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jbone17
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Greetings, all! This is my second year attempting to predict all 30 picks in the first round. As a reminder the actual draft begins June 4th! Last year I got 4 of 30 correct, so I'm hoping for a better go around. I was only one or two picks off last year from getting more than half correct lol. Without further yammering from me, here is goes!
2018 MLB Mock Draft 1.0
1. Casey Mize, RHP (Tigers)
Analysis: The Tigers have loaded up on pitching in recent drafts and expect that to continue as Mize is the best available arm in the draft. They might be able to get him a bit under slot to save on future picks, but he’s the obvious choice at this juncture to go 1-1
2. Brady Singer, RHP (Giants)
Analysis: It’s no secret the Giants are experiencing pitching woes lately. Singer is the next best arm available and has the potential to be a #2-3 starter if all goes according to plan
3. Jonathan India, 3B (Phillies)
Analysis: If Mize or Singer falls to #3, the Phillies will pounce. If both are selected 1-1 & 1-2, India is your guy. He has just as many walks (45) as strikeouts (45) to go along with his ridiculous .669 secondary average which proves he provides plenty of offensive flare to go along with his advanced plate discipline. Alec Bohm is another option for the Phils to consider
4. Matthew Liberatore, LHP (White Sox)
Analysis: The south-siders have loaded up on pitching in recent drafts and trades. It’s probable Liberatore will be the next hurler to join the Sox ranks. Liberatore has pinpoint control to go along with his four-pitch arsenal; therefore it might be too tantalizing for the Sox to pass up
5. Nick Madrigal, 2B (Reds)
Analysis: When healthy, Madrigal is one of the best contact hitters you’ll see. The Reds have been tinkering with Nick Senzel at second to increase his versatility and it’s possible Madrigal can move around due to his athletic ability. The Reds also have a few picks in the early rounds, so Madrigal could serve as a cost-saving move
6. Logan Gilbert, RHP (Mets)
Analysis: The comparisons are endless. Right handed pitcher. Wavy; curly hair. Throws gas. Stetson alumni. Yes, Gilbert resembles Mets hurler Jacob deGrom in these ways. The good thing about Gilbert is he averaged over 12.0 K per 9. The bad, he surrendered 7 long balls in a poor conference. However, Gilbert’s 6’5” frame to go along with four above average pitches might be what the doctor ordered for a plagued Mets staff
7. Nolan Gorman, 3B (Padres)
Analysis: Gorman will never be confused for a hit-first prospect like Nick Madrigal, but he arguably has the most raw power in the 2018 draft. Gorman is a free-swinger at his current state and there’s no doubt he’s a project. The Padres are a perfect fit for the young masher
8. Jarred Kelenic, OF (Braves)
Analysis: The Braves are known for selecting high school talent and Kelenic certainly fits the bill. He has an advanced hit tool to go along with a well above average arm. He’s a project, but when all said and done you could be looking at a Brett Gardner ceiling. If the Braves pass, expect them to go after a prep arm
9. Alec Bohm, 3B (Athletics)
Analysis: Bohm checks off all the boxes. He has more walks (38) than strikeouts (24) which shows an advanced approach. He’s only whiffed 9.5% in 252 total plate appearances to go along with some sneaky pop (15) homers while hitting .332 this season. If Jarred Kelenic falls here, the A’s will pounce before going with the safe pick in Bohm
10. Joey Bart, C (Pirates)
Analysis: The Pirates would be thrilled to land the best hitting catcher in the draft at 10th. Scouts are very concerned that he won’t stick at catcher long term, albeit his improved defensive abilities. If the Buckos pass on Bart, expect Cole Wilcox or Cole Winn to go here
11. Cole Wilcox, RHP (Orioles)
Analysis: The Orioles selected Georgia native D.L. Hall in last year’s draft and it’s possible the brass stays in that region. Wilcox has a free and easy delivery that’s repeatable. He has an advanced changeup to go along with mid 90’s heat. The only question is whether or not he can turn his below average slider into a true out pitch. Regardless, Wilcox is one of the best prep arms in this draft
