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As we have been for the last few months, today we pump out 50 more prospects in our lead up to the 2021 MLB Draft. 50 new names, a completely new format and total re-ranks. The players are ranked by an aggregate average ranking from individual Top 500 ranks by Joe Doyle, Geoff Pontes, Tyler Jennings, Ian Smith and Joe Drake. Each evaluator receives equal weight.
These rankings take into account our own personal biases toward players we’ve seen in live looks, conversations with industry personnel, batted-ball data evaluation, as well as basing some value on the amount of scout traffic players are getting at their games.
1. Marcelo Mayer
Shortstop, Eastlake HS (Chula Vista, CA)
6-foot-3, 185 pounds
The immediate thing that stands out about Mayer is the ease in which he goes about his business; his operation offensively is ridiculously smooth. Mayer displays a rhythmic set up with a smooth, controlled load. Mayer is a hit-over-power bat right now, but he’s become more physical over the past nine months, leading some to believe he’s a future 60+ hitter with at least above average power. It’s a fantastic frame to dream on as he continues to add strength. Mayer has a pretty steep swing path which bodes well for projecting out his hit and power tools too. He's almost certainly a pro shortstop, so long as his athleticism doesn’t take a step backwards. He has more than enough arm and buttery actions to profile at the position. How Mayer's body trends will be what determines his future outcome as a prospect. But there's definitive star potential in this package. He’s certainly got 1.1 talent and should go Top 3.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
2. Jordan Lawlar
Shortstop, Jesuit College Prep (Dallas, TX)
6-foot-2, 185 pounds
An impressive prep shortstop that oozes projection. Wide shoulders and long legs suggest additional future offensive impact to come. Smooth actions on the dirt with soft hands and loose glove. He's got a plus arm, enough arm for every throw, and his athleticism helps him play a smooth brand of defense on the dirt. Present bat-to-ball skills with gap power, confidently growing into more. Better straight line runner than out of the box. Probably a plus on the stopwatch. Lawlar is mature beyond his years in-between the ears with a mature approach at the plate. His understanding of pitch sequencing and controlling an at-bat by spoiling a pitcher's best offerings to get to the pitch he wants is a definitive strength. Could be the first prep off the board next June. Some scouts have compared his game to Xander Bogaerts. Lawlar is a good bet to go off the board in the top five picks.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
3. Henry Davis
Catcher, Louisville
6-foot-1, 210 pounds
Davis is an extremely physical specimen. Some scouts have gone as far as to say he's the most physical player in the entire country. His best tool is an absolute cannon behind the plate, comfortably double-plus. He should stick at the position long-term thanks to good flexibility, and quick, athletic actions. He's an aggressive hitter who uses the entire field. That said, Davis displays fantastic discipline at the plate. Davis has some of the best batted-ball data in all of college baseball in the same tier as guys like Torkelson and Sabato from 2020. Davis is a workout warrior, living in the gym. He's also enamored by the data side of baseball. The biggest concern on Davis may be the swing. It can get narrow and flat at times. Even that’s nitpicking. There's a little big of Evan Gattis is his profile at the plate, though he sets himself apart with his approach, discipline, and defensive prowess. Davis is a good bet to go at the front of the first round.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
4. Jack Leiter
Right-Handed Pitcher, Vanderbilt
6-foot-1, 195 pounds
An athletic projectable right-hander with Major League bloodlines. Leiter's stuff has always been projectable. He's come out this spring comfortably sitting 92-97, touching 98. It’s a true 70-grade fastball and a real weapon. His secondaries are still developing but he has a trio of pitches in his 12-6 curveball, changeup, and slider that all have a shot at being average. He's also added a cutter for good measure in the high-80s. The curveball is probably his best secondary, and scouts believe it could be plus by the time he debuts. He commands it well and is comfortable working backwards. That said, the overall command for his pitches can waver. He's a bit streaky in that regard. Moving forward, scouts would like to see Leiter limit his walks and work ahead of batters with fastball command, as well as develop a go-to wipeout secondary pitch. Leiter is very likely a top five pick this July.
