As we progress through the 2015 Major League Baseball season, teams look to stock up on prospects. As we close in on 2015 MLB First-Year Player Draft on June 8-10, we take a look at one of the most uncertain draft classes and hardest to predict draft classes in recent memory. Big time college arms and a logjam of top shortstop prospects projected to go near the top highlight this year’s group. This year’s draft marks the 50th anniversary of the first MLB First-Year Player Draft.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Dansby Swanson, ss, Vanderbilt
A pick that has come slightly more clear of late, Swanson’s performance of late both offensively and defensively has separated him from other college bats. Swanson could be quick to develop through the Diamondbacks system and could make an impact sooner rather than later.
Houston Astros: Brendan Rodgers, ss, Lake Mary (Fla.) HS
Considered by many the top prospect in the 2015 class, Rodgers will very much be in consideration for the No. 2 spot in the draft. With the Astros rapid improvement this season, to stick with youth would not be out of question as they keep flocking in top draft picks, even after not being able to sign No. 1 pick Brady Aiken a year ago.
Colorado Rockies: Tyler Jay, lhp, Illinois
Emerging quickly this season, a 0.64 ERA is hard to go unnoticed for ball clubs scouting the Illini’s closer. Illinois emerged on the college baseball national scene currently standing with a 48-8-1 record as of May 31, including a 26 game winning streak to end the regular season.
Texas Rangers: Alex Bregman, ss, LSU
If there were no Swanson in this year’s draft, Bregman very well could be the top overall pick. The third shortstop in four picks, Bregman has been consistent throughout his Tigers’ dominating 2015 run. Batting .323 with nine home runs and 47 RBI, the offensive production of Bregman will be gone sooner rather than later in the 2015 draft.
Houston Astros: Daz Cameron, of, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy
Son of former MLB All-Star Mike Cameron, Daz is seen as a potential five-tool player and excites many scouts. A focal point of the 2014 Team USA 18u team, it is very tough to see Cameron fall outside of the top five.
Minnesota Twins: Kyle Tucker, of, Plant (Fla.) HS
A smooth swinging left handed bat, Tucker is a very good raw athlete who has potential to move quickly through the system if he fills out his thin frame and adds some pop to his bat.
Boston Red Sox: Dillon Tate, rhp, UC Santa Barbara
Previously known as a solid possibility for the top overall pick, Tate has looked more “human” towards the end of his junior season with the Gauchos. The Red Sox have shown interest in players like Bregman (who is already selected) and Carson Fulmer, but the upside of a guy like Tate who features a 98mph fastball and a plus slider, would be very hard to pass on for the Red Sox.
Chicago White Sox: Carson Fulmer, rhp, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt’s ace in 2015, Fulmer has three plus pitches in his arsenal with a fastball, curveball and changeup. As a reliever, Fulmer has a fastball that has reached 97 but as a starter has been more consistent in the mid-90’s. Scouts are wary about his height of 5’11’’ and his command, as he walked around four batters per nine innings in his freshman and sophomore campaigns.
Chicago Cubs: Jon Harris, rhp, Missouri State
The tall right-hander from Missouri State features a fastball around 92-94 and has really come on the scene this season with a 1.85 ERA and 8-1 record for the Bears. His fastball features natural sink, while his breaking ball is an above average pitch with his changeup being the most notable improvement this year.
Philadelphia Phillies: Walker Buehler, rhp, Vanderbilt
Despite an uncharacteristic rough SEC Tournament performance for Buehler, Buehler has shown durability even with his wiry frame. His combination of a mid 90’s fastball with a plus change up in addition to his curveball make him a high selection despite some concerns scouts have expressed.
Cincinnati Reds: James Kaprielian, rhp, UCLA
Kaprielian has four pitches in his tool belt, a 92-94mph fastball, a curveball, a slider, and a change up that can all be thrown for swing and miss strikes. The 6’4’’ 200 lb right-hander has room to add strength, which could add velocity to his fastball.
Miami Marlins: Tyler Stephenson, c, Kennesaw Mountain (Ga.) HS
With an extremely thin group of quality catchers in the 2015 draft, Stephenson has emerged as one of the top catching prospects with his advanced defense and arm, while having some solid pop and bat speed at the plate.