12. Jackson Kowar, RHP (Blue Jays)
Analysis: Since 2014, the Blue Jays have selected college players with their first round picks. Expect that trend to continue as Kowar comes off of the board. He’s not as good as Singer due to a high walk rate, but the stuff is there for a high floor (late inning relief option)
13. Cole Winn, RHP (Marlins)
Analysis: The Marlins haven’t selected a college player in the draft since 2013 (Colin Moran). It’s highly likely that trend will continue. Winn is one of the best prep arms in the country with his sound mechanics and above average off speed pitches. If the Marlins pass on Winn, expect high school outfielder Connor Scott to get some love
14. Connor Scott , OF (Mariners)
Analysis: This pick would go against the grain as the Mariners have selected college bats of late, but Scott could have one of the highest ceilings in the draft. He’s fast on the basepaths and has an absolute cannon for an arm. The power might never come, but when you’re compared to Kyle Tucker, there’s room for optimism. He’s a nice project and will go in the first round
15. Carter Stewart, RHP (Rangers)
Analysis: There’s no debating Stewart’s pedigree. He’s a flat out gamer. Stewart has a lights out breaking ball to go along with mid 90’s heat with good life. The remaining question is whether or not his changeup can develop. If so, he’s an easy #3 starter. If not, a late inning reliever is in the cards. His delivery isn’t the prettiest, but it offers some deception
16. Ethan Hankins, RHP (Rays)
Analysis: With multiple picks in the first few rounds, the Rays can afford to gamble on the tall right hander. There’s no one that throws faster than Hankins in the 2018 draft class. His delivery reminds you of a younger Justin Verlander. Hankins throws a slider and curve with the former being more consistent. Hankins has a commitment to Vanderbilt and folks believe it to be a strong one
17. Ryan Rolison, LHP (Angels)
Analysis: Angels 2017 1st rounder Griffin Canning has already made it to Double A. Given that newfound success, it’s possible the Angels select Rolison. The latter has a free and easy delivery that’s repeatable. The only sticking point is his high walk rate. Given his advanced changeup and excellent life on his mid 90’s heater, I wouldn’t anticipate that walk rate to stay high for much longer
18. Mason Denaburg, RHP (Royals)
Analysis: Denaburg doesn’t get as much love as he should due to his strong commitment to Florida, but his curveball could be the best in the entire draft to go along with mid-90’s heat. The Royals have a high bonus pool, so it’s possible they can lure Denaburg away. He has a pitcher’s frame and loads up the zone with decent life on his heater. He’s a project, albeit a nice one
19. Travis Swaggerty, OF (Cardinals)
Analysis: Swaggerty is the definition of an exciting player. He has solid tools across the board with his run tool as the lone standout. The only sticking point is his aggressive approach. He’s making a bunch of contact, but there’s some free swinging there which scouts are hesitant of. Regardless, his floor is a fourth outfielder in the show
20. Ryan Weathers, LHP (Twins)
Analysis: It’s difficult to find holes in Weathers’ game. He offers solid tools across the board. There’s no elite pitch when it comes to the southpaw, but he does everything right on the hill. The Twins will have a nice project on their hands if they decide to pry Weathers from attending Vanderbilt
21. Trevor Larnach, OF (Brewers)
Analysis: Larnach possesses solid tools across the board and has above average plate discipline. He’s not the fleetest of foot, but makes a bunch of contact to go along with some sneaky pop. Larnach is a corner outfielder by trade and is a gamer
22. Shane McClanahan, LHP (Rockies)
Analysis: Left handed pitching is a commodity and when you throw 100 like McClanahan does, you’re going to get some attention. McClanhan is wild with a herky-jerky delivery, but he offers a nasty change to compliment his heat. There’s no doubt he’s a project and the Rockies would be a perfect landing spot for the southpaw
23. Brice Turang, SS (Yankees)
Analysis: It’s anyone’s guess who the Bronx Bombers will select given their inconsistent draft history. One thing is for certain: bet on a Southern California native. It just so happens that Turang fits the bill. Ask me a week later and I’ll most likely have the Yankees taking someone else, but Turang has a boatload of tools and sound instincts top force the brass’s hand
