New information is still coming out and teams are making last minute shifts. In this mock we’ve included two mocks in one — our main picks and an alternate path that begins with the rampant rumor that Baltimore is seeking to go underslot, therefore forgoing one of the big three. We’ll call this “Zag Path”.
1. Detroit - Spencer Torkelson, 1B Arizona State
The song remains the same at the top as Detroit is expected to take Torkelson and his notorious bat. The skills are strong enough that right handed hitting, right handed throwing designation doesn’t weigh down the profile. As Nathaniel Plotts noted in his big board Torkelson has the most batted balls in NCAA between 2019-20 that have achieved a Launch Angle greater than 40° and an exit velocity greater than 100 mph. A great indicator of future success.
IF THEY ZAG: Detroit decides to lean in on the pitching first rebuild and drafts Lacy.
2. Baltimore - Asa Lacy, LHP Texas A&M
I have no direct source telling me this pick will be Lacy. I’m simply making an educated guess based on the overlap in the Venn diagram of skills Lacy possesses and skills the Mike Elias led Orioles covet. Lacy’s mix of elite velocity and vMov on his FB give him characteristics forward thinking teams like the Orioles covet. With the draft’s largest bonus pool Baltimore has just under $14 million to spend, as well as three picks in the top 40. With the amount of resources at their disposal they can get creative at 30 and 39. Pulling down a top talent with a larger bonus promise, or even scoop up and of college bats that should be available at that point.
IF THEY ZAG: Baltimore goes with the lowest slot player among this trio Zac Veen, Nick Gonzales, and Heston Kjerstad. Presumably Krejstad takes the lowest bonus of the three, goes at two and all hell breaks loose in my (if they zag going forward we’re going to play out the scenario of Tork 1.1 and Kjerstad 1.2. So remember that every ‘Alternate’ pick moving forward is with the understanding of these two players going first.)
ALTERNATE: Heston Kjerstad
3. Miami - Austin Martin, SS Vanderbilt
I don’t think Miami gets cute here, nor do I think the savings will be enough for Zac Veen to go here underslot. Director of Amateur Scouting DJ Svihlik (a former Vandy assistant coach) and company go back to the Vanderbilt campus as they continue to build their young talented core.
IF THEY ZAG: In the proposed scenario Lacy is sitting there at three for Miami, they pull the trigger and we move on to pick four and the enigmatic Kansas City.
ALTERNATE: Asa Lacy
4. Kansas City - Nick Gonzales, 2B New Mexico State
The reigning Cape Cod League MVP offers the best combination of talent and value for Kansas City at four. With three picks in the top 41, Kansas City has the ability to bump talented players down to 32 with a little extra cash to play with. They get that as well as one of the top bats in college baseball over the last couple seasons.
IF THEY ZAG: In this scenario KC has the choice of Martin, Gonzales, or Veen. While I feel drafting Martin a year after Witt gives the presentation of redundancy on its face. In practice it isn't, as Martin is a versatile player capable of filling multiple roles in the dirt or grass long term. Now it just comes down to a matter of dollars. KC has as much to play with as anybody and could easily go underslot at 41 pooling their resources between Martin at 1.4 and their 32nd overall section in Competitive Balance Round A.
ALTERNATE: Austin Martin
5. Toronto - Zac Veen, OF Spruce Creek HS
There’s been smoke around a college pitcher here with both Emerson Hancock and Max Meyer considered strong candidates to land here. The last few days however Veen to Toronto has gained real momentum and I think it’s a logical fit. Toronto needs an injection of high end talent into the organization’s outfield corps. Veen is supposedly looking for $5 million and doesn’t present much savings to either Miami or KC.
IF THEY ZAG: In this scenario Nick Gonzales and Zac Veen are both available. Let’s say Toronto stays the course and passes on Gonzales.
ALTERNATE: None in proposed scenario
6. Seattle - Emerson Hancock, RHP Georgia
There’s been a lot of talk of Meyer going to Seattle if he’s on the board, but I’m told the organization prefers Hancock. Despite holding the number one spot heading into draft season the enthusiasm around Hancock has dissipated in recent weeks. Our own Nathaniel Plotts did an excellent job breaking down the concerns around Hancock’s pitch mix. Regardless, he lands here at six to Seattle. An organization that’s prided itself on its forward thinking approach to pitching development.
IF THEY ZAG: Seattle us now looking at Hancock, Meyer, and Gonzales at six. One thing has been clear for the last two months in my opinion. Seattle will take Gonzales if he’s here. Gonzales to Seattle on to Pittsburgh.