5. Brady House
Shortstop, Winder-Barrow HS (Winder, GA)
6-foot-3, 210 pounds
House has been the guy at the top of the class for a few years, and for good reason. Physically, he’s as advanced as they come for guys his age. House has generational ability to create torque at the plate a la Bryce Harper. The result is the potential for big power down the line. However, there may be some swing changes and kinetic chain adjustments necessary to get there. Metrically, House is among the best athletes in the class, but on the field, there’s been questions on his hit tool. He will need to watch his body, as he's already pushing a muscular 220 pounds, but there's definitely a chance he sticks at SS. Third base is an easy, plus-defensive backup plan. He’s got a big arm, and underrated mobility for his size. If House continues to perform in June, he’s a good bet to go in the top ten picks.
6. Jackson Jobe
Right-Handed Pitcher, Heritage Hall HS
6-foot-2, 195 pounds
Jobe was a standout in the summer of 2020, popping onto the scene somewhat unexpectedly and he simply hasn’t looked back. Jobe has a strong, physical, promising frame and easy plus athleticism for a pitcher. He showcases a mid-to-high 90s fastball consistently sitting 95/96 , touching 98. He couples with a double-plus slider consistently exceeding 3000 RPMs in the low-to-mid 80s with hard, violent shape. Jobe’s spin rates on the slider have exceeded 3300 RPM at times. He also offers a changeup as well that sits above average, flashing plus. Feel for the pitch continues to climb. The offering as it stands plays off the slider beautifully. Still rather green on the mound, Jobe shows good command and feel for his best two offerings. Some evaluators have said the slider may be the best pitch in the entire class. No mechanical flaws in the delivery help calm fears of prep-righty demographic. He’s a good bet to go in the top ten picks.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
7. Kumar Rocker
Right-Handed Pitcher, Vanderbilt
6-foot-5, 245 pounds
The most famous player in college baseball, Rocker has made his mark in a short period of time. He works with a three-pitch mix consisting of a four-seam fastball that’s probably the most polarizing of his pitches. Rocker began 2021 throwing 93-96, touching 99. He has since dipped into the 89-92 range. That velocity decay is something scouts are watching closely. It’s a true, double-plus breaking ball and a changeup he's still working to gather a consistent feel for. He's also started throwing a low 90s cutter this season as well. Some have made the case the breaking ball is the best pitch in the class, though he’ll need to fastball velo to allow it to play to its potential. Rocker has the body, stuff, and pedigree teams covet. The biggest question mark on Rocker will be how his arsenal and command hold up in June. Much of his top-of-the-class draft stock relies on his late season performances.
8. Harry Ford
Catcher, North Cobb HS
5-foot-10, 200 pounds
It's rather remarkable how much bat speed Ford generates with an incredibly quiet load considering the low placement of his hands in his pre-swing setup. His lack of a bat wrap is noticeable, but it's akin to Edwin Encarnacion. His twitch and explosion more than makes up for the lack of stretch at the plate. Behind the plate, Ford is quick out of his crouch, and moves with smooth, fluid motions. Ford is a fringy hitter with big power. Projects a 45+ hitter with the potential for above average-to-plus power at the next level. Might not be a catcher in big league ball as his athleticism and plus speed may be too good not to move to an outfield spot or onto the dirt long-term. That said, some scouts have said if you've got that kind of talent and athleticism behind the plate, why move him? Ford will be the rare prep catcher selected in the first round.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
9. Kahlil Watson
Shortstop, Wake Forest HS (Wake Forest, NC)
The bat-to-ball skills for Watson rival just about any of the top prep shortstops in this class. A lofty, left-handed stroke, Watson still has plenty of body to project good weight on. He's a good runner and has all the skills and actions necessary to stick at shortstop for the long haul. That said, his build and a sometimes shorter arm action suggest a move to second base is at least possible. Some similarities to Jazz Chisholm in that regard. The exit velos Watson gets for a guy his size are impressive. He's in the conversation as the best pure prep shortstop in this class alongside Lawlar and Mayer, though the hit tool will need to catch up with the impressive raw power. Watson may be the most explosive prep shortstop in this class, and if everything clicks, he could be a star. He’s a good bet to go in the Top 20 picks.