24. Alek Thomas, OF (Cubs)
Analysis: Don’t ask me why, but this just feels like a Theo Epstein pick. Thomas has excellent upside given his athletic ability and good bat to ball skills. He’s only 5’11”, but Thomas has the ability to stick in center long term. Thomas has received Benintendi comps, but I believe it’s a stretch
25. Triston Casas, 1B (D’Backs)
Analysis: The D’Backs took Virginia first baseman Pavin Smith in last years draft and things haven’t gone according to plan. They might opt for the power hitting Casas instead as Paul Goldschmidt’s days in Arizona might be numbered
26. Seth Beer, 1B (Red Sox)
Analysis: Beer has advanced plate discipline and can rake with the best of them. Granted he’s limited defensively at first base, Beer has 25 homer potential down the road. This would be a safe pick for Boston. They might also tinker with the idea of Triston Casas here
27. Griffin Roberts, RHP (Nationals)
Analysis: The right hander has displayed an impressive 12.49 K per 9 this season with Wake Forest, but he’s also thrown 10 wild pitches. His slider could be the best in the draft to go along with a nice three pitch mix. The Nats could use some bullpen help and Roberts could be their man in short order
28. Parker Meadows, OF (Astros)
Analysis: He might not be as highly regarding as Austin Meadows, but younger bro Parker can play. Although no tool really jumps out at you, there’s a chance Parker can develop more power as he matures. There’s some belief he can stick in center which might be too enticing for the Astros to pass on
29. Jordyn Adams, OF (Indians)
Analysis: With another pick coming six slots later, there’s a chance the Indians can steal Adams. The multi-sport athlete could be the fastest guy in the draft and his work ethic is undeniable. There’s a strong chance he plays football at UNC, but he offers huge upside
30. Kumar Rocker, RHP (Dodgers)
Analysis: Rocker throws some serious gas and it has some serious bite. The curveball is no joke either. The one question with Rocker is consistency. The mechanics are free and easy for his huge frame, but repeating it has been troublesome for him. Rocker has a strong commit to Vanderbilt, but the large market Dodgers might be able to pony up some serious green to sign him
2018 MLB Mock Draft 1.0
1. Casey Mize, RHP (Tigers)
Analysis: The Tigers have loaded up on pitching in recent drafts and expect that to continue as Mize is the best available arm in the draft. They might be able to get him a bit under slot to save on future picks, but he’s the obvious choice at this juncture to go 1-1
2. Brady Singer, RHP (Giants)
Analysis: It’s no secret the Giants are experiencing pitching woes lately. Singer is the next best arm available and has the potential to be a #2-3 starter if all goes according to plan
3. Jonathan India, 3B (Phillies)
Analysis: If Mize or Singer falls to #3, the Phillies will pounce. If both are selected 1-1 & 1-2, India is your guy. He has just as many walks (45) as strikeouts (45) to go along with his ridiculous .669 secondary average which proves he provides plenty of offensive flare to go along with his advanced plate discipline. Alec Bohm is another option for the Phils to consider
4. Matthew Liberatore, LHP (White Sox)
Analysis: The south-siders have loaded up on pitching in recent drafts and trades. It’s probable Liberatore will be the next hurler to join the Sox ranks. Liberatore has pinpoint control to go along with his four-pitch arsenal; therefore it might be too tantalizing for the Sox to pass up
5. Nick Madrigal, 2B (Reds)
Analysis: When healthy, Madrigal is one of the best contact hitters you’ll see. The Reds have been tinkering with Nick Senzel at second to increase his versatility and it’s possible Madrigal can move around due to his athletic ability. The Reds also have a few picks in the early rounds, so Madrigal could serve as a cost-saving move
6. Logan Gilbert, RHP (Mets)
Analysis: The comparisons are endless. Right handed pitcher. Wavy; curly hair. Throws gas. Stetson alumni. Yes, Gilbert resembles Mets hurler Jacob deGrom in these ways. The good thing about Gilbert is he averaged over 12.0 K per 9. The bad, he surrendered 7 long balls in a poor conference. However, Gilbert’s 6’5” frame to go along with four above average pitches might be what the doctor ordered for a plagued Mets staff
