It is draft day! This draft class is one of the best in recent memory, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the draft is only five rounds and 160 picks total. Many kids will either return to school and reach their respective college campus in hopes of returning with improved draft stock in the future.
Many scouting circles have been hampered due to the pandemic, too. A lot of prep players will carry some sort of signability concern, especially later on in this draft. It will be interesting to see how the draft unfolds later tonight.
At Diamond Digest, we are thoroughly excited about tonight’s draft. There are a lot of circulating rumors and scenarios ongoing, and those will be tackled in our final mock draft later this evening. In our Top 100 rankings, there are abbreviated scouting reports and videos to go alongside every player.
1. Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Arizona State
Torkelson is in line to become the first ever college first baseman to go 1-1. Undrafted out of high school, Torkelson burst onto the scene with a 25 home run campaign his freshmen year and has continued to mash the ball at Arizona State. He possesses tremendous power, especially to the pull side, and he can hit the ball to any part of the park. He has great control of the strike zone and can generate walks aplenty, and is an above-average defender at first base. He could move to third base or left field in the future, but there is a good likelihood that he stays at first base as he progresses.
2. Austin Martin, 3B/OF, Vanderbilt
Death, taxes, Vanderbilt turning out first round talent. Vanderbilt has produced first rounders in five of the last six drafts, and Martin will make it six. He is the best pure hitter in this draft class, as he has excellent bat speed and contact ability, as well as tremendous zone control. Defensively, Martin has been at third base, shortstop, and in the outfield and could play well at all three positions, and there is some thought that he could be moved to second base, too.
3. Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M
Lacy propelled himself to the top pitcher in this draft class after a stellar spring, where he struck out 46 batters and allowed just two earned runs across four starts. In his arsenal, Lacy can sit 92-97 MPH with his fastball and has touched 98 MPH, a wipeout slider that can reach 90 MPH, a fading change-up that profiles as a plus pitch, and a curveball that has the makings of an above-average offering. His command was hampered by deep counts he reached, but he improved in that department this spring.
4. Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia
There is still a lot to love with Hancock, despite the subpar spring that he had. The attribute that stands out the most with Hancock is his control and command, which allows him to locate his premium stuff wherever he wants. His fastball sits in the mid-90’s and has touched 98-99 MPH in the past with riding life to it, his slider has excellent break and sits in the low-to-mid-80’s, as well as a change-up that might be more consistent than the slider, as it has great tumbling action. He does throw a curveball as well, but not as frequently in college.
5. Nick Gonzales, INF, New Mexico State
A middle infielder with a pristine knack for hitting for average, Gonzales has put up video game like numbers during his college career at New Mexico State, which is a notorious hitter friendly environment. He proved those numbers weren’t a fluke, as he won the Cape Cod MVP last summer with a .351/.451/.630, and then returned to college and tapped more into his power, as he led the nation in home runs with 12 at the time play was suspended indefinitely. His short and compact swing and excellent plate discipline help his elite hitting ability, and he profiles defensively at second base in the future.
6. Zac Veen, OF, Spruce Creek (FL) HS
Veen has excelled in the previous year, as he has put himself into solid top ten conversation after being a back-end of the first round talent in the winter. Veen has a left-handed swing that scouts absolutely adore, as it has natural leverage and excellent bat speed, and he has an excellent eye and a sound approach at the plate. He runs well, but he will more than likely move to a corner outfield spot in the future defensively.
7. Garrett Mitchell, OF, UCLA
Mitchell broke out as a sophomore at UCLA last season, but a broken leg kept him off the summer circuit. He returned to form this spring, showing off all the tools in his arsenal. His biggest tool is his speed, as he is a menace on the base paths and profiles well in center field defensively. With the bat, he taps into his power more during batting practice, as he has a choppy swing in-game. One thing that teams will keep an eye on with Mitchell is that he is a Type I diabetic, but he has blossomed into a top prospect despite the condition.
8. Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville
Detmers is the most polished pitcher in this draft class. While his stuff doesn’t exactly stand out, he has performed exceptionally well during his tenure at Louisville, setting a program record of 167 strikeouts in 2019 and was on pace to break it again in 2020. His fastball doesn’t have premium velocity, as it is usually sits 88-92 MPH and can touch 94 MPH, but he hides it well and the ball jumps out of his hand. He pairs that with a big curveball in the mid 70’s that has exceptional depth to it, and a change-up that grades as an above-average offering. There is a slider in his arsenal too, but it is fringe-average at best. His delivery allows him to pound the strike zone and possess excellent control and command.
9. Max Meyer, RHP, Minnesota
Meyer’s stuff might be the best in this draft. An exceptional athlete at the University of Minnesota, he excelled in his four starts, registering double-digit strikeouts in all but one of his outings. Meyer’s fastball is capable of reaching triple-digits and has sat in the mid-to-high 90’s deep into starts. His slider is just as lethal, as it can reach 92-93 MPH with tremendous depth and break to it with excellent command, making it the best slider in this class. He does include a change-up in his arsenal that has tailing life to it and could be an above-average pitch in the future.
10. Austin Hendrick, OF, West Allegheny (PA) HS
Hendrick has the best power bat amongst prep players in this class. Otherworldly bat speed and lightning quick hands allow him to tap into his power potential, and he has one of the better power/hit combos in the class. He has had to implement timing mechanisms into his swing, which is currently a fluid leg kick. To pair with the bat, he has a very strong arm and projects to play in right field. There is a definite concern for swings-and-misses, which is not surprising given the type of player he is.
11. Heston Kjerstad, OF, Arkansas
Kjerstad is one of the players that was not hurt by the stoppage in play, as he scorched the ball in the shortened 2020 season, slashing .448/.513/.791. His strength and bat speed give him above-average power, but there is some concern with his swing. His swing possesses a big looping motion with his hands and a large leg kick, which has affected his timing. This has led to strikeouts aplenty, which does carry concern, but its one of the tradeoffs to his power.
12. Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit (OR) HS
Abel is projected to be the first Oregon prep player to be taken in the first round since 1994. At 6’5, Abel has a projectable frame that can still add strength to it, giving promise that his fastball could tick higher in the minors. He has touched 97 MPH in outings, but usually sits in the low-to-mid-90’s, but in recent bullpens, he has shown the ability to reach back for more. He complements the heater with a mid-80’s slider that is considered to be the best slider in the prep class and a late fading change-up that sits in the low-80’s. He possesses some of the best command and control in the prep ranks too.
13. Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio (TX) HS
Kelley is one of the prep stars that impressed me the most last summer. He has a MLB-ready body and has some of the cleaner mechanics I have seen in a prep pitcher. His fastball can reach into the high-90’s with shocking ease with smooth command of the pitch, and the same can be said about his entire arsenal. He does have a change-up that is impressive in the low-80’s and a solid slider, which has shown improvements after looking more like a slurve last summer. The upside here is immense, as he projects to be a solid number two starter in the big leagues, should he make it.
14. Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee
Crochet is the second best southpaw available in this draft class. While he does have an iffy track record with starting at Tennessee, as well as an injury history that raises concern, he has some of the best stuff in the class. The fastball can sit 96-100 MPH, and he was 93-98 MPH in his lone start of 2020 against Wright State, touching 99 MPH in the process. His slider flashes plus potential with high spin rates and the change-up is above-average, and he can create uncomfortable at-bats thanks to his delivery and deceptiveness.
15. Robert Hassell, OF, Independence (TN) HS
Hassell is the best pure hitting prepster in this class, as he has a lengthy track record of consistent hitting on the summer circuit, especially with Team USA at the U-18 World Cup last summer. He has a smooth left-handed swing and has a great feel for the barrel, as well as an ability tohit the ball to all fields. He has the potential to tap into more power, but struggled to get loft in his swing. Defensively, Hassell has the speed to stay in center field at the next level, but a move to a corner outfield spot is not out of the question.
16. Patrick Bailey, C, NC State
I’ve been a big fan of Bailey for years, as I have watched him play at NC State since he reached campus. The bat will play at the next level, with a fluid swing from the left side of the plate and a similar swing from the opposite side. He possesses plus power from both sides of the plate, but like any power hitter, has shown a tendency to swing-and-miss, which was evident with Team USA last summer. Defensively, Bailey will be able to stick behind the plate, as he has a solid arm and catching ability.
17. Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East (PA) HS
Bitsko was originally the best prep pitcher in the 2021 class, but reclassified to this year’s class to enroll early at Virginia. He is a bit of a wild card for scouts, as they will be relying on older videos and information, as he was unable to pitch this spring due to the pandemic. Last summer, his fastball was sitting in the mid-90’s and even touched 97 MPH at East Coast Pro, and in recent bullpens, he’s gotten up to 98 MPH. He pairs it with a solid curveball that has good depth and spin rate to it. There is a solid feel for a change-up too and his command has the potential to be a future plus tool.
18. Ed Howard, SS, Mount Carmel (IL) HS
With a relatively thin prep shortstop class, Ed Howard is the top dog in that demographic. Howard has a smooth right-handed swing and a solid approach at the plate, possessing a gap-to-gap, line drive stroke with the potential to tap more into his power. Defensively, Howard is a lock to stay at shortstop in the future. He has smooth hands and strong, accurate arm, leading him to be the best prep defender in this year’s class.
19. Tyler Soderstrom, C, Turlock (CA) HS
Following in his dad’s footsteps, Soderstrom rose to the occasion last summer, essentially locking himself into first round discussion. The bat is ahead of his defense, as he has showcased a solid, smooth swing from the left side of the plate and raw power potential that could be more enticing as he fills his frame. His defensive ability behind the plate is lackluster. While he does possess a strong arm, there is concern about footwork and arm stroke. He will more than likely end up at third base, first base, or a corner outfield spot.
20. Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Harvard-Westlake (CA) HS
I got my first look at Crow-Armstrong at NHSI last April and immediately had him circled as a kid to watch for this year. While he did struggle a bit last summer, he’s a lock to go in the first round. His swing is contact-oriented, as he can hit both lefties and righties fairly well. He projects to hit at the top of any order, thanks to his speed that rates highly. This will help him stay in center field long term, as well.
21. Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma
Cavalli has the ideal body type for a pitcher at 6’4, 218 pounds. The velocity comes easy, as his heater sits in the mid-90’s and can reach as high as 98 MPH. His slider is a devastating pitch that can touch 90 MPH and has serious lateral movement. To accompany that combo, he has an average change-up and curveball. He has struggled with his command in previous years, but showed signs of improvement in the spring. However, he can still be erratic at times.
22. Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia
Wilcox is one of many talented draft-eligible sophomores in this class. Considered a first round talent in 2018, he went to Georgia and has put himself into first round conversation again. As a starter this year, Wilcox performed extremely well, as he posted 1.57 ERA in four starts with 32 strikeouts and just two walks. His fastball sat in the mid-90’s as a starter, but he can touch 100 MPH as a reliever. He pairs it with a solid slider and a change-up that projects to be average. His strike-throwing ability brings some concern, but a strong showing in the limited 2020 season helped erase some of that.
23. Dillon Dingler, C, Ohio State
Dingler has some helium to his case this year, as he used a strong spring to propel himself to first round talks. The bat has not always been loud, but he has improved year-to-year with the Buckeyes. In 2020, he began to show off more power, as he already had five home runs, four doubles, and a triple when play was halted. He shines defensively, as he threw out 50% of the runners that ran on him during his career. He has a very strong arm and is durable enough to stick behind the plate in the future.
24. Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina
Mlodzinski rode an impressive Cape Cod League performance into the spring, but a subpar performance in college has hurt him a bit. After a lackluster first two seasons at South Carolina, Mlodzinski posted a 40:4 K:BB ratio in the summer, but the strikeout numbers were not as prevalent in the spring. After being in the high-90’s on the Cape, his fastball sat in the mid-90’s during the spring, touching 96-97 MPH at times with heavy sinking motion. His slider and cutter did drop a grade in the spring too, but both are still above-average pitches. There is a change-up and a curveball in his repertoire, but both are fringe-average at best. With a clean arm action and a furious ground-ball approach, there is still plenty of potential.
25. Bobby Miller, RHP, Louisville
2020 was Miller’s first year as a full-time starter and he excelled in his new role. While there is still definite reliever risk with Miller, he did carry velocity deeper into starts, as he sat in the high-90’s with a heater that had heavy sinking life to it and a hard slider that can reach 90 MPH. There is a change-up and curveball in his arsenal, but the change-up is ahead of the curveball as of now. His command improved significantly as well, giving scouts the idea that he could start at the next level.
26. Bryce Jarvis, RHP, Duke
Jarvis entered the 2020 season having trained extensively to add velocity to his pitches and it paid off. Across four starts, Jarvis had a perfect game under his belt and even took another perfect game bid deep into a highly touted match-up with Florida State. A riser in this class, Jarvis routinely sat 93-96 MPH with his fastball and carried it deeper into starts. His slider sits in the mid-80’s slider with plus potential and a change-up with late fade in the same range. He does possess a curveball too, but it lags behind his other breaking pitches. His command of all four pitches was pristine in the four starts he had, as he walked just two batters before the season suspension.
27. Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn
Filling the shoes of Casey Mize was not an easy task, but Burns took the reins of the Auburn rotation and was an absolute workhorse. Within his arsenal, he has a fastball that sits 92-94 MPH and has reached 97 MPH previously. He is able to locate the pitch wherever he desires thanks to exceptional command of the pitch. He pairs the heater with a solid curveball and change-up, and while he does throw a slider, it does morph with the curveball at times. Durability is a concern for Burns, but he has been reliable when healthy.
28. Austin Wells, C, Arizona
Another draft-eligible sophomore, Wells’ bat plays bigger than his glove. He has a sound approach at the plate and can control the strike zone very well. He has a simple swing and an ability to tap into more of his raw power to all fields. He does have trouble with pitches away. As a defender, he more than likely could move to first base or the outfield, as he has trouble with receiving and blocking.
29. Nick Loftin, SS, Baylor
Loftin’s tools are not as loud as some of the other shortstop in college, but he is a solid player on both sides of the ball. With the bat, Loftin was on the verge of a breakout season, particularly with his power. However, most scouts see the power as a fringe-average tool, but his clean and simple swing helps him hit for average. Defensively, Loftin has the ability to stick at shortstop. He fields his position well and has stellar instincts at a premium position.
30. Casey Martin, SS, Arkansas
Martin’s game consists of a strong blend of power and speed. While his approach is considered to be overly aggressive, he has excellent power and the speed is exceptional, as it grades as a 75. There is concern about strikeouts, and at one point in 2020, he was benched due to that. While the hit tool does bring about concern, if he manages to slow down his appraoch, he can improve. He does show off premium defense, as he could very well stick at shortstop in the future.
31. Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami
Miami could have its entire starting rotation drafted this year, and it is McMahon, the Sunday starter, that could be the first to go. With his fastball, McMahon regularly touches the mid-90’s and can reach back for 97-98 MPH if needed. The pitch has serious deception and riding life to it. His best breaking ball is a tie between his slider and change-up, as both pitches are evaluated as plus. The command took a step forward in 2020 and his athleticism makes him a solid back-end of the first round talent.
32. Jordan Walker, 3B, Decatur (GA) HS
At 6’5, 220 pounds, Walker’s frame is massive and he has some of the best power among prep players. His swing is long and has tremendous leverage, which helps him tap into his power easily. The hit tool lags behind a bit, but there’s a chance the hit tool projects as slightly above-average. With his defense, Walker mans the hot corner well, as he moves good despite his size. However, it is likely that he will move across the diamond to first base or to an outfield position.
33. Jordan Westburg, SS, Mississippi State
Westburg is the first of two Mississippi State infielders who could hear their name called relatively early. A plus runner, Westburg has a chance to stick at shortstop, as he has the arm to do it. With the bat, he has solid raw power and hit well in the Cape Cod League, but his aggressive approach at the plate leads to concerns about swing-and-miss tendencies and the projection of the hit tool. He is more of a doubles hitter than a home run guy, but the power could be utilized more as he goes through the minors.
34. Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami
The owner of a strong and durable frame, Cecconi has some of the best pure stuff in the state of Florida. He regularly sat in the mid-to-upper 90’s with his heater, sporting tremendous life and accompanied the pitch with a plus slider, change-up, and cutter. He did improve his command in 2020, as he walked just seven in four starts this spring. There is an injury history to Cecconi, but if he stays healthy, he has very solid upside in any system.
35. Aaron Sabato, 1B, UNC
The 2019 ACC Freshmen of the Year, Sabato has power that could rival that of Torkelson and Kjerstad. Sabato has a powerful swing and he can make consistent contact, leaving scouts to believe it could be a solid-average tool, but there is serious concern about swings-and-misses. But, all of his value lies in the bat. Defensively, he is below-average at first base and his running could use some work.
36. Carson Montgomery, RHP, Windermere (FL) HS
Montgomery was one of the more solid arms on the summer circuit, performing well in the PDP League and showcasing well at Under Armour All-America. His fastball sits 90-95 MPH and he can reach 96 MPH, featuring some solid run to it. His slider is among the best in the prep class, as it has late diving action that throws hitters off balance routinely. He does flash a change-up as well, but some scouts have noted a flaw in his delivery that has led to some inconsistencies with his breaking pitches. His command is also a bit more scattered than some would like, but the upside is very intriguing.
