2021 MLB Mock Draft: Final Edition
Hard to believe that in a week’s time, #MockSzn will be dormant until the end of the 2021 regular season. That said, this one has truly been one for the ages. With no true consensus number 1 pick, a pushed back date, a combine, fewer rounds, and the fact that MLB finally sees their draft as an event that fans can get into as opposed to just a procedural thing. Basically this year’s draft is not your dad’s MLB draft. With that said, who does your team take in the final Minor League Madhouse mock draft? Let’s take a look.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Marcelo Mayer, SS, Eastlake HS, California
With the Pirates apparently zeroed in on Mayer as the first pick, this draft has shades of 2012 when the Astros opted for the projectable Carlos Correa instead of then-sure thing Mark Appel, and the 2017 draft when the Twins blindsided everyone by taking Royce Lewis over the likes of Hunter Greene and Brendan McKay. Needless to day, this could go anyway, but at present value, Mayer has seen his stock skyrocket thanks to a strong spring performance.
Texas Rangers: Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
A couple months ago, Leiter to Texas seemed like an impossible dream. Now with Pittsburgh deciding to go prep shortstop, it seems like the most plausible reality. Leiter concluded his first full season with a dazzling performance in Game 1 of the College World Series Final, arguably the best pitching performance by a Vanderbilt starter, and has rightfully cemented his spot as the best Vanderbilt arm in the race between him and Kumar Rocker.
Detroit Tigers: Jordan Lawlar, SS, Dallas Jesuit HS, Texas
Detroit finds themselves in a position where whomever falls to them they will gladly take, and should Lawlar fall to 3, they shouldn’t hesitate. His five tool ability makes him one of the most advanced prep bats in the class, not unlike 2019 first rounder Riley Greene, and he’d be a terrific addition to that young lineup. The one ding on his resume is his age, he’ll be an old senior, but that doesn’t seem to be a major concern.
Boston Red Sox: Henry Davis, C, Louisville
In a year where college hitting seemed to go from a sure thing to a major question mark, Henry Davis absolutely stepped up. Davis’s bat really has played in what was an abnormal season for the Cardinals, and he has backed that up by being a threat behind the plate, especially with his arm. Davis would give the Red Sox a truly veteran catcher not seen since the days of Jason Varitek.
Baltimore Orioles: Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College
Frelick’s scrappiness, athleticism and and sneaky pop complements 2020 draftee Heston Kjerstad’s power, as the Orioles continue their homegrown rebuild. Frelick is capable of playing both center and right field, though in the scenario that the Orioles do take him, he’d probably take centerfield to accomodate Kjerstad in right. That said, he, Kjerstad, and Rutschman would make for a promising offensive trio.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Jackson Jobe, RHP, Heritage Hall HS, Oklahoma
Jobe could be the first prep righthanded pitcher taken in the top 10 since the Braves drafted, then botched Carter Stewart in 2018. That said, history won’t repeat itself here. Jobe is unquestionably the top prep hurler in the class, and his slider is arguably at a major league level. Mechanically he is sound, and his worst pitch is above average. Arizona has gone to the Sooner State before to take prep pitching, 10 years ago they nabbed Archie Bradley who carved out a solid career as one of their best relievers until being traded to the Reds in 2020.
Kansas City Royals: Brady House, SS/3B, Winder Barrow HS, Georgia
The Royals could develop a formidable infield if one of the big 4 prep infielders falls to them here, and Brady House appears to be the most likely candidate. After considerable doubt due to a poor showcase this summer, House rebounded magnificently, and has vaulted himself back into the top 10 discussion. Having a left side of the infield consisting of House and Bobby Witt complementing Nick Loftin and Nick Pratto makes the Royals incoming young core exciting to watch.
Colorado Rockies: Kahlil Watson, SS, Wake Forest HS, North Carolina
Colorado’s propensity to develop All-Star caliber infielders, then alienate and trade them means they likely go infield hunting yet again, and what a year to do so. Watson had his doubtors early in the year, but has since improved his stock to become a top 10, possibly even top 5 talent. Watson fits the definition of an all-out baller, one who will give it all effort. While his plate discipline needs some fine tuning, there’s no doubt he’s one of the finest athletes in the class, and someone the Rockies can turn into their next stud shortstop.