ALTERNATE: Nick Gonzales
7. Pittsburgh - Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF Harvard Westlake HS
The first big shock of this mock kicks off at seven. I’ve heard that Pittsburgh loves PCA’s ability to stick in centerfield long term and believes in the improving power profile. It’s true that Crow-Armstrong is the only true center fielder of the talented left handed hitting prep bats at the top of the draft.
IF THEY ZAG: In this scenario their number two is gone in Heston Kjerstad. He’s the only player I’m truly convinced will go here over PCA. Let’s say however, in this scenario Hancock is too much to pass up and Pittsburgh pulls the trigger, leaning PCA on the board.
ALTERNATE: Emerson Hancock
8. San Diego - Max Meyer, RHP Minnesota
If you’re into athletic pitchers with great analytical characteristics then Meyer is your guy. He gets huge extension, features three plus pitches with unique profiles. His fastball sits high-90s while his slider might be the best offering in the draft. San Diego gets an arm that should be short to the majors and has the outside chance of filling a pen role in an expanded roster, shortened season playoff run.
IF THEY ZAG: Now PCA is back on the board is it enough to bump Meyer from this spot? I don’t think so, as the alternative is likely Hassell and I believe the Padres still hold Meyer over Hassell, and PCA for the matter.
ALTERNATE: None in proposed scenario.
9. Colorado - Reid Detmers, LHP Louisville
It’s probably smart for Colorado to target pitching in the first round forever. It makes even more sense that they target Detmers who looks as close to a finished product as any arm in the draft. Colorado isn’t known for their pitching development and the scars of Riley Pint are still too fresh for many.
IF THEY ZAG: I still believe that Detmers goes here, but to continue the fallout from the underslot at 1.2, let's propose PCA as the pick here. Colorado passes on a pitcher and instead lands arguably the best all-around positional talent in the draft.
ALTERNATE: Pete Crow-Armstrong
10. Los Angeles Angels - Robert Hassell, OF Independence HS
This is one of the tricker picks in the first, but we do know that the Angels like toolsy prep outfielders, and Hassell gives them another to backfill the pipeline as Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh graduate. There’s a lot of options here at ten, but Hassell or the best pitcher available seem likely.
IF THEY ZAG: The Angels unfortunately zag HARD in this scenario, and to be frank I’m 50/50 on this happening regardless of who goes picks one through nine. The Angels draft a prep player at ten they have no intention of signing. Let’s say for this exercise it’s Dylan Crews as to not name the actual rumored player in this hypothetical scenario. The Angels take Crews/Player X, offer him the minimum allotted offer of 40% with no intention of signing. So essentially an organization who laid off nearly all of their scouting punts on this pick, saves the $4,739,900 in allotted cash, then makes underslot picks at 82, 111, and 141. It’s an appalling scenario, but one I’m not ruling out right now.
ALTERNATE: Dylan Crews/Prep with big signability concerns.
11. White Sox - Heston Kjerstad, OF Arkansas
The power hitting corner outfielder out of Arkansas has a real chance to go at seven to Pittsburgh, but if he slips to Chicago here I don’t think the White Sox pass. They love college bats with a track record of power hitting at the collegiate level (Vaughn, Burger, Collins), and they get another here. Kjerstad should be relatively quick to the majors, so he fits the White Sox timeline perfectly.
IF THEY ZAG: With the original pick of Heston Kjerstad gone Chicago has to go in a different direction. While Tyler Soderstrom has been heavily rumored, the Chi-Sox pass on the talented prep bat and instead take Detmers, a player who should move relatively quickly. That said, if in the proposed scenario Detmers still goes at nine to Colorado and Pete Crow-Armstrong is available and Detmers is not, the White Sox go PCA. However to stay in line with the alternate board, Detmers is the pick.
ALTERNATE: Reid Detmers.
12. Cincinnati - Nick Bitsko, RHP Central Bucks East
Give Kyle Boddy and the gang a toy with jaw dropping analytical characteristics on multiple pitches. Read more about what makes Bitsko special here. Bitsko reclassified to enter the 2020 draft do conventional thought would lead one to the high likelihood he signs. That being said, I’ve heard recently that Bitsko’s commitment to UVA is stronger than one might imagine. Could it be smoke? Probably, but any idea any school should worry you a little, it should be UVA. They have a long history of getting top recruits to campus. Regardless, I think Cincinnati has the pool dollars to get it done here.