7. Nolan Gorman, 3B (Padres)
Analysis: Gorman will never be confused for a hit-first prospect like Nick Madrigal, but he arguably has the most raw power in the 2018 draft. Gorman is a free-swinger at his current state and there’s no doubt he’s a project. The Padres are a perfect fit for the young masher
8. Jarred Kelenic, OF (Braves)
Analysis: The Braves are known for selecting high school talent and Kelenic certainly fits the bill. He has an advanced hit tool to go along with a well above average arm. He’s a project, but when all said and done you could be looking at a Brett Gardner ceiling. If the Braves pass, expect them to go after a prep arm
9. Alec Bohm, 3B (Athletics)
Analysis: Bohm checks off all the boxes. He has more walks (38) than strikeouts (24) which shows an advanced approach. He’s only whiffed 9.5% in 252 total plate appearances to go along with some sneaky pop (15) homers while hitting .332 this season. If Jarred Kelenic falls here, the A’s will pounce before going with the safe pick in Bohm
10. Joey Bart, C (Pirates)
Analysis: The Pirates would be thrilled to land the best hitting catcher in the draft at 10th. Scouts are very concerned that he won’t stick at catcher long term, albeit his improved defensive abilities. If the Buckos pass on Bart, expect Cole Wilcox or Cole Winn to go here
11. Cole Wilcox, RHP (Orioles)
Analysis: The Orioles selected Georgia native D.L. Hall in last year’s draft and it’s possible the brass stays in that region. Wilcox has a free and easy delivery that’s repeatable. He has an advanced changeup to go along with mid 90’s heat. The only question is whether or not he can turn his below average slider into a true out pitch. Regardless, Wilcox is one of the best prep arms in this draft
12. Jackson Kowar, RHP (Blue Jays)
Analysis: Since 2014, the Blue Jays have selected college players with their first round picks. Expect that trend to continue as Kowar comes off of the board. He’s not as good as Singer due to a high walk rate, but the stuff is there for a high floor (late inning relief option)
13. Cole Winn, RHP (Marlins)
Analysis: The Marlins haven’t selected a college player in the draft since 2013 (Colin Moran). It’s highly likely that trend will continue. Winn is one of the best prep arms in the country with his sound mechanics and above average off speed pitches. If the Marlins pass on Winn, expect high school outfielder Connor Scott to get some love
14. Connor Scott , OF (Mariners)
Analysis: This pick would go against the grain as the Mariners have selected college bats of late, but Scott could have one of the highest ceilings in the draft. He’s fast on the basepaths and has an absolute cannon for an arm. The power might never come, but when you’re compared to Kyle Tucker, there’s room for optimism. He’s a nice project and will go in the first round
15. Carter Stewart, RHP (Rangers)
Analysis: There’s no debating Stewart’s pedigree. He’s a flat out gamer. Stewart has a lights out breaking ball to go along with mid 90’s heat with good life. The remaining question is whether or not his changeup can develop. If so, he’s an easy #3 starter. If not, a late inning reliever is in the cards. His delivery isn’t the prettiest, but it offers some deception
16. Ethan Hankins, RHP (Rays)
Analysis: With multiple picks in the first few rounds, the Rays can afford to gamble on the tall right hander. There’s no one that throws faster than Hankins in the 2018 draft class. His delivery reminds you of a younger Justin Verlander. Hankins throws a slider and curve with the former being more consistent. Hankins has a commitment to Vanderbilt and folks believe it to be a strong one
17. Ryan Rolison, LHP (Angels)
Analysis: Angels 2017 1st rounder Griffin Canning has already made it to Double A. Given that newfound success, it’s possible the Angels select Rolison. The latter has a free and easy delivery that’s repeatable. The only sticking point is his high walk rate. Given his advanced changeup and excellent life on his mid 90’s heater, I wouldn’t anticipate that walk rate to stay high for much longer