Los Angeles Angels: Ty Madden, RHP, Texas
The Angels made a step in the right direction taking Reid Detmers in 2020, hopefully they continue to build their rotation if one of the Tier 1 starters is still available here. Madden finished his season strong with two great performances against the eventual champion Mississippi State, and his potential to at least be a high end starter certainly puts him as the second best of the Tier 1 starters now.
New York Mets: Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt
Kumar Rocker sputtered towards the end of the year, failing to impress against a COVID depleted NC State team and ultimately getting shelled by Mississippi State in Game 3. Those two performances definitely hurt his stock, but there is no way he falls past the Mets at 10, who have a reputation for getting the most out of their pitching prospects.
Washington Nationals: Will Bednar, RHP, Mississippi State
If there was any college performer that boosted their stock during the College World Series, it was Bednar, especially in Game 3. Had he not been going on 3 days rest, he may have actually gone the distance and possibly no-hit Vanderbilt. Regardless of which, Bednar winning the College World Series MOP puts him at the very least in the top 15–20 picks, and the Nationals could pounce on him here as they get ready for life without Scherzer and Strasburg.
Seattle Mariners: Matt McLain, SS, UCLA
McLain was the 2021 season for college hitters personified, with his stock fluctuating all spring until he was able to get into a groove. His season ended early, but not before he was able to recover enough to bring himself back into top 15 conversation. The Mariners have been connected to him before and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they see him as someone who can take over for Kyle Seager in the future.
Philadelphia Phillies: Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State
Cowser’s pop is conducive to Citizens Bank Park’s hitter friendly reputation, and his speed allows him to stick in centerfield, making him a rare power-potential player at the position. Cowser’s tools rank from average to plus, and he’s advanced enough as a hitter for him to be fast tracked through the minors.
San Francisco Giants: Gunnar Hoglund, RHP, Mississippi
Let’s face it, if Gunnar Hoglund had not gotten injured, he’d be in the top 10 conversation. That said, his spring performance was otherworldly and definitely keeps him in the first round, the question is where exactly he’ll end up. This is probably on the more optimistic side of things, but the Giants could definitely benefit from a strikeout throwing workhorse like Hoglund, even if they have to wait until mid 2022 to see him in action.
Milwaukee Brewers: Sam Bachman, RHP, Miami (Ohio)
Even if Sam Bachman isn’t able to translate his junior year success into a strong starting career, he’s still arguably one of the hardest throwing pitchers in the class. Still the Brewers would hope that they’re getting the same Bachman who lowered his walk rate and showcased a pitch arsenal ranging from above average (his secondary stuff) to all-star caliber (his heater). His 3/4 arm slot is definitely going to raise some questions but even if the Brewers got 5 innings out of him at a time, that’d be a success.
Miami Marlins: Harry Ford, C, North Cobb HS, Georgia
Ford likely goes higher than this, but there’s no doubt the Marlins would pounce on him, not only for his complete skillset but his positional versatility. Though Ford could conceivably stick behind the plate as a pro, there is a possibility he could be moved to a different spot to get more value and shelf life out of him. Ford’s offensive profile is solid, and he really doesn’t have to do much to impress, he’s definitely capable of being a middle of the order threat. Given the profile of loandepot park, Ford’s power probably won’t play up as much but he can still do damage.
Cincinnati Reds: Anthony Solometo, LHP, Bishop Eustace HS, New Jersey
The Reds grab the best prep lefty in the draft in Solometo, who combines an unorthodox delivery with a solid frame and a good feel for his his pitches. His arsenal is impressive mainly because of the deception in his delivery. Solometo is the first of four Day 1 picks for the Reds, so it will be interesting to see how they take advantage of the extra bonus money.