IF THEY ZAG: Let’s say despite Bitsko still on the board at 12 the Reds go Mick Abel instead. More than likely the top prep arm on most boards goes here instead tossing Bitsko back into the pool. I guess one thing is clear, I like the Reds to go prep righthander here.
ALTERNATE: Mick Abel
13. San Francisco - Tyler Soderstrom, C Turlock
This has been heavily rumored for awhile now and it’s out of character for Zaidi to go prep. Soderstrom fits the lower minors depth the Giants are building and he has a shot to move to third base full time.
IF THEY ZAG: Soderstrom is still on the board after the only other team more heavily rumored to Soderstrom, Chicago, passes. However, let’s lean in on the zany, and say Zaidi and company get cold feet on a prep pick and go Cade Cavalli instead. Cavalli is far more in the comfort zone of Zaidi’s track record and they land a player that fills an area of shallow depth within the system.
ALTERNATE: Cade Cavalli
14. Texas - Cade Cavalli, RHP Oklahoma
We’ve had Cavalli possibly as high as ten and he finally goes here to Texas. They don’t have a ton of pool money to play with outside of the allotted $4 million here so an underslot pick is a possibility as well. The Rangers have been prep heavy at the top, but they like their Big 12 talents as well.
IF THEY ZAG: So Cavalli is gone, but Bitsko and Soderstrom are back in play. Let’s say the Rangers pass on the college arms available now that their Big 12 horse is gone. They instead go prep bat with the pick of Hassell, Soderstrom, and Austin Hendrick with the former two not previously available. The Rangers go Hassell, and leave Soderstrom falling. However watch for an underslot deal to Carson Tucker here. The Arizona shortstop has been rumored with a few clubs, one of them being Texas.
ALTERNATE: Robert Hassell III
15. Philadelphia - Garrett Crochet, LHP Tennessee
The Phillies haven’t selected an arm with their first choice in the draft since Aaron Nola in 2014. For this reason I think we see them go college arm here. Crochet fits the same “outside chance of filling a pen role in an expanded roster, shortened season playoff run” scenario as Meyer with two nasty pitches in his fastball+slider combo.
IF THEY ZAG: I still believe this pick belongs to pitching, and even with the exciting possibility of Soderstrom working with Jason Ochart possible, I think the Phillies could instead dip into their own backyard and take Nick Bitsko who was previously taken at twelve in mock scenario one. Unfortunately there’s real smoke around Baltimore drawing Bitsko down to 30 with potential savings at two in the scenario presented. Leading the Phillies to just draft Crochet as presented in scenario A. For the sake of a true Zag the Phillies target another arm with big upside and a direct path to an MLB bullpen in Clayton Beeter.
ALTERNATE: Clayton Beeter
16. Chicago Cubs - Garrett Mitchell, OF UCLA
A player in need of a swing change to unlock massive potential and an organization with a world renowned hitting instructor in Justin Stone. The Cubs also love their college hitters with pedigree. Seems like a perfect match for team and player.
IF THEY ZAG: I love the Cubs+Mitchell fit. But… Garrett Crochet if back in the pool, I can’t help but think they pull the trigger in the lefty out of the University of Tennessee. But alas, there was no pivot at 16, and the Cubs are sticking with Mitchell.
ALTERNATE: If Bitsko goes to Philly it’s Garrett Crochet. If not we stay the course with Mitchell.
17. Boston - Mick Abel, RHP Jesuit HS (Oregon)
Looking to make a splash at 17 with no second round pick, Abel has been rumored to Boston for a long time. I think whatever top prep talent is available and a top their board goes here. That leaves a few prep hitters and pitchers in play if Abel is gone by the time 17 rolls around.
IF THEY ZAG: With Abel, Crochet, Bitsko (maybe), Hassell, and PCA gone the rumored options at seventeen look a little thinner for Boston. It’s likely a choice of Austin Hendrick, TylerSoderstrom, Jared Kelley, and a bevy of college arms. Tanner Burns, Slade Cecconi, Cole Wilcox, and Bryce Jarvis come to mind. Instead the Sox go Austin Hendrick here and sign the left handed slugger to a good chunk of their pool money. I strongly considered both Patrick Bailey and Dillon Dingler here as well.
ALTERNATE: Austin Hendrick
18. Arizona - Ed Howard, SS Mount Carmel
I’m almost positive the Diamondbacks go prep player here and try to draw some money to play with at 33 especially when they don’t pick again until 90. Howard is the best prep SS in a shallow prep SS class, and is a good bet to sign. Arizona scouts the Chicago area hard, and Howard shares an Alma mater with 2018 second rounder Alek Thomas.
