With the MLB Draft coming up next month, it is time to dive into which of the top prospects will go to which teams and how they will become eventual faces of the franchise. We will breakdown where each player will go based on that team's need and how each player grades out based on expert opinions.
Important to note: We will also only focus on the regular first round picks, and not the compensatory selections. With that said, let's get into it:
1. Detroit Tigers: 1B Spencer Torkelson, Arizona State
The Tigers should draft Torkelson with the 1st overall selection. We wrote an article about it in fact. Click this link to read it. As someone who saw him in the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2018, Torkelson's plus power is real. Having drafted Matt Manning and Casey Mize, it is time to add a blue-chip hitting prospect to the treasure trove of pitching prospects.
2. Baltimore Orioles: RHP Emerson Hancock, Georgia
Emerson Hancock is undoubtedly the best pitching prospect of this draft class. The Georgia product accumulated 206 strikeouts across 33 starts over his Bulldogs tenure, using a fastball that can approach 99 mph with a slider that has exceptional break. Hancock overall has a strong command of his pitch arsenal and should be one of the better frontline starters in baseball if he develops and is healthy. In the middle of a rebuild, the Orioles should acquire a cornerstone pitching prospect, and Hancock is that guy.
3. Miami Marlins: OF/3B Austin Martin, Vanderbilt
Austin offers a unique positional premium, relative to other offensive prospects in this class. At 6'0" and 185 lbs., Martin's ability to draw quality contact in the batter's box is the best in the draft. He has shown flashes of exhibiting raw power and has one of the purist swings in college baseball. A versatile defender, Martin can play multiple infield and outfield positions. As the Marlins farm system is starting to become their strength, adding a quality player like Martin will put their rebuild into hyperdrive.
4. Kansas City Royals: LHP Asa Lacy, Texas A&M
Before the college baseball season came to an abrupt stop, Lacy was having an ace-like level year. In four starts for A&M, he posted an ERA of 0.75 and a SO/BB ratio of 5.75. At 6'4", Lacy was been able to increase his fastball velocity to sit consistently in the mid 90's and has two well-developed secondary breaking pitches in a curveball and slider. While his control and command still need some minor improvement, the lefty hurler generates swings and misses on a regular basis against quality hitters.
5. Toronto Blue Jays: SS/2B Nick Gonzales, New Mexico State
In 16 games this season, Gonzales posted a slash line of 0.448/0.610/1.155 with an OPS of 1.765, which is essentially numbers that are not in the category of "real life production." While some argue that he acquired these stats from the launch pad that is New Mexico State, Gonzales is one of the best pure hitters in the draft. More of an offensive versus defensive prospect, he possesses a quick, compact swing with tremendous bat speed. With the collection of young talent that the Blue Jays have in the Majors, Gonzales will undoubtedly fit right in when he is ready.
6. Seattle Mariners: OF Zac Veen, Spruce Creek HS (FL)
A left-handed from Florida, Veen's bat stance is what draws the attention of evaluators, which is more spread-out and allows him to generate more hits with greater speed on the bat. To generate power, he will stand straighter and create leverage in the box. While his running ability does not fit that of an elite prospect, he may fit a corner OF position down the road as a result.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Max Meyer, Minnesota
On the traditional 20-80 scale, Meyer's fastball and slider both grade out at a 70, which is absolutely elite. With his slider, it is one of the best in the draft amongst pitching prospects, as he has amazing movement on this pitch while averaging in the high 80's to low 90's. If he builds more on his 6'0" frame, the Pirates will have one of the most gifted throwers in the 2020 class.
8. San Diego Padres: OF Garrett Mitchell, UCLA
A five-tool level player, there are health concerns with Mitchell, as a leg injury kept him off the Collegiate National Team roster. He has come a long way in developing his swing and showed power in both practice and games. He also offers a premium in base running, as his speed was graded out at a 70 by evaluators (again on the scouting scale of 20-80). Mitchell has become one of the best position players in the draft and his upside is tremendous.