37. Justin Foscue, 2B, Mississippi State
The latter half of Mississippi State’s impressive middle infield duo, Foscue has the better hit tool than Westburg. His approach is a bit pull-heavy and a large leg kick has hampered his swing, but he has been consistent at the plate and has improved his plate discipline. Foscue will have to improve his defense at second base in order to stave off a move to a corner outfield position in the future.
38. Drew Romo, C, The Woodlands (TX) HS
Romo is a defensive-minded catcher that has excelled behind the plate in recent years. He has an exceptional arm, receiving skills, and blocking skills that give him a projection of a plus-plus defender. With the bat, there are some questions to be answered there. He has some issues with hitting and swing-and-miss tendencies draw some concern from scouts, but most believe he will be able to be an average hitter and tap into some power as he progresses.
39. Jared Jones, RHP, La Mirada (CA) HS
Jared Jones has been a big name in this class for years. While he is a two-way player, he has immense upside on the mound. His fastball lives in the mid-to-upper 90’s and is absolutely dominant with the pitch. The pitch is accompanied by a hard slider that sits in the mid-80’s and a change-up that could use some work. He has recently added a curveball with decent numbers on Rapsodo, and that might help his stock rise a bit before the draft. His control/command is something that needs to be worked on, as it can be sporadic at best.
40. Alika Williams, SS, Arizona State
Williams could be the highest draft pick for a shortstop in Arizona State since Deven Marrero was selected back in 2012. Williams has a good feel for the barrel and has an outstanding knack to hit to the gaps, but he has tried to tap into more of his power, taking away from some of his strengths at the plate. He has a good sense of the strike zone, too. Defensively, Williams has a consistent first step and clean hands, as well as a strong arm to boot, giving scouts the idea that he stays at shortstop.
41. Daniel Cabrera, OF, LSU
Cabrera has a swing that scouts have loved since his high school days at Parkview Baptist High School. Cabrera’s swing is smooth and he has outstanding barrel control through the strike zone. This has helped him hit line drives to all fields, but he has tapped more into his power. His power was a bit underwhelming in the Cape Cod League last summer, so it might be interesting to see how it translates to a wood bat in the minors. As a defender, Cabrera profiles to fit in left field and could be average there.
42. Masyn Winn, SS/RHP, Kingwood (TX) HS
One of the better two-way prospects in the country, Winn could very easily excel in the field and on the mound. As a hitter, Winn has good bat speed and sneaky raw power, as well as solid speed. However, on the mound, he shines. His fastball reaches 92-96 MPH and can touch 98 MPH with serious riding action and pairs it with a hard slider and a plus change-up. There is some deception in his delivery, but there is some reliever concern in him.
43. Blaze Jordan, 3B, DeSoto Central (MS) HS
Much like Bitsko, Jordan reclassified from the 2021 last year. He has been heralded as one of the better power bats in the country, as he won the Home Run Derby at the High School All-Star Game in Cleveland. His approach at the plate is solid and he has smooth, quick hands, allowing him to tap into his power. As a defender, he could either play at third base or first base. He has slimmed down his frame a bit, but his running ability is hampered and he could very well find himself in the outfield.
44. C.J. Van Eyk, RHP, Florida State
Van Eyk has been successful leading the Seminoles’ pitching staff, especially last season, as he helped Mike Martin go to Omaha in his final year of coaching. He has a solid three pitch mix, starting with a fastball that sits 90-95 MPH and has reached back for more velocity in the past. A downer curveball and a solid change-up with good fade to it are his best secondary pitches, and he can spin a slider, too. His command was a bit iffy in 2020, as the walk rate was high, but he has shown flashes of potential to start at the major league level.
45. Kevin Parada, C, Loyola (CA) HS
Parada got an early start to his spring being a California product and he did not disappoint. He has flown up draft boards in recent months and has quickly become one of my big names to watch on draft day. There is a long track record of consistency against good competition and he has one of the better swings in the prep ranks. He has posted exit velocities around 100 MPH and has a powerful swing. Behind the plate, Parada has limited flexibility and could find himself moved to the outfielder when all is said and done.
46. Alex Santos, RHP, Mount St. Michael Academy (NY)
Santos is one of the tougher arms to evaluate this year, as he never got to step on the mound as his season ended before it even began. He is one of the premier arms in the Northeast and has learned to harness a fastball that sits in the mid-90’s with life. A curveball and an improved change-up that he showcased last summer and offers solid projection to his frame. His strike throwing ability gives an indication that he can start in the minor leagues, but a move to the bullpen is not out of the question.
47. Cole Henry, RHP, LSU
Henry is another arm that is a draft-eligble sophomore. Despite a lengthy injury history, he has been one of the LSU’s best pitchers since he reached campus. He possesses a fastball that sits 92-95 MPH and can reach up to 96-97 MPH at times that is accompanied by a two-seam fastball, as well. His curveball is his best secondary offering, as it has significant depth to it, and he pairs that with a change-up that could use some improvement. There is a concern about how consistent he can throw strikes, as scouts would like to see more of a track record there.
48. J.T. Ginn, RHP, Mississippi State
A first round selection in 2018, Ginn went unsigned and made it to Starkville, where he has an exceptional freshmen year. In 2020, he left his lone start early due to arm soreness and eventually underwent Tommy John surgery, but his pitchability still intrigues numerous teams. He has one of the better fastball/slider combos in this draft, as his fastball has touched 99 MPH and has significant sink to it and the slider is a wipeout offering. His control and command were exceptional too, but it will be interesting to see what he does in terms of signing, given the injury and being a draft-eligible sophomore.
49. Isaiah Greene, OF, Corona (CA) HS
Greene has jumped onto the radar in recent months, as he had performed great during the available time before the shutdown. He has one of the smoothest swings among prep outfielders, letting him drive the ball with ease and develop power in the process. He could very well stay in center field with his speed, but a move to the corner outfield spots is possible with a relatively weak arm and rough route running.