St. Louis Cardinals: Benny Montgomery, OF, Red Land HS, Pennsylvania
Montgomery likely goes higher than this, but there’s no doubt the Cardinals would love a guy of his speed and defensive acumen. Pennsylvania has become a prep hotbed as of late, Offensively he still has work to do, but his floor as a Kevin Pillar/Kevin Kiermaier type defender who can either lead off or play in the 9 hole would be perfect for the Cardinals.
Toronto Blue Jays: Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State
Toronto grabs the best changeup in the draft with the high floor Jordan Wicks. Given their recent history with high floor pitchers like Alek Manoah and TJ Zeuch, Wicks comes in potentially as a midrotation lefty capable of eating innings for the Jays.
New York Yankees: Jud Fabian, OF, Florida
The Yankees taking Fabian would be reminiscent of them grabbing Aaron Judge in the 2013 draft. Fabian was expected to be the top college hitter in the class, but an up and down spring season has pushed him to the middle of the first round at best. Still, Fabian’s track record with wood coupled with Yankee Stadium’s dimensions seem like a perfect match. Fabian would be a steal for the Yankees here.
Chicago Cubs: Joe Mack C, Williamsville East HS, New York
The Cubs grab one of the best prep catching arms in Joe Mack, and get the added benefit of a lefty bat. Mack’s got the pedigree, he’s the younger brother of Twins prospect Charles Mack, and his offensive game puts him in the middle of the lineup based on his power potential. His arm is also incredibly strong, he’s capable of posting consisting sub 2 pop times. If he can polish his defensive game, he might end up being the best prep catcher in the class, especially if Harry Ford moves from behind the plate.
Chicago White Sox: Colson Montgomery, 3B, Southridge HS, Indiana
There probably hasn’t been any louder buzz than Colson to Chicago. Though he is older than your typical prep prospect, Colson’s frame and physicality is truly impressive and puts him as a pro third baseman. Colson is by no means a power hitter, but he can still impact the game by spraying the ball to all fields. That advanced approach combined with a Corey Seager pro comp and a multisport background makes Colson the type of player who could thrive with Chicago.
Cleveland Indians: Bubba Chandler, RHP/SS, North Oconee HS, Georgia
Admittedly this pick was supposed to be Josh Hartle before he announced he was going to honor his Wake Forest commitment, but the Chandler pick is in a similar vein. Chandler has been an intriguing prospect mainly because of his multisport background, he’s committed to a baseball and football scholarship at Clemson, plus he’s one of two definitive two way talents, and a switch hitter to boot. Chances are Chandler goes higher than the Indians, but if he ends up here, they’d be foolish to let him pass.
Atlanta Braves: Michael McGreevy, RHP, California-Santa Barbara
The Braves have found more success as of late when they have avoided the prep route in favor of safer high-floor options, and Michael McGreevy is certainly one of the more dependable options. A consistent pitcher who really shone this spring, McGreevy’s stuff is advanced and his presence on the mound is unflappable. He comes across as a solid midrotation option at least, someone who will give the Braves quality innings.
Oakland A’s: Joshua Baez, OF, Dexter Southfield HS, Massachusetts
The A’s get one of the premiere power bats in Baez, who showed in the showcase circuit that he could reach triple digit exit velocity with east. In Baez, they also grab one of the strongest arms of the class, one capable of being a defensive weapon in centerfield. The main concern is that Baez believes too much in his power and in the worst case scenario could be a three true outcomes hitter, but if he can retool his approach he could still be a middle of the order threat.
Minnesota Twins: Frank Mozzicato, LHP, East Catholic HS, Connecticut
Mozzicato’s spring has been nothing short of unreal, and while there are obvious concerns about the level of competition, there’s no doubt that his transformation from likely UConn arrival to potential first round pick will encourage more prep pitchers to spend time in athletic training facilities. It’s highly doubtful he will command a huge bonus because of his pop-up spring and the level of competition he played against, so the Twins could take him and swing a package deal with a harder to sign prospect in the CB round.