IF THEY ZAG: The Diamondbacks still have Prep shortstop Ed Howard on the board here, but instead beat the Yankees and others to the punch and underslot the rising Carson Tucker from their own backyard.
ALTERNATE: Carson Tucker
19. Mets - Austin Hendrick, OF West Allegheny HS (PA)
The Mets have some money to play with here, as they add a pick at 69 and a shade under $1 million in compensation for the loss of Zack Wheeler. If Hendrick falls into their lap at 19, I believe the Mets take him. Vice President, International & Amateur Scouting Tom Tanous has a record of drafting top prep players and Hendrick fits that mold.
IF THEY ZAG: Hendrick is gone, and I believe that Dillon Dingler, Cole Wilcox, Jared Kelley, and Tyler Soderstrom are now in play. From what I’ve heard, if Soderstrom is there the Mets are taking him.
ALTERNATE: Tyler Soderstrom.
20. Milwaukee - Dillon Dingler, C Ohio State
The Milwaukee organization has been very college heavy in their history and Dingler presents them an incredibly athletic player with the ability to stick behind the plate long term. Beyond that we’ve just begun to see the offensive potential bubbling underneath the surface. For a team that values versatility Dingler a former center fielder seems a logical fit.
IF THEY ZAG: If Crochet does drop past the White Sox, Philadelphia, it puts in motion the scenario laid out previously. Crochet lands at sixteen with the Cubs and Mitchell is tossed back into the player pool. If that happens I like Mitchell as the alternative here at 20. Another organization with the belief that they can improve Mitchell’s swing internally takes their guy here. However, if Philly stays the course with Crochet then Mitchell is likely not available here and they instead go with one of the college catchers (i.e. Dingler in scenario 1) There’s a lot of pivot between the players that can land at 11 to 22 in my opinion.
ALTERNATE: Garrett Mitchell if Crochet goes at 16 to the Cubs.
21. St. Louis - Bryce Jarvis, RHP Duke
The Cardinals are tough to pin down at times but it wouldn’t shock me if they go college arm here. Jarvis has some unique traits in his changeup, and has shown improvement during his time at Duke. Working with world renowned trainers in his off-season from both Drivelive and Cressey.
IF THEY ZAG: In the scenario laid out not much changes for St. Louis at 21, PCA is long gone, and it seems like the choice of a college arms is a little deeper with available (i.e. Jarvis in scenario A). But I’ve heard them more heavily rumored to that third tier of college starters in round two and think a trio of college bats makes sense in our alternative draft scenario. They’ve been heavily connected to Mississippi State’s Justin Foscue and could pivot there. Neither Dillon Dingler or Patrick Bailey have not been rumored to St. Louis at 21 but it makes sense.The Cardinals have a tendency to grab the best falling player even if he’s off their board (i.e. Nolan Gorman in 2018), does that happen here with either catcher? I’m going to take it at face value and say no. The Cardinals do pivot here but to Foscue he may have been the pick all along.
ALTERNATE: Justin Foscue
22. Washington - Cole Wilcox, RHP Georgia
The one that got away two years ago lands back with the defending champions at pick 22. The Nationals love college pitching and have a history with the player.
IF THEY ZAG: I’m very much of the mind state that the Nationals go college arm here. Wilcox seems logical, but I wouldn’t be shocked if with Bailey and Dingler potentially on the board the Nationals go in that direction. Other options are Bryce Jarvis, Tanner Burns, and the injury play J.T. Ginn, though he might be available to the Nationals at 55. Bailey’s dissent stops here and he lands at 22 to the defending champions.
ALTERNATE: Patrick Bailey
23. Cleveland - Tanner Burns, RHP Auburn
I’m still under the impression that Burns is the pick here at 23. He has the kind of fastball and slider command Cleveland covets and I’ve heard smoke around Burns for the better part of a month now.
IF THEY ZAG: Perhaps the Indians consider a catcher here if either Bailey or Dingler drop from where they had traditionally been mocked. There’s obviously a chance Dingler still lands at 20 in the alternatives laid out but for argument’s sake, let’s say Mitchell lands at 20 putting Dingler in motion to Cleveland.
ALTERNATE: Dillon Dingler
24. Tampa Bay - Nick Loftin, SS Baylor
Loftin possesses the kind of versatility the Rays covet. He’s a capable shortstop with the ability to fill in all over the dirt and the grass. He’s been hit over power, but he began to show more power to his pull-side in the shortened 2020 campaign. I could see Tampa going a number of ways here if they decide to go under slot here to have more flexibility at 37.
