Much like the NBA draft, the Major League Baseball first-year player draft held on June 9 will feature a team from Philadelphia with the first overall selection.
On Saturday, ESPN Insider Keith Law released his third mock draft just days before the real thing gets going, as he tried to decipher which player goes where:
Notable Picks
A.J. Puk, RHP, Florida
Projected Destination: No. 1 Philadelphia Phillies
His record this season at Florida might not be impressive at just 2-3, but A.J. Puk has been one tough customer to deal with on the hill.
In 65.2 innings, he has recorded 90 strikeouts and allowed an opponent's batting average of just .188. Opposing coaches sang his praises to Philly.com's Matt Gelb.
"He's just your prototypical scout's dream," Alabama coach Mitch Gaspard said. "The ball just explodes on you. The stuff is just electric."
Puk has a fastball ranging in the mid-90s, as he's able to use his 6'7" frame to garner some big-time momentum going downhill toward the plate.
His off-speed stuff—a slider and changeup—is at least 10 mph slower, which could be unhittable if he's able to develop those a bit more and keep a consistent release on all pitches.
Kyle Lewis, OF, Mercer
Projected Destination: No. 2 Cincinnati Reds
For any team that is looking for a future player who could be a staple in the middle of the lineup, Kyle Lewis (6'4") looks to be the most promising option in this year's draft.
In 61 games, he's hit .395 with 20 home runs and 72 RBI to develop into one of the finest offensive weapons and athletes in the nation.
He has a quick bat and solid pitch recognition and is one of the best his head coach Craig Gibson has ever seen, as he told Cincinnati.com's C. Trent Rosencrans:
This guy is the total package, now. He’s the real thing. He’s got great parents, a great support system. There’s never any issues. The worry of drafting him high and putting a lot of resources in him, he’s not going to get those resources and go crazy. He comes from a good family. He’s very grounded. He’s—there’s not any black eyes on this guy, he’s the real deal.
Given his potential, the rebuilding Reds could benefit from Lewis as they look to develop into a threat in the NL Central.
Corey Ray, OF, Louisville
Projected Destination: No. 5 Milwaukee Brewers
Corey Ray (5'11") is built differently from Lewis since he's is about five inches shorter, but what he loses in size, he makes up in speed while also bringing some pop.
Ray stole 42 bases this season while only getting caught eight times. He also bashed 15 home runs.
With those intangibles, Law had him at the top of his big board back in May:
Right now, if I had the top pick, I think I'd go with Ray, the best all-around college position player who is at worst a solid everyday left fielder with the upside of a Ray Lankford (whose name I've heard from a couple of scouts over the past year as a comp for Ray). He can hit; he can run; he has some power.
He's an aggressive player who can beat you with the bat and with his legs. Any team that's looking for a well-rounded offensive spark will covet him.
Stats courtesy of D1Baseball.com
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