50. Logan Allen, LHP, Florida International
Allen is one of the more polished pitchers in this draft class. While the fastball is not overwhelming, he is deceptive with it, as it sits 90-94 MPH with excellent command of the pitch and arm-side fade. His best off-speed pitch is his change-up, as it generates weak contact and has a chance to be a plus offering in the future. There is an average curveball in his arsenal, as well. He has a bulldog mentality on the mound and has the command to keep hitters off-balance.
51. Dax Fulton, LHP, Mustang (OK) HS
Last summer, the prep southpaw demographic looked strong, as Nate Savino and Fulton fought for the top ranked lefty. However, Savino enrolled early at Virginia and Fulton suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, but Fulton still has a chance to be drafted highly. Before the injury, Fulton ran his fastball at 89-93 MPH that played well thanks to a steep downhill plane and three-quarters arm slot. His curveball is his best secondary offering, sitting in the mid-70’s with a high spin rate and great depth. There is a change-up in his arsenal, but it needs more development. If not drafted, he is eligible again in 2023.
52. Carson Tucker, SS, Mountain Pointe (AZ) HS
Brother of current Pittsburgh Pirate Cole Tucker, Carson is not the flashiest player, but could join his brother as a big league shortstop. With the bat, Tucker has a short and consistent swing and controls the bat well through the strike zone, and he has added extra strength and began to pull the ball more. Despite average speed, he profiles well at shortstop, with a strong arm that he utilizes well.
53. Cade Horton, SS/RHP, Norman (OK) HS
Not only is Horton a two-way player, he is also a two-sport athlete, as he is a touted Quarterback recruit for the University of Oklahoma. If he chooses to play baseball, Horton has a legitimate chance to shine at shortstop and on the mound. With the bat, Horton has an opposite-field approach to his game and in the field, he’s an athletic shortstop that would stick there in the future, but a move to third base seems likely. On the mound, he runs his fastball up to 96 MPH and routinely sits in the 91-94 MPH range with life, and he pairs it with a solid change-up and a curveball that have potential.
54. Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech
Making the transition to the starting role this spring, Beeter has shot up draft boards thanks to improved stuff and desired results. While he has struggled with command in the past, he showed a significant improvement in his four starts in 2020. His fastball runs up to 97-98 MPH with a wipeout curveball. He does have a solid slider and a change-up, but he does not use the change-up enough. While teams would love to have seen a longer track record for Beeter, he could still go relatively high to a team that wants him to start.
55. Justin Lange, RHP, Llano (TX) HS
With a fastball that can reach triple digits, Lange has risen up draft boards this spring. Lange has added roughly 7-10 MPH to his velocity since the Area Code Games last summer, where he was around 90-93 MPH. The fastball has easy velocity and tremendous life on the pitch, but his command is very spotty and leaves a lot to be desired. He has no real true secondary offering, as his slider is very inconsistent, but has good velocity to it. If he can get some refinement in his command and off-speed pitches, the upside is immense with Lange.
56. Nick Swiney, LHP, NC State
Much like Beeter, Swiney transitioned to a starting role for NC State this year and was tagged as a breakout candidate. Well, he certainly broke out and shot up draft boards after striking out 42 batters and walking just six across four starts, including a 1-hit, 15-strikeout performance against Purdue. The range on his fastball is anywhere from 87-94 MPH and has reached back for more and the pitch plays up thanks to a deceptive delivery. He pairs the heater with a solid curveball and an above-average change-up that has good late fade to it and he’s become more comfortable throwing it. The command smoothed out as well, slashing his walk rate from 5.0 BB/9 to under 2.0, but there is still some question marks about his strike throwing ability.
57. Seth Lonsway, LHP, Ohio State
Lonsway is another pitcher that shot up draft boards after an abbreivated spring season. He has one of the best curveballs in the class, as it has impressive tilt and depth to it. His fastball is able to reach the mid-90’s, but he struggles to locate the pitch, which has led to serious question marks about his command. There is potential for a change-up and a slider in his arsenal too, but there is serious reliever risk for Lonsway. Definite refinement in his delivery is required if he wants to start long term.
58. Gage Workman, 3B, Arizona State
Workman has spent the past two season manning the hot corner for Arizona State next to Alika Williams. Offensively, the switch-hitter possesses more bat speed and power from the left side, though there is a swing-and-miss tendency present with his approach. In the field, he is a plus defender, with a solid arm and range. Some scouts prefer Workman over Williams due to his toolset, though he is more raw than Williams.
59. Chase Davis, OF, Franklin (CA) HS
Davis is a physical player who has one of the best arms from the outfield position in this draft. He has reached 99 MPH with his arm within the last year, most notably at Perfect Game National Showcase last summer in Arizona. With the bat, Davis has significant bat speed and when he can locate pitches and make contact, he is capable of doing serious damage. His swing can use some refinement, as it is tighter than most, but he gets good loft with his swing that helps tap into his power. As a defender, Davis has the arm to play in right field, but could use some work with his defense as he progresses.
60. Victor Mederos, RHP, Westminster Christian Academy (FL)
When I saw Mederos in Chicago last summer, he shined in his inning of work, locating three quality pitches for strikes and earning MVP honors. Mederos has a large frame and can consistently get his fastball into the mid-90’s with good arm action and pairs it with a two-seamer. His curveball is the best secondary offering, rating highly thanks to a high spin rate, but more consistency is needed. His other offerings include a good slider in the mid-80’s and a change-up with good sink to it. There are some question marks about his delivery and injury history, as well as his strike throwing ability.
61. Burl Carraway, LHP, Dallas Baptist
Carraway is the best reliever prospect in this draft class. Some scouts do believe he is an MLB-ready closer, thanks in part to strong fastball/curveball combo and a deceptive delivery. The heater sits in the 93-96 MPH range and can touch 98 MPH with good life to it and a power curveball with high spin rate in the mid-70’s that plays up. He does struggle with his command of both pitches, as he is inconsistent with his strike throwing, but if he tweaks his high effort delivery, he could learn to harness those pitches more.