IF THEY ZAG: There’s certainly a chance Tampa just prefers Mississippi State’s Jordan Westburg or Alika Williams from ASU to Loftin and either of those players lands here. However, in the scenario presented the Nationals pass on Cole Wilcox making him available to Tampa at 24. In this alternative scenario Tampa uses the additional pool resources available to them at 24 due to their selection at 37 in the CB round A to meet Wilcox’s number and land one of the higher pedigree players from the college ranks. This would then allow them to target one of the trio of college shortstops previously mentioned at 37.
ALTERNATE: Cole Wilcox
25. Atlanta - Justin Lange, RHP Llano HS (TX)
There’s smoke around Lange underslot here to Atlanta and it makes sense. They have a limited pool, have gone incredibly college heavy outside the Carter Stewart snafu in 2018, and the pitching depth in the system needs some backfilling. Atlanta lands one of the big movers since the shutdown in Lange who was clocked up to 100+ this spring.
IF THEY ZAG: In the alternate scenario there’s no movement at this pick, Atlanta goes underslot with Lange as potential targets Wilcox and Justin Foscue gone. If they decided to zag from the underslot to Lange, Slade Cecconi or Bruce Jarvis would make sense here.
ALTERNATE: Slade Cecconi
26. Oakland - Patrick Bailey, C NC State
Oakland has taken at least one catcher in the top ten rounds of every draft dating back to 2015. The only non-college player in that group was Santis Sanchez in the 5th round of 2017. Oakland also needs to hit on this pick. With Bailey still on the board Oakland checks two boxes. Another potential option is Texas Tech’s Clayton Beeter who can be streamlined to an MLB bullpen in short order.
IF THEY ZAG: Bailey is gone at 22 in our alternate scenario, and Dingler is too, so college catching is off the board. This likely leads to a domino effect with potential college arms projected in the competitive balance round sliding into the first to Oakland. The primary arm for me is Chris McMahon, there’s been some rumored interest on Oakland’s end and fits their M.O. of athletic starters from the college ranks. That said, with Tanner Burns on the board he’s an option.
ALTERNATE: Chris McMahon
27. Minnesota - Austin Wells, C Arizona
Minnesota is two things in the draft, smart and tantalized by high performing college hitters. Nathaniel Plotts did a great job of breaking down why Wells bat fits a model like the Twins. With limited pool resources I think this is the pick at 27.
IF THEY ZAG: Could Minnesota be tempted by Burns at 27? Maybe Bryce Jarvis’ recent gains tempt them? Due to a few factors I’m leaning Jarvis as the pivot play.
ALTERNATE: Bryce Jarvis
28. Yankees - Carson Tucker, SS Mountain Pointe HS (AZ)
This has been rumored for ages and really the only question is does Tucker make it past Texas at 14 or Arizona at 18. If he does, I’m confident Tucker lands with the Yankees as an under slot and signs.
IF THEY ZAG: Tucker is gone in the proposed alternate scenario to Arizona at 18. However, former/current flame Tanner Burns slides down from Cleveland at 23 and into the Yankees hands at 28. The Yankees have shown a willingness to target undersized righthanders with big fastballs and Burns is a former unsigned Yankees prep pick. In the alternate draft world Burns is a lock to New York if available.
ALTERNATE: Tanner Burns
29. Dodgers - Jared Jones, RHP La Mirada (CA)
The last time the Dodgers didn’t take a prep arm within the first five rounds was way back in 2015. Since then they’ve made it a regular habit. Los Angeles is also in the habit of taking chances on athletic players with unique traits. For this reason the Dodgers game Jones. He fits their profile in addition to being their one chance to land a singable prep pitcher.
IF THEY ZAG: If Lange drops from 25 there’s a good chance he lands here to the Dodgers for all the reasons laid out above. There’s some chance a college arm falls among the Cecconi, Wilcox, Jarvis group which each of them make sense here.
ALTERNATE: Justin Lange
Competitive Balance Round A
30. Baltimore - Jordan Westburg, SS Mississippi State
With Lacy taking a sizable chunk of Baltimore’s draft pool at two it’s safe to bet on a college bat at thirty. Westburg gives them a potential bat in need of some swing change work, just the type of task for the analytically savvy Orioles. It should also free up some cash to possibly pull some prep talent at 39.