9. Colorado Rockies: LHP Reid Detmers, Louisville
Considered to be one of the best lefties in the draft, next to Lacy, he set a school record in 2018 with 167 strikeouts. While Detmer's fastball tops out at 94 mph, it is a deceptive 94 mph, as some batters cannot even see it because of his plus command. He is the definition of consistency as a hurler, as his body type allows him to repeat his delivery and display solid mechanics. He projects as a solid starter and should contribute to the Rockies big league club once he has developed.
10. Los Angeles Angels: RHP Mick Abel, Jesuit HS (OR)
I readily admit that this is a stretch pick at the 10th overall selection. At 6'5", Abel shows three quality pitches in his arsenal, with the highlight of them being a fastball that routinely clocks out in the mid 90's and locates down in the bottom of the zone. He then complements it with a four-seam pitch that sets in the upper portion of the zone with great movement. While he must develop his secondary pitches a little bit more, his maturity, stuff, and raw talent at 18 years old justifies a top-10 selection.
11. Chicago White Sox: LHP Garret Crochet, Tennessee
At 6'6," 218 lbs., Crochet possesses overpowering stuff for his size. He only made one appearance during the shortened season, in part due to shoulder concerns. His fastball is electric, averaging around 91 to 95 mph, which can increase anywhere between 97 to 100 mph and generate high amounts of spin. While his slider and changeup are a plus, there are some inconsistencies.
12. Cincinnati Reds: C Patrick Bailey, North Carolina State
Posting a 0.296/0.466/0.685 with an OPS of 1.151, Bailey shows plus power at the catcher position, having broken the program's freshman home run record with 13 blasts in 2018. A switch-hitting prospect, he draws consistent contact and reaches base at an above average rate. What is most impressive is his defense behind the dish, as he has a plus throwing arm and is an athlete.
13. San Francisco Giants: OF Robert Hassell, Independence HS (TX)
One of the better all-around hitters in the draft, Hassell has excellent ability. While some point out his lack of a true five-tool ability, he has an excellent swing as a lefty. While scouts noted his deviation from hitting and focusing on home run generation, there are some who believe he will find his natural power as he matures. He also has the potential to become an effective two-way player as well, averaging 93 mph on the bump. If he develops his tools and continues to enhance his already strong hitting prowess, he will be highly productive in San Francisco.
14. Texas Rangers: OF Austin Hendrick, West Allegheny HS (PA)
Considered to be one of the more inconsistent amongst this group of prospects, Hendrick does flash plus levels of raw power. While he has tremendous bat speed and leverage, there are additional concerns to his swing, as he made changes resulting in swings in misses. As his defense his solid, there is still strong upside with Hendrick, as his projections are a middle of the lineup power bat.
15. Philadelphia Phillies: OF Heston Kjerstad, Arkansas
Probably the best left-handed power hitter in the 2020 Draft class, Kjerstad offers raw power to all parts of the field. His swing is a little wonky, which causes him to time his execution perfectly when making contact. While he offers a premium in pop, that also comes with a high number of punch-outs. With a solid arm and plus power, he fits a corner OF position.
16. Chicago Cubs: OF Pete Crow-Armstrong, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)
Grading out as a plus runner and fielder, Crow-Armstrong is highly effective on the base paths. While his hitting is questionable, he makes quality contact coupled with plus power. Because of his running and defense, he is the best defensive OF in this class.
17. Boston Red Sox: RHP Nick Bitsko, Central Bucks East HS (PA)
Evaluators and scouts agree that one of Bitsko's top qualities is consistency. He features an arsenal of pitches that includes a fastball that can top 96 mph, a breaking pitch that tops 82 mph and generates swings and misses, and a changeup that is solid. While some development is needed to improve his command, his ability provides a strong upside.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks: SS Ed Howard, Mount Carmel HS (IL)
Howard is one of the steadiest shortstop prospects in this group. He has a very patient approach at the plate and makes hard contact as a result. He projects to add strength as he develops resulting in higher power numbers. In the field, he is a solid defender and base runner. His baseball IQ is also noted by scouts, as they cite that he can slow the game down. In my opinion, any team that drafts Howard will probably have the steal of the first round
19. New York Mets: C Tyler Soderstrom, Turlock HS (CA)
Considered more of an offensive catcher, he is very mature with his approach to the plate. More of a hitter, his power with come through player development. Due to his questionable defense, coupled with his solid base running skills, he may not be a catcher long-term.
20. Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Jared Kelley, Refugio HS (TX)
Kelley has the natural ability to create velocity on command as a righty. He consistently clocks in the mid 90's and can place in the high 90's. Aside from his fastball, his changeup is highly developed that has all sort of movement. While his curveball is more of "slurve," it should develop in a formidable pitch. Because of his physicality at 6'3" and 215 lbs., Kelley projects to be a frontline workhorse.
21. St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Cade Cavalli, Oklahoma
Like Kelley, Cavalli has the natural ability to generate high levels of velocity. His pitch arsenal has the potential for four viable options, with his changeup needing the most work. Some concerns with Cavalli include health and a lack of command (BB/9 in 27 games at Oklahoma is 4.7).
22. Washington Nationals: C Dillon Dingler, Ohio State
If he can have multiple opportunities behind the plate, Dingler's defense projects to exponentially improve. On offense, he grades out at a 50 in terms of his raw power and will be able to consistently produce offensively.
23. Cleveland Indians: RHP Cole Wilcox, Georgia
Wilcox has one of the strongest fastballs in the draft, showing consistent speed from 92 to 97 mph and can top 100 with some movement. His changeup grades slightly higher than his slider, but both are solid secondary options. There are some questions as to what role he should have on a pitching staff, as his delivery needs some work.
24. Tampa Bay Rays: SS Nick Loftin, Baylor
Loftin is a solid defender at shortstop, using his knowledge to make the right, fundamental play. He is like Austin Martin in the context of positional versatility, as he can play three wing positions, second base and shortstop. In terms of his swing, he can drive the ball to several spots on the field. The Rays farm system is already loaded with high level prospects. Adding Loftin to the group is like adding extra sprinkles on the sundae.
25. Atlanta Braves: RHP Carmen Mlodzinski, South Carolina
Mlodzinski was on his way to having one of his better seasons in South Carolina, posting an ERA of 2.84 and a SO/9 of 7.8 in four starts. His fastball consistently clocks in the mid 90's and has excellent horizontal and vertical movement. Complemented by a power slider and a changeup with tremendous depth, he has tremendous ability if properly developed. While he has had control issues, he has continually improved upon his mechanics. At the 25th overall pick, Mlodzinski may be a steal for Atlanta.
26. Oakland Athletics: 2B Justin Foscue, Mississippi State
A right-handed power-pull hitter, Foscue generates a high level of offense. While his plate approach centers more on aggression than patience, he makes contact consistently, showing his skills as a hitter in this sense. His positional value is limited, as his defense in the infield is questionable with average skills in this sense.
27. Minnesota Twins: RHP Bobby Miller, Louisville
Miller's fastball is what wows scouts, as it grades out as a 65. It is noticeable for both its velocity and movement. He also has a deception pitch with a slider and a tertiary selection in a changeup. Overall, his pitch arsenal grades out well. There are questions in his stamina and maybe a reliever down the road.
28. New York Yankees: RHP Tanner Burns, Auburn
Drafted by the Yankees in the 37th round in 2017, I believe he will be drafted in the 1st round of 2020. When healthy Burns can throw a mid-90's fastball that he can locate on both sides of the plate. His secondary pitch development is making strides, as he has a slider that registers in the low 80's with great movement. Because of his frame and durability, there are injury concerns.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Chris McMahon, Miami
McMahon was starting to have a quality season in 2020 for the Hurricanes, posting an ERA of 1.05 and a SO/BB ratio of 7.60. He consistently throws 95 mph with his fastball with last minute break. He generates a strong amount of spin on his breaking pitch along with a groundball inducing changeup. If right, McMahon is one of the preeminent pitching prospects in this class. Mark this down as a steal of the draft if McMahon is drafted with the last pick of the 1st round in 2020.
Big thanks to MLB and the experts over at MLBPipeline for the info!
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