San Diego Padres: Gavin Williams, RHP, East Carolina
After betting on himself by opting not to be picked in the 2020 draft for potential, Gavin Williams took his first and only full season as a starter and made it a masterclass, going 10–1 with a 1.88 ERA and 130 strikeouts. Williams’s stuff is nasty, particularly his fastball, which is a mid to high 90’s offering. Williams’s mechanics are a lot more sound than they were last year as well. The Padres would definitely benefit from Williams’s low mileage as a starter and if he can prove he’s not a 1 year wonder, could see himself advance quickly through their system.
Tampa Bay Rays: Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP/SS, Nebraska
The winner of the John Olerud Award, Schwellenbach only recently started to get back into pitching after being sidelined the first two years due to injury. That said, his two-way potential coupled with the “Raysball” approach makes them a perfect match. There are some who believe he’ll be a better pro pitcher than infielder, and there are others who feel the exact opposite, however with limited mileage on his arm, he probably will provide more value on the mound.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Andrew Painter, RHP, Calvary Christian HS, Florida
Painter could go earlier, but his stock has fluctuated all spring. That being said, the Dodgers have had their fair share of success stories concerning pitchers who have fallen due to myriad concerns, most notably Walker Buehler. The Dodgers are banking on Painter’s advanced pitchability in this case and hoping that his maturity translates into a breezethrough of the minor leagues.
COMPENSATORY
Cincinnati Reds: Adrian Del Castillo, C/1B, Miami (Florida)
For Del Castillo to go from presumptive top 10 pick to just-maybe back half of the first round, there is something to be said about how inconsistent his spring was, especially from a defensive standpoint. That said, the Reds could see Del Castillo’s offensive upside and potentially move him to first base. Plus, it’s not like the Reds haven’t dipped into the Miami talent pool before, taking Yonder Alonso in 2008 and Yasmani Grandal in 2010.
COMPETITIVE BALANCE
Miami Marlins: Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest
A year after the Braves took Jared Shuster, the Marlins grab his college teammate. Cusick has fluctuated all spring with the main concern being his command, but a team like the Marlins, who has drafted similar high ceiling pitchers could easily tap into Cusick’s strong points and make him into a solid midrotation arm at least.
Detroit Tigers: Matt Mikulski, LHP, Fordham
Mikulski had a Golden Spikes worthy year as a COVID junior at Fordham, and undoubtedly has a shot at going day 1 in the draft. The Tigers grab an advanced college arm who has a shot to fast track through the minors.
Milwaukee Brewers: Izaac Pacheco, 3B, Friendswood HS, Texas
In Pacheco, the Brewers get a lefty power hitter capable of providing gold glove caliber defense at third. Before the spring, Pacheco was often compared to Brady House, but with better physicality and frame. He should thrive in American Family Park’s dimensions.
Tampa Bay Rays: Gage Jump, LHP, JSerra HS, California
Gage Jump is probably the Rays’ biggest wet dream. he’s undersized, has pitches that many scouts consider undetectable, and he’s undoubtedly got an advanced pitchability mindset. He’s not overpowering as a pitcher, operating low to mid 90’s primarily, but he can still keep hitters off balance and get quality innings.
Cincinnati Reds: Chase Petty, RHP, Mainland HS, New Jersey
The Reds double dip in the Garden State and grab arguably the most intriguing, and yet also most controversial prepster in Petty. With a heater that tops 102 MPH, Petty’s main concern is that he’d be a reliever, but given the Reds track record so far with hard throwers like Hunter Greene and Joe Boyle, Petty should fit right in their wheelhouse.
Minnesota Twins: Will Taylor, OF, Dutch Fork HS, South Carolina
There have been rumblings that Taylor could go as high as top 10 to satisfy his bonus demands and prevent him from fulfilling his two-sport commitment to Clemson, but in this scenario, the Twins use money saved from the Mozzicato pick and give it to Taylor, who has yet to fully tap into his baseball potential.
— — —
And with that, we conclude the 2021 #MockSZN. Stay tuned for October, when 2022 #MockSZN begins.