62. Jake Eder, LHP, Vanderbilt
Eder has gone back and forth between the rotation and bullpen at Vanderbilt, but was instrumental in helping the club win the 2019 College World Series. He slotted in as the Sunday starter at Vanderbilt this spring ahead of newcomer Jack Leiter and performed admirably. The fastball velocity is inconsistent, as he can be anywhere from 90-95 MPH on any given day. Scouts like the arm action he has, but the command of the pitch is spotty at best. His curveball is a solid offering and he pairs that with a fringe change-up, but all of his pitches are inconsistent in terms of landing for strikes and he needs refinement in his command if he wants to be a starter.
63. Kyle Nicolas, RHP, Ball State
Superb in the Cape Cod League last year, Nicolas continued his hot form into the spring, with his last start being a 1-hit, 17-strikeout masterpiece. Nicolas’ fastball grades highly, as he can reach 97 MPH, but sat 93-96 MPH this spring. There is a slider with sharp bite to it, but he is erratic with his control at times. He did work on his mechanics recently to help ease concern there, but there is going to be reliever concerns in the future.
64. Tanner Witt, RHP, Episcopal (TX) HS
At 6’6, 195 pounds, Witt is one of the more projectable arms in this class. While he is a two-way talent with decent bat speed and a more power-oriented game, Witt has an excellent frame on the mound. His heater sits 89-92 MPH and he can reach back to 93-94 MPH at times, with clean arm action and control. He has a high spin curveball that has solid depth to it and a change-up that flashes potential, as well.
65. Drew Bowser, INF, Harvard-Westlake (CA) HS
Pete Crow-Armstrong is not the only player for Harvard-Westlake with a chance to be drafted this year. While Bowser is not as flashy as Crow-Armstrong, Bowser has more power and has had exit velocities closer to 100 MPH on numerous occasions. There is concern for hitting ability, as his bat speed is low and the swing is a bit long. Defensively, a move to third base is likely for Bowser.
66. Colt Keith, SS, Biloxi (MS) HS
Another two-way talent, scouts believe Keith wants to play every day as a shortstop. He was injured last summer, which prevented him from pitching, but he has impressed there since returning. With the bat, Keith is a consistent hard hitter and has plus power, running abilities, and arm strength. It is likely he moves away from shortstop as he fills out, possibly third base or an outfield spot.
67. Alejandro Rosario, RHP, Miami Christian (FL) HS
Rosario possesses one of the more electric arms in the prep ranks this year. The delivery is relatively clean and he has the ability to run his fastball up to 98 MPH. He owns a split-change and a slider to go alongside the heater and both show above-average potential. He does have trouble getting swings-and-misses despite the electric arsenal, but if he can work on refining his pitches to get more swings-and misses, he has immense upside that any team would love to work with.
68. Kyle Harrison, LHP, De La Salle (CA) HS
Harrison is one of the more polished pitchers in the prep ranks this year. He has performed well for Team USA in the past and has helped lead De La Salle High School to four straight division titles. He works 90-92 MPH with his fastball and can reach back for 94 MPH with running action thanks to a low, three-quarters arm slot. His breaking ball is more of a slurve, but it has big break to it and sits in the mid-70’s. There is a good feel for a change-up and he has solid command, as well.
69. Cam Brown, RHP, Flower Mound (TX) HS
Brown excelled on the summer circuit last year, but a lackluster spring hurt his stock in 2020. While he did touch 95 MPH last summer, he has had issues keeping velocity up this spring, as he will dip into the high-80’s early on in starts. That was thanks to a slower arm action, which has effected his breaking pitches, too. He still has good control and his breaking ball has a chance to be a plus offering, but he will have to work on his mechanics to get his old form back.
70. Corey Collins, C, North Gwinnett (GA) HS
Collins’ offensive ability has some serious upside to it. There is plenty of strength in his swing and he has a good feel to hit consistently with an all-fields approach. He excels behind the plate, as he had a good arm and accuracy, as well as good receiving abilities. He was hurt by the shortened season, but the upside here has to impress some teams.
71. David Calabrese, OF, St. Elizabeth Catholic (ON) HS
Calabrese is the top Canadian prospect in the draft and has the chance to be the highest Canadian outfielder to be drafted since 1997. With a small stature, Calabrese is a speedster with a solid left-handed swing. The swing is loose and he can hit to the gaps with hard contact, but the power will be an average tool in the future. Defensively, his speed helps him stay at center field in the future.
72. Hunter Barnhart, RHP, St. Joseph (CA) HS
Barnhart is another two-sport athlete on this list and is one of the more polished right-handed prep starters in this class. His velocity has creeped up from hovering around 90 MPH to 94-96 MPH and his power curveball is one of the best in the class, sitting in the high-70’s with high spin rates. He does have a developing change-up that flashes potential, and his command and approach/mentality on the mound are sound.
73. Ben Hernandez, RHP, De La Salle (IL) HS
Hernandez was one of the better arms on the summer circuit last year, performing excellently in the PDP League and throwing a perfect inning at the Under Armour All-America Game. Hernandez’s fastball sits 90-94 MPH and has touched 95 MPH with a clean arm action. His change-up is his best pitch, as it is among the best in this class, if not the best. There is some serious fade to the pitch and it is set up extremely well with his fastball. There is a curveball in his arsenal, but it is not a reliable offering just yet. The delivery requires little effort and he can repeat it well.
74. Nick Garcia, RHP, Chapman
Garcia is lone Division III player on this list. Originally a third baseman for Chapman, he converted to a pitcher for his sophomore year and excelled immediately from the bullpen. His fastball can reach 97 MPH and he can sit in the mid-90’s with a hard slider and a cutter that show promise. His stint in the Cape Cod League certainly helped his stock a bit, but I think he ends up as a reliever later on.