10. Sam Bachman
Right-Handed Pitcher, Miami of Ohio
6-foot-1, 235 pounds
Big, strong-bodied righty with a high-90's fastball that's touched 101 in-game. Bachman comfortably sits 96-99 in-game. High-80s slider, up to 92 this spring that really disappears against righties. Bachman has the potential for two 70-grade pitches out of a rotation. Has a mid-80s changeup that is inconsistent, usually fringy to average at best. Very real shot of joining a big league bullpen in 2021, but teams will want to take him as a potential starter. Some mechanical concerns exist in a late, long arm, but track record of throwing strikes and performing at college level make Bachman an intriguing pure arm talent. If the changeup finds consistency, conviction and more bite, he can fend off the reliever risk. Bachman dealt with some shoulder soreness in 2021, so that’ll be a narrative scouts and teams are tracking. He has top ten potential, but he’s a first round lock if he stays healthy.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
11. Sal Frelick
Outfielder, Boston College
5-foot-9, 180 pounds
Frelick has been a standout on one of the best Boston College teams in recent history. Possesses plus bat speed, double-plus foot speed, and the ability to cover tons of ground in centerfield. Disciplined hitter with a short left-handed stroke and a knack for the barrel. Frelick has begun showing a little more pop in-game this year. Archetype is still being established, but some evaluators liken the finished package to a Brian Roberts type of player. Regardless, he's a true centerfield prospect and the hit tool is real. It's a pretty high floor despite some impact questions surrounding the bat. Scouts would like to see a little action at second base this spring. If/when that happens, that versatility and skillset will only improve his value, especially in a draft year lacking many advanced second base prospects. Frelick is a good bet to get popped in the top 20 picks.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
12. Matt McLain
Shortstop, UCLA
5-foot-10, 180 pounds
A former first rounder with a quick compact right-handed swing. A shortstop now, McLain could end up at second base or centerfield at the next level. Right now, he makes his money with a selective hit tool. Some scouts believe there’s 70-grade speed here too. He’s a reliable defender, albeit not spectacular on the dirt. The jury is out on his power potential. Some think McLain will always have below average power, though his supporters think there’s potential for average power in the future thanks to good bat speed. Also a potential swing change candidate thanks to a flatter barrel path. In a year lacking many surefire college bats, McLain and his defensive versatility are likely a pretty good bet to go in the first round. There’s peace of mind in his profile.
13. Colton Cowser
Outfielder, Sam Houston State
6-foot-3, 195 pounds
For starters, Cowser can really hit. He’s got a patient, mature approach at the plate and consistent bat-to-barrel skills supplemented by a good frame. Cowser is a bit of a ‘tweener’ outfield profile. On one hand, he's not the most athletic centerfielder, but on the other, he may not have enough thump to fit into the demands of a right field bat. His archetype may eventually fit best in left field for a club. Some scouts believe Cowser will go in one of two directions. He’s either a fringe-average to average centerfielder with a 55+ hit tool and 40+ game power, or he adds weight and turns into an average corner outfielder with average game power. Evaluators believe a Michael Saunders type outcome is in the cards for Cowser, and there’s certainly value in that type of player at the big league level.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
14. Ryan Cusick
Right-Handed Pitcher, Wake Forest
6-foot-6, 220 pounds
Standing an imposing 6-foot-6, Cusick has good stuff sitting 94-98 mph, ramping it up to 101 a number of times, including once this season. He now owns the college baseball TrackMan velocity record of a 101.7 mph. He mixes in a 12-6 curveball and a changeup, with the former the better of the secondary pairing. It can get a little slurvy depending on his release. Cusick has struggled to throw strikes. His control and the ability to throw good strikes remain a hurdle in Cusick's development. The result is a fastball that really explodes at the top of the zone. Cusick’s breaking ball mirrors the seam orientation and tunneling characteristics of his heater, allowing for a potential big two-pitch mix. Developing a harder, more violent breaking ball will be big in identifying his ceiling, but Cusick has some similarities to Tyler Glasnow. He’s a good bet to go in the first round.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
15. Ty Madden
Right-Handed Pitcher, Texas
6-foot-3, 215 pounds
A right handed power thrower up to 98 mph in the spring, touched 99 this fall. Madden has been fairly dominant this spring. Slider might be a plus offering at the next level. Curveball was seldom used in 2020, but has become a devastating punch out pitch in 2021 when commanded. Changeup has real potential, but Madden lacks feel for the pitch. It has certainly shown better depth and feel in 2021. While the fastball has shown significant command this season, scouts would like to see the pitch develop a little more shape as it can be flat when Madden isn't "on". Madden’s size, arsenal, and big conference performances make him a very likely bet to go in the first round.