IF THEY ZAG: This is the talk of the draft at the time of publishing it, and there’s real smoke here. Nick Bitsko at thirty after underslotting Kjerstad at two. For this reason Bitsko isn’t at play for Philadelphia, Boston, Arizona, or Washington as none of them can meet the signing number the Orioles can with substantial savings at two.
ALTERNATE: Nick Bitsko
31. Pittsburgh - Slade Cecconi, RHP Miami
The Pirates have some pool money to play with and there’s certainly options here, but I think they dip into the college pitching waters here with Cecconi, as he’s dropped enough. Another alternative is the Pennsylvania native and Cecconi teammate Chris McMahon. An athletic starter to backfill some of the top pitching prospects that have graduated in recent seasons.
IF THEY ZAG: With both Cecconi and McMahon gone already in our alternate scenario the Pirates dip back into the prep ranks landing Ed Howard here at 31.
ALTERNATE: Ed Howard
32. Royals - Isaiah Greene, OF Corona HS
A top talent from the prep class and a player within shouting distance of the big four of left handed hitting high school outfielders. The Royals have the dough to get it done.
IF THEY ZAG: They could go back to the college hitting class and land Austin Wells as a nice number at 32.
ALTERNATE: Austin Wells
33. Diamondbacks - Clayton Beeter, RHP Texas Tech
I’m not quite sure if Beeter falls this far as he’s certainly in play as high as 14 or 15. But in the given scenario, and really universally in every mock someone with a mid-first round grade falls. That’s the product of two forces: 1) a deep draft class and 2) the repercussions of COVID and the shortened draft.
IF THEY ZAG: After going Carson Tucker under slot in the alternate scenario, and it could signal a college arm here or another prep player with a number. Simply because I don’t believe Isaiah Greene gets into the second he seems like a strong alternate candidate here.
ALTERNATE: Isaiah Greene
34. San Diego - Masyn Winn, RHP/SS
After landing a top college arm early it seems on brand for the Padres to make a splash at thirty four. I’ve heard Winn is very signable and an underslot number here under the allotted $2,148,100 is very possible. Possibly bumping as much as $400,000 down to 45 to play with.
IF THEY ZAG: Perhaps they grab a college bat here with a player like Daniel Cabrera or Jordan Westburg possibly fitting their bat first college tastes (Owen Miller/Logan Driscoll)
ALTERNATE: Jordan Westburg
35. Colorado - Jordan Walker, 3B Decatur
One of the rawest talents in the prep class from an approach perspective the Rockies could be drawn to the Georgia slugger the same way they were with other preps in recent years like Ryan Vilade, Riley Pint, Grant Lavigne, and Brendan Rodgers. Perhaps they avoid the risk and 2019’s college-centric focus is a sign of things to come, then Justin Foscue or Daniel Cabrera makes sense here. IF
THEY ZAG: College pitching. They’ve gone to this well early and often in recent years and haven’t been afraid of reliever only profiles (i.e. Ben Bowden, Jacob Wallace, Mitchell Kilkenny) maybe Burl Carraway makes sense here. If not here then he’s certainly a prime candidate to go to Colorado at forty six. Let’s follow the bread crumbs and go Carraway here.
ALTERNATE: Burl Carraway
36. Indians - Blaze Jordan, 3B Desoto (MS)
One of the most famous names in the class has been heavily connected with Cleveland here. With resources available to Cleveland and later picks in the remains rounds look for the team to make a splash here.
IF THEY ZAG: Maybe they go under slot here and target the college arm they don’t land at 23 in scenario A. Instead they reach a little on a rising arm they’ve been heavily connected to, Virginia Tech lefty Ian Seymour. There’s reports that Seymour would take an underslot deal with a team in the Competitive Balance Round or early in round two. I’m this scenario they take the underslot and save some cash to spend at 56.
ALTERNATE: Ian Seymour
37. Tampa Bay - Justin Foscue, 2B Mississippi State
The Rays have taken at least one college bat in the first three rounds the last five drafts (15: Brandon Lowe 16: Ryan Boldt and Jake Fraley, 17: Taylor Walls 18: Tyler Frank, Tanner Dobson and Ford Proctor 19: Greg Jones and Shane Sasaki). It’s a trend I’d expect to continue here even if they take Loftin at 24. They have picks at 57 and 96 and college pitching will still be available at those spots.
IF THEY ZAG: In this alternate draft board Nick Loftin is still available. No need to over think it Loftin is the pick.
ALTERNATE: Nick Loftin