The 2015 MLB draft class is loaded with pitching talent. The deep group features both college and high school arms, and at a time when an organization can't have enough depth on the mound, the hurlers are probably going to fall off the board in Round 1.
There aren't quite as many top-end hitting prospects available. That bolsters the stock of those projected to go early, because teams looking to add a possible impact bat to the system have more limited options to choose from early on.
With those factors in mind, let's check out a mock draft of the opening round. The 2015 MLB draft is set to begin on June 8.
1st-Round Mock Draft
As always, it's important to remember that the MLB draft isn't like its counterparts in other leagues. Most of the prospects selected, even in the first round, are multiple seasons away from making any type of serious impact in the big leagues.
Teams are drafting mostly based on long-term potential. If everything works out, these are players who can become cornerstones a handful of years down the road. So let's take a deeper dive into the top three prospects selected in this mock scenario.
Examining Top Selections
1. Arizona Diamondbacks: Dansby Swanson, SS, Vanderbilt
Swanson is a terrific contact hitter with a good eye that should allow him to maintain a high on-base percentage. He's capable of playing either middle infield spot. His range might make him better at second, but his arm is good enough to play shortstop.
This draft class doesn't have a clear No. 1 prospect. So his consistently good play for Vanderbilt has allowed him to make a strong case for the top spot. Adam Sparks of the Tennessean notes his coach, Tim Corbin, is particularly impressed with his ability to deliver in key situations.
"The thing that is noticeable about Dansby and guys like him who play at that level, is that they rise to another level when things matter. He certainly is that kid," Corbin said. "When something is on the line or there is a moment, he thrives in it. He's got an extra gear. I think the great ones that have played in this conference—and he's certainly one of them—have that ability."
Swanson also has good speed, which will translate into doubles and triples. Those will make up a majority of his extra-base hits because he's not a power hitter. He may develop some more pop over time, but it won't likely become a key facet of his game.
For the Diamondbacks, Swanson is the safest option with the top pick. Fellow shortstop Brendan Rodgers is more raw, and it's harder to commit to a pitcher given the injury factor. Getting a player who can fill the 2-hole in the lineup and play solid defense over the long haul is a good bet.
2. Houston Astros: Dillon Tate, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
As mentioned, there's a lot of pitching depth in this draft. Yet there's no real consensus at this stage about the order in which the top ones will come off the board. Tate's steady progress at the collegiate level could give him the inside track.
The right-hander already sports a nice combination of fastball and slider. His other pitches are a work in progress and will need one more to become consistent, preferably the changeup, in order to have success as a starter in the majors.
There were a couple of starts this season where he really put everything together. When he does that, he certainly has the look of a top-five selection. Kiley McDaniel of FanGraphs noted an outing in February where he had his fastball into the upper 90s:
If his other offerings don't progress, he could be converted into a late-inning reliever. There's a much better chance of success there for somebody with two plus pitches. The Astros can give him some development time before making that call.
3. Colorado Rockies: Brendan Rodgers, SS, Lake Mary HS (Fla.)
Rodgers is probably the most well-rounded position player in the draft. The question is how long it will take for him to make his way to the big leagues. He's committed to play college ball at Florida State and still has a lot of developing to do.
That said, the tools are highly intriguing. He sports the size, range and arm necessary to stay at short and can hit for power without sacrificing contact. There may not be one elite aspect of his game, but he does basically everything well.
Of course, going to Colorado would enhance his prowess at the plate even further. That's always a nice built-in advantage for any hitter. And JJ Cooper of Baseball America highlights one other thing helping his draft stock:
The Rockies could afford to bring Rodgers along slowly. They aren't in position to contend in the short term and will need a long-term replacement for Troy Tulowitzki. It's an ideal match should he remain on the board at No. 3, which isn't a guarantee.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
- Login to post comments