Tampa Bay Rays: Andrew Benintendi, of, Arkansas
This speedster from Ohio has played well at Arkansas as his left handed swing has solid pop, being amongst the nation’s leaders with 18 long balls while having plus speed on the bases. Benintendi has swiped 22 bases as of May 31 and plays in the always-competitive Southeastern Conference, which should leave teams eager to draft him.
Atlanta Braves: Trenton Clark, of, Richland (Texas) HS
Clark’s combination of power and speed intrigue scouts, as he has the ability to turn singles into doubles while being able to swing for both contact and power.
Milwaukee Brewers: Ian Happ, of/2b, Cincinnati
A switch hitter known for his plus bat, this two-time Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star may be one of the best pure hitters in the draft. While having a size that is not defined as desirable, Happ could be one of the best value picks in this year’s first round.
New York Yankees: Garrett Whitley, of, Niskayuna (N.Y.) HS
Whitley features a solid power and speed combination, which leaves scouts believing he could be an electric player at the Major League level.
Cleveland Indians: Cornelius Randolph, ss, Griffin (Ga.) HS
The Clemson-commit’s quick swing allows Randolph to drive the ball to all fields, and with a bit of pop as well. Randolph could profile better as a second basemen with his size but has plenty of arm to play third base as well.
San Francisco Giants: Phil Bickford, rhp, JC of Southern Nevada
The former No. 10 overall pick in 2013, Bickford showed positive signs his freshman year at CSU Fullerton before transferring to JC of Southern Nevada to be eligible for the MLB Draft. Bickford has shown a fastball that reaches the mid-90’s and has been able to fine tune his skills with solid performances in the Cape Cod League.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Kolby Allard, lhp, San Clemente (Calif.) HS
If it wasn’t for injury, Allard very well could be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft. The 2014 MVP of Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego, Allard features his 92-94mph fastball and a plus curveball thrown from his smooth and easygoing delivery.
Oakland Athletics: Kyle Funkhouser, rhp, Louisville
Louisville’s ace features a fastball with natural sink thrown around 92-94mph. With a full collection of off-speed pitches, with his slider, curveball, and changeup, his slider has been the one that stands out the most. If it were not for some shaky performances down the stretch for Funkhouser, he very well could be five to ten picks higher than his mock draft spot.
Kansas City Royals: Chris Betts, c, Wilson (Calif.) HS
Betts headed into this season as the top catching prospect, however an elbow injury has caused teams to show signs of concern when thinking about drafting the backstop. Betts would be higher in this draft if he were not shut down earlier in the season with elbow problems.
Detroit Tigers: Cody Ponce, rhp, Cal Poly Pomona
The probable sole NCAA Division II player in this year’s first round, Ponce launched his way onto scout’s radars with his All-Star performance at the Cape Cod League last summer. Ponce remains a raw talent as of now, but could develop four pitches (fastball, cutter, changeup, and curveball) that could make for a frustrating combination for hitters to deal with.
St. Louis Cardinals: Nathan Kirby, lhp, Virginia
The ace of the 2014 College World Series runner-ups, Kirby could develop quickly and help a team like the Cardinals sooner than people realize. Kirby would be drafted much higher if it were not for an injury, but Kirby certainly fits the Cardinals typical prospect profile and the Cardinals system could be a place Kirby could thrive.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Brady Aiken, lhp, IMG Academy
Last years No. 1 pick, Aiken received many comparisons to his would-be Dodgers teammate Clayton Kershaw a year ago. Coming off Tommy John, which will scare off some clubs, however the improvement of the surgery over time will keep Aiken in the first round and could be the most rewarding pick in the 2015 draft when it’s all said and done.
Baltimore Orioles: Kevin Newman, ss, Arizona
Newman is known for his plate discipline and his ability to make contact, which propelled him to win back-to-back batting titles for the Cape Cod League while being the league’s MVP in 2014. His defense and speed are subpar for him to be considered a top prospect, however Newman’s offensive ability keeps him in the first round.
Los Angeles Angels: D.J. Stewart, of, Florida State
A former ACC Player of the Year, Stewart features a strong frame and swing from the left side. Not known for his defensive ability, he projects to stay in one of the corner outfield positions, most likely left field. His ability to make contact and pitch recognition is advanced in comparison to many top players in this year’s draft.
Keep an eye out for our MLB Draft coverage next week!