We are a little less than a month away from when the pitchers and receivers will report to their respective teams and a little over thirty days from the first preseason games.
We can therefore say that it is starting to smell of freshly cut grass. Well…let’s say more in our heads than in reality!
So, given that reality is catching up with us a bit, it gives us time to look a little further back in time, for example the next MLB Draft.
It is still early to have a precise evaluation, but that does not prevent us from getting wet in a hasty way.
So, without further ado, here’s the first version of Passion MLB’s Mock Draft!
The Pittsburgh Pirates got the first pick through the lottery system, while the Oakland A’s were the big losers in the draw, slipping to sixth. For their part, the Minnesota Twins made the biggest leap, moving from thirteenth to fifth.
1 – Pirates: Dylan Crews, OF, LSU
Able to play on the corners of the outfield, the outfielder is known for his power and defensive play. His progress towards the Majors could be the fastest of the vintage, which gives him the advantage against the other contenders.
2 – Nationals: Chase Dollander, RHP, Tennessee
The right-hander is clearly the best pitcher of the lot and he could find himself in the top 2 of an MLB formation in the future. His above-average shifting makes the difference among American gunners.
3 – Tigers: Jacob Gonzalez, SS, Ole Miss
A contact hitter, Gonzalez has improved his power and he still has a lot of potential to develop. The shortstop will never be a Golden Glove defensively, but his athleticism may keep him from changing places on the field.
4 – Rangers: Max Clark, OF, Franklin Community HS (IN)
A very dynamic center fielder, Clark has a speed that will allow him to spend his entire career in this position. His work ethic and seriousness outside the stadium give him the tools to succeed in Major League Baseball.
5 – Twins: Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick HS (NC)
Jenkins is a pure left-handed hitter with raw power, one of the best bats of the 2023 auction. If he remains healthy in the coming years, he who has often been slowed by injuries, it could be the flight of the draft.
6 – A’s: Wyatt Langford, OF, Florida
7 – Reds: Enrique Bradfield, OF, Vanderbilt
8 – Royals: Jacob Wilson, SS, Grand Canyon
9 – Rockies: Aidan Miller, 3B, JW Mitchell HS (FL)
10 – Marlins: Brayden Taylor, 2B/SS, TCU
11 – Angels: Paul Skenes, RHP, LSU
12 – Diamondbacks: Hurston Waldrep, RHP, Florida
13 – Cubs: Rhett Lowder, RHP, Wake Forest
14 – Red Sox: Kevin McGonigle, SS, Monsignor Bonner HS (PA)
15 – White Sox: Noble Meyer, RHP, Jesuit HS (GOLD)
16 – Giants: Matt Shaw, SS, Maryland
17 – Orioles: Thomas White, LHP, Phillips Academy (MA)
18 – Brewers: Arjun Nimmala, SS, Strawberry Crest HS (FL)
19 – Rays: Maui Ahuna, SS, Tennessee
20 – Blue Jays: Travis Honeyman, OF, Boston College
21 – Cardinals: Blake Mitchell, C, Sinton HS
22 – Mariners: Tommy Troy, 2B/SS, Stanford
23 – Guardians: Jack Hurley, OF, Virginia Tech
24 – Braves: Will Sanders, RHP, South Carolina
25 – Padres: Yohandy Morales, 3B, Miami
26 – Yankees: Colt Emerson, SS, John Glenn HS (OH)
27 – Phillies: Cade Kuehler, RHP, Campbell
28 – Astros: Kyle Teel, C, Virginia
29 – Mariners: Charlee Soto, RHP, Reborn Christian HS (FL)
30 – Mariners: Tanner Witt, RHP, Texas
31 – Rays: Colin Houck, SS, Parkview HS (GA)
32 – Mets: Tre Morgan, 1B, LSU
33 – Brewers: Roch Cholowsky, SS, Hamilton HS (CA)
34 – Twins: Eric Bitonti, SS/1B, Aquinas HS (CA)
35 – Marlins: Bryce Eldridge, 1B/RHP, Madison HS (VA)
36 – Dodgers: Ross Dunn, LHP, Arizona State
37 – Tigers: Teddy McGraw, RHP, Wake Forest
38 – Reds: Travis Sykora, RHP, Round Rock HS (TX)
39 – A’s: Liam Peterson, RHP, Calvary Christian HS (FL)