75. Christian Roa, RHP, Texas A&M
Roa is another pitcher that has risen up draft boards over the past year. While he is not as good as Lacy, he can hold his own. With his fastball, Roa can run it from 92-96 MPH, but there is a bit of concern on how it projects, as it is hit hard. His off-speed offerings are led by a consistent slider, followed by a fading change-up and a solid curveball. If he is able to fix the flatness of his heater, he could be a solid pitcher as he progresses.
76. Enrique Bradfield, OF, American Heritage Planatation (FL) HS
Bradfield is easily the best runner in the prep ranks this year. His run tool stands at the highest grade on the scouting scale at 80 and is incorporated throughout his game. This helps him defensively, as he has elite route running in the outfield and projects to stay in center field. There is a good bat-to-ball skill in his bat and is a slap-happy hitter, but he has little power.
77. Coby Mayo, INF, Stoneman Douglas (FL) HS
I am higher than most on Mayo, thanks to a solid showing at Under Armour All-America in Chicago last July. Early on, he turned a 79 MPH slider from Jared Jones into a single up the middle with an exit velocity that was caught at 100 MPH on radar guns. The power is immense, but there are question marks about how consistent he can tap into it. He will need a swing change in the future if he wants to be able to hit more consistently. As a defender, Mayo has a cannon of an arm at third base, but footwork is something he will have to work on.
78. Yohandy Morales, SS, Braddock (FL) HS
Morales is one of the more big and physical guys in this class. While his approach at the plate hurt him last summer, he showed vast improvements in his game in the time he was able to play. He has an ability to hit and tap into more of his raw power regularly, but it is more of a guessing game as to what pitch he expects. He does expect to move to third base defensively, thanks to a strong arm.
79. Jared Shuster, LHP, Wake Forest
North Carolina has had a knack for producing rising pitchers in 2020. Shuster struggled mightily during his first two years at Wake Forest, but turned the corner with a strong summer performance in the Cape Cod League. His velocity has ticked up to the mid-90’s and he can reach back for 97 MPH at times, with a riding four-seamer and a sinking two-seamer. He possesses a change-up that is his best pitch, as it sits around 80 MPH with serious tumble to it. There is a slurvy breaking ball that would necessitate refinement, as well. The command has shown plus potential and he could go as high as the back-end of the first round.
80. Jeff Criswell, RHP, Michigan
Michigan produced two highly touted arms last year and Criswell is expected to be another arm to go in the draft. He took over the reins of the Wolverines’ rotation in 2020, being the Friday starter. His fastball sits 94-97 MPH with heavy sink to it and pairs it with a slider and a change-up that flash plus potential. There is concern about his command and control, as he has been erratic in the past and had trouble going deep into starts, as he only had 24 innings to his name across four starts this spring.
81. Freddy Zamora, SS, Miami
Zamora would have been much higher than this had it not been for a knee injury that kept him off the field in 2020. The offensive upside is there, as he has a short stroke and has a contact-oriented approach. He did tap into his power more in 2019, too. Defensively, Zamora projects to stay at shortstop, due in part to a very solid glove, sound hands, and a strong arm.
82. Tommy Mace, RHP, Florida
Mace took over Florida’s Friday night role in their rotation in 2020 and excelled in the four starts he had. His fastball was routinely in the mid-90’s, but his four-seam fastball is a bit flat, with scouts liking the two-seamer with sink more. He does have a tight cutter that can be his future out pitch, a change-up that projects to be average, and a slurvy curveball. He does have solid command and can keep the ball down, helping him induce groundballs.
83. Markevian Hence, RHP, Watson Chapel (AR) HS
Nicknamed “Tink”, Hence rode a hot summer performance to become one of the more touted prep arms in this class. The frame is skinny, but the arm is quick and he can run his fastball to 91-93 MPH and reached 95 MPH at WWBA with heavy sink. His slider and curveball both show plus potential and there is a feel for a change-up, too. He can repeat his delivery well and has plenty of room to fill out his frame in the future.
84. Zach DeLoach, OF, Texas A&M
DeLoach has struggled at Texas A&M in his career, but a stellar performance in the Cape Cod League propelled DeLoach into top 100 conversation. He continued the form in the spring, but the sudden stoppage in play hurt his ability to fully right the wrongs of his past two seasons. There is not a bunch of bat speed in his swing, but he has a solid approach at the plate and he showed off good plate discipline in the spring. He fits best in a corner outfield spot, as he has a solid arm and his instincts will help move him away from center field.
85. Petey Halpin, OF, Mira Costa (CA) HS
Halpin is a well-rounded hitter who transferred from Northern California to Southern California in the last year. He is a top of the order kind of bat, as he has a short swing that produces solid line drives and can cover the plate well. He can control the strike zone well, and he could grow into his power as he matures He is a speed threat and has a good chance to stick in center field in the future, but a move to a corner outfield spot seems likely.
86. Owen Caissie, OF, Notre Dame (ON) HS
The other Canadian product in this draft, Caissie was originally a part of next year’s class. His power is easily his biggest attribute, as he has solid exit velocity numbers and a strong, handsy swing. There is a clear concern for swings-and-misses, but has shown the ability to make adjustments. He is a lock to move to a corner outfield spot in the future due to his speed.
87. Nolan McLean, 3B/RHP, Garner Magnet (NC) HS
I am a bit higher than most on McLean due to bias, as he goes to the high school I graduated from in 2016. But, he is a very solid two-way player and two-sport athlete, as he is a three-start quarterback recruit to Oklahoma State. With the bat, McLean showed an improved swing and a power-oriented game, as he smoothed out a hitch in his swing that affected his contact and rhythm. He has immense raw power and scouts think he could be drafted as a hitter more than a pitcher. As a pitcher, he has a fastball with heavy sink that can sit 92-95 MPH and reach 97 MPH, as well as a curveball and a change-up, but both pitches could use refinement. He will be a hard sign out of college commitment, as he is hard-set on playing college football, and would be eligible again in 2022.
88. Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, Lakewood (CA) HS
In the limited time that Tiedemann played in 2020, he rose his stock tremendously. With a body that has projection to it, his fastball velocity has increased to the low-90’s and he can touch 93 MPH. He throws a change-up that has the potential to be a plus offering and an average slider, all of which he can throw for strikes consistently. Like other prep players, he will be a tough sign out of his San Diego State commitment.
89. Hudson Haskin, OF, Tulane
Another draft-eligible sophomore, Haskin has shined immensely since reaching campus. he has a good history of hitting, as he hit .372/.459/.647 in his freshmen year and continued it with a wood bat in the New England Collegiate League. The swing could use some work, as it has diving action and he has focused too much on pulling the ball with power. Despite this, his hand-eye coordination is exceptional. In the field, he has not made an error in his college career and has a plus arm in center field.
90. Gavin Williams, RHP, East Carolina
When healthy, Williams has some of the easier velocity in this class. At 6’6, Williams has a large frame and a sound delivery, but he is inconsistent with his strike throwing. He has touched 101 MPH in the past, but he will usually sit in the high-90’s with running life. He pairs the heater with a somewhat inconsistent curveball that morphs into a slurve at times and a change-up in the high-80’s with above-average potential. Scouts wish there was more of a track record for Williams, as 2020 was not kind to him due to a finger injury and the season stoppage.
91. Ryan Hagenow, RHP, Farragut (TN) HS
There is projection in Hagenow, the top Kentucky recruit in this year’s class. There is arm-side action in his fastball, which has seen a slight uptick in velocity to touch 93 MPH, but it sits in the 88-91 MPH range. There is a slider that has 10-4 movement to it and can reach 83 MPH and a change-up that is roughly in the same velocity range with some fade and sink. There is deception in the delivery and he is able to throw strikes consistently and keep pitches down.
92. Anthony Servideo, SS, Ole Miss
Servideo had been blocked by Grae Kessinger at Ole Miss, but took over the reins at shortstop in 2020 and was beginning to impress with the bat. There was more power in the spring, and he was beginning to hit more consistently after struggling with a wood bat last summer. The standout tool is his defense, as he is one of the best defensive shortstops in the college ranks. He is a plus runner and has an above-average arm and the footwork/hands to stay there.
93. Kala’i Rosario, OF, Waiakea (HI) HS
Rosario is Hawaii’s top prospect in this year’s draft class. He thoroughly impressed last summer, posting great exit velocities and winning the home run derby at the Area Code Games. A strong swing helps generate those impressive exit velocities, as he is able to elevate the ball well. The power is viewed as a plus tool in the future for Rosario, too. He has a weak arm, so he more than likely will move to left field in the future.
94. Connor Phillips, RHP, McLennan JC
Phillips is the only JUCO player in these rankings. Originally recruited by LSU, Phillips chose to enroll at McLennan JC, where he has improved his draft stock immensely. His fastball sits in the mid-90’s and has some serious arm-side run to it. His slider is his best off-speed offering and rates as above-average at the moment, with a curveball and a change-up rounding out his arsenal. The control is inconsistent, but there is a lot of projection in his frame.
95. Mason Erla, RHP, Michigan State
Erla is an intriguing prospect. He burst onto the scene in the spring, posting significantly better numbers in his abbreviated season, as well as a better arsenal. His fastball has ticked up into the mid-90’s this spring, reportedly topping out at 98 MPH at one point with nice riding action. His slider reached the mid-80’s and showed good improvement and his cutter is not far behind. There is a change-up in this arsenal that has some sink and fade to it, but could use more refinement. He can remain a starter thanks to a sound delivery and a durable frame.
96. Jake Vogel, OF, Huntington Beach (CA) HS
I first saw Vogel at NHSI last April and was impressed by his play at the tournament. He has worked on his swing, as he has found a consistent swing that can generate loud contact. He can hit to all fields and has the ability to tap into his power consistently. There is a question about the hit tool, notably about the consistency of the swing itself. He has premium speed and could stick at center field in the future.
97. Ian Seymour, LHP, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has not had a player taken since Mark Zagunis went in the third round in 2014 and Seymour looks to go in that range in 2020. He set the Hokies school record for punchouts in a game with fourteen against a strong Georgia Tech roster in the spring after having a strong summer showcase. The fastball is average, touching 94 MPH, but his delivery has serious deception and there is heavy life to the pitch. His best off-speed pitch is his change-up, which flashes as plus, and a slider that morphs into a cutter. There is reliever possibility in his future, but he can certainly be trotted out as a starter, if selected.
98. Carter Baumler, RHP, Dowling Catholic (IA) HS
A late bloomer last summer, Baumler raised his stock after an impressive showing at the Area Code Games in August. There is projection to his body, as he throws a fastball in the low-90’s and can touch 94 MPH at times with riding life. There has been improvement in his curveball that flashes as a plus offering and a change-up that he has a feel for. The delivery is clean and the arm action is sound, giving him the ability to consistently throw strikes.
99. Casey Opitz, C, Arkansas
Opitz has one of the more accurate arms in recent memory. The defense is well ahead of the bat, as he has a very strong arm and solid receiving skills, as well as good blocking, as well. He is a switch-hitter with more potential from the left side, but scouts question his ability to hit consistently, despite an improvement in 2020. He showed a newly aggressive approach, which did pay off, but it would have been nice to see if he could continue it in a full season of play.
100. Landon Knack, RHP, East Tennessee State
It is not often that a fifth year senior is ranked this highly, but Knack saw his pure stuff improve drastically in 2020. With a fastball that can sit in the mid-90’s and reach 98 MPH, he can hold his velocity deep into outings. His slider has gotten tighter and showed improvement this spring and his curveball had some added power and is the better breaking ball as of now. There is a feel for a change-up, giving Knack a solid four-pitch mix. Despite having effort in the delivery, Knack repeats it well and showcased ridiculous command in 2020, striking out 51 batters and walking just one across four starts. He will be a solid pick with great upside wherever he goes.