16. Jordan Wicks
Left-Handed Pitcher, Kansas State
6-foot-3, 220 pounds
Jordan Wicks may just be the 2021 version of Bryce Jarvis. It might just be the best changeup in the class. Coming from the left side, Wicks has a 3/4 arm slot that pumps 89-92, touching 94. The changeup seems to hit a brick wall in front of the plate, tumbling heavy arm-side. He flashes a cutter-ish slider and curveball that have both shown good spin rates, though still developing consistent shape. There's a good bit of deception in Wicks’ stuff and guys really struggle to square him up. Most believe he's the best lefty in the class, and he's just about as polished as they come. He may not have top of the rotation upside, but with Wicks you’re selecting the floor of a Low-3/High-4 rotation arm that should move quickly to the big leagues. He’s almost certainly going to be a first round pick in July.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
17. Chase Petty
Right-Handed Pitcher, Mainland Reg.
6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Without sounding too exaggerative, Chase Petty has truly prodigious arm talent. He works 95-99 mph with a ton of run and heavy sink -- up to 102 mph in-game on a few of occasions. Secondaries consist of a huge, wipeout sweeping slider in the mid 80s. He also features a more firm changeup at 88-90 with some fading action and solid depth. The slider is comfortably double-plus while the changeup flashes 60-grade. There used to be some effort in the delivery, but it's really ironed itself out over the last calendar year. The stuff could get guys out in the big leagues right now. Petty has elite arm speed and arm strength that supplement some ridiculously athletic actions and mechanics on the mound. Most often he comes from a low, 2:00 release slot, though he has been working on a more vertical 1:00 release for the occasional riding 4-seamer. Command isn't a liability, but it has wavered from time to time, especially as the pitch counts gets up. Command will dictate Petty’s draft stock, though it’s hard to imagine his arm talent last long in the draft. Most evaluators believe he’s a Top 20 pick.
18. Gunnar Hoglund
Right-Handed Pitcher, Ole Miss
6-foot-4, 210 pounds
Very projectable frame with low-to-mid 90s fastball, up to 97 in 2021. Generally sits 92-95. Creates a ton of deception with a cross-body 3/4 delivery. Fastball shows a little late ride. Has pretty good feel for a firm, 84-87 mph plus slider that's a very good swing-and-miss pitch — most grading the breaking ball as plus. As a whole, Hoglund has shown the ability to spin the baseball better than most other guys at the top of his class. He mixes in an average changeup that's flashed 55 at times. Like Leiter, velocity held Hoglund off the top of boards heading into 2021, but he's touched 97 this season and has comfortably added a few ticks to his average velo readings across the board. There are teams that will fall in love with the command profile and plus offering. Big upside if placed into the right player development program. The Tommy John surgery Hoglund is currently recovering from has certainly pushed him down some boards, but it’s not a profile that should fall far.
19. Joshua Baez
Outfielder, Dexter Southfield HS
6-foot-4, 220 pounds
Baez is quintessential physical athleticism personified. He’s as tooled up as they come on the field. At the plate, it's 60 raw power present, maybe 70, and he gets into it in-game. Big, strong, wide, long frame. Some comparisons to a Jose Canseco type of body. There's certainly some swing and miss concerns, especially on breaking balls, and inconsistent timing triggers and balance issues at times, but when he’s right, it’s a special bat. Very strong runner right now, but it’s a violent, physical brand of running and will likely age into average speed. Baez is still rather green, but he’s up there with the best athletes in the entire class. Also reaches 97 on the mound. It's a comfortable plus, maybe double-plus arm in any corner spot. Needs to hit and control the strike zone/battle deeper into counts to rise. Baez is a good bet to go on day one.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
20. Bubba Chandler
Right-Handed Pitcher/Shortstop, North Oconee HS
6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Another two-sport star, Chandler is a Clemson quarterback commit, though most expect he’ll forego the opportunity with the Tigers to play pro baseball. Chandler is one of the more athletically-gifted pitchers in the class. His operation and ability on the mound is impressive. He makes it look very easy. For now, he's generally 92-95, touching 97 with a hard, tight slider and big, sharp curveball. He’s also got a changeup that has been inconsistent, flashing plus grades on occasion. Given his talents across the board, scouts believe Chandler is the type of clay that can be molded into a potential horse at the top of a rotation. He is a talented switch-hitting shortstop as well, though most evaluators have him pegged for a future on the bump.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
