montgomery could be another lively arm that they add to an already scary crop of arms.
Colorado Rockies: Dylan Crews, OF, Lake Mary HS, Florida
The Rockies could go back to Lake Mary a full five years after drafting Brendan Rodgers third overall. For a while, Crews was considered the top prep prospect in the class, but an inconsistent summer dropped his stock. He can rebuild it obviously, but it doesn’t hurt to believe Colorado could find value in double dipping.
Cleveland Indians: Gage Workman, SS, Arizona State
It’s hard to believe the Indians are looking to move Francisco Lindor, but there’s a lot of evidence supporting that theory. What they lack however is a contingency plan, and Gage Workman’s above average tools across the board, not to mention the fact that he is a younger college player will play well for him and could entice the Indians to view him as their future.
St. Louis Cardinals: Justin Foscue, 2B, Mississippi State
However much longer Kolten Wong has with the Cardinals, now is a great time for them to look into this year’s crop of middle infielders. Foscue especially is ideal as a second baseman, a great producer, a solid pivot at the double play, and all-around athleticism, save for speed.