21. Benny Montgomery
Outfielder, Red Land HS
6-foot-4, 200 pounds
Montgomery has incredibly loud tools. There’s the potential for three plus tools in power, run and arm. In fact, the run and arm are comfortable 70s right now. Frame is still long and lean. Could comfortably add 15 pounds of muscle. Montgomery has an unorthodox swing with some hitchy hands, though he makes it work. Montgomery uses his supreme athleticism to get on time and make consistent contact. It's not conventional, but neither was Hunter Pence during his hay-day. If a team believes in the immense upside, Montgomery could go as high as the top ten. If the swing concerns are legitimate enough for teams, he could slip into the top of the second round. There may not be a higher ceiling in the entire draft, bar none.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
22. Andrew Painter
Right-Handed Pitcher, Cavalry Christian
6-foot-7, 220 pounds
Tall projectable right-hander with room to add good weight. Fluid arm action, clean but long, from a three -quarters slot. Easy delivery, low effort mechanics, showing ability to repeat. Fastball has been up to 97, ordinarily sitting 93-96. The slider and curveball sit ~2500 RPMs and he's generally commanded all four pitches reasonably well. Also flashes a changeup that can dip into the ~1100 range, falling off the table. Painter struggled with command early in the spring, and got hit harder than you’d like to see, but has rounded into form of late. The frame, feel for 5 pitches, and fluidity in his mechanics make Painter a likely first round pick in July.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
23. Peyton Stovall
Second Baseman, Haughton HS
6-foot, 185 pounds
Stovall possesses a strong, athletic body that projects to put on more strength. He showcases exceptional balance and fluidity at the plate with consistent rhythm. It might be the best hit tool of any prep in the class with a mature approach and excellent pitch recognition. There’s more and more power coming thanks to developing bat speed and natural loft. It’s a modern swing tailored to induce a lot of backspin on the ball. Polished infielder who’s actions probably fit best at second base after playing shortstop for his high school career. Average arm. Fringe average to average runner. Some Todd Walker, Jason Kipnis and Daniel Murphy comparisons in Stovall’s profile. There’s a ton of teams sending a ton of heat out to his games this spring. He fits anywhere in the 15 to 40 range this July.
OUR INTERVIEW: HERE
24. Jud Fabian
Outfielder, Florida
6-foot-1, 195 pounds
One of the more projectable hitters in the class, Fabian has quick wrists and a compact swing. That said, the book on Fabian has been the swing and miss. It’s been quite a rollercoaster campaign for the Gator. His K-rates remained high in 2021, buoying close to 30-percent for much of the season. Some scouts believe he's a guess hitter and it's hard not to disagree when you see the swing Fabian takes at off-speed and breaking balls. Other times, Fabian is ambushing baseballs going on huge slug streaks. Folks drool over the bat speed and athletic body. Fabian has five-tool potential as he's an above average runner with a good arm and he's every bit a 60-grade raw power guy. He’s also more than likely a true centerfielder at the next level. He's been awfully impressive at a very young age in the SEC and Cape Cod Leagues, but a team will need to believe in the hit tool whole-heartedly should he go early. He'll be just 20 years old for the 2021 July draft.
25. Will Bednar
Right-Handed Pitcher, Mississippi State
6-foot-2, 240 pounds
Will Bednar is a guy who’s really seen his stock rise this season with dominant performances as the season has winded down. Bednar's fastball has some late life and ride and has ticked up from last year, now more comfortably sitting 91-94, touching 95. The heater is his primary and gets thrown a ton. As a pro, he’ll be tasked with throwing the slider far more often, and for good reason. It’s a good one. It’s his only true secondary right now at 78-83 mph with hard, sharp, late bite. Most scouts project at least an above average breaking ball, maybe plus. At worst, it’s a dominant relief profile, but most believe he has the building blocks necessary to start. Has been working on a changeup that will be critical in reaching his big league rotation ceiling. Younger brother of David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The younger Bednar is a good bet to go off the board in the first 40 picks.