18. Mason Denaburg, RHP (Royals)
Analysis: Denaburg doesn’t get as much love as he should due to his strong commitment to Florida, but his curveball could be the best in the entire draft to go along with mid-90’s heat. The Royals have a high bonus pool, so it’s possible they can lure Denaburg away. He has a pitcher’s frame and loads up the zone with decent life on his heater. He’s a project, albeit a nice one
19. Travis Swaggerty, OF (Cardinals)
Analysis: Swaggerty is the definition of an exciting player. He has solid tools across the board with his run tool as the lone standout. The only sticking point is his aggressive approach. He’s making a bunch of contact, but there’s some free swinging there which scouts are hesitant of. Regardless, his floor is a fourth outfielder in the show
20. Ryan Weathers, LHP (Twins)
Analysis: It’s difficult to find holes in Weathers’ game. He offers solid tools across the board. There’s no elite pitch when it comes to the southpaw, but he does everything right on the hill. The Twins will have a nice project on their hands if they decide to pry Weathers from attending Vanderbilt
21. Trevor Larnach, OF (Brewers)
Analysis: Larnach possesses solid tools across the board and has above average plate discipline. He’s not the fleetest of foot, but makes a bunch of contact to go along with some sneaky pop. Larnach is a corner outfielder by trade and is a gamer
22. Shane McClanahan, LHP (Rockies)
Analysis: Left handed pitching is a commodity and when you throw 100 like McClanahan does, you’re going to get some attention. McClanhan is wild with a herky-jerky delivery, but he offers a nasty change to compliment his heat. There’s no doubt he’s a project and the Rockies would be a perfect landing spot for the southpaw
23. Brice Turang, SS (Yankees)
Analysis: It’s anyone’s guess who the Bronx Bombers will select given their inconsistent draft history. One thing is for certain: bet on a Southern California native. It just so happens that Turang fits the bill. Ask me a week later and I’ll most likely have the Yankees taking someone else, but Turang has a boatload of tools and sound instincts top force the brass’s hand
24. Alek Thomas, OF (Cubs)
Analysis: Don’t ask me why, but this just feels like a Theo Epstein pick. Thomas has excellent upside given his athletic ability and good bat to ball skills. He’s only 5’11”, but Thomas has the ability to stick in center long term. Thomas has received Benintendi comps, but I believe it’s a stretch
25. Triston Casas, 1B (D’Backs)
Analysis: The D’Backs took Virginia first baseman Pavin Smith in last years draft and things haven’t gone according to plan. They might opt for the power hitting Casas instead as Paul Goldschmidt’s days in Arizona might be numbered
26. Seth Beer, 1B (Red Sox)
Analysis: Beer has advanced plate discipline and can rake with the best of them. Granted he’s limited defensively at first base, Beer has 25 homer potential down the road. This would be a safe pick for Boston. They might also tinker with the idea of Triston Casas here
27. Griffin Roberts, RHP (Nationals)
Analysis: The right hander has displayed an impressive 12.49 K per 9 this season with Wake Forest, but he’s also thrown 10 wild pitches. His slider could be the best in the draft to go along with a nice three pitch mix. The Nats could use some bullpen help and Roberts could be their man in short order
28. Parker Meadows, OF (Astros)
Analysis: He might not be as highly regarding as Austin Meadows, but younger bro Parker can play. Although no tool really jumps out at you, there’s a chance Parker can develop more power as he matures. There’s some belief he can stick in center which might be too enticing for the Astros to pass on
29. Jordyn Adams, OF (Indians)
Analysis: With another pick coming six slots later, there’s a chance the Indians can steal Adams. The multi-sport athlete could be the fastest guy in the draft and his work ethic is undeniable. There’s a strong chance he plays football at UNC, but he offers huge upside
30. Kumar Rocker, RHP (Dodgers)
Analysis: Rocker throws some serious gas and it has some serious bite. The curveball is no joke either. The one question with Rocker is consistency. The mechanics are free and easy for his huge frame, but repeating it has been troublesome for him. Rocker has a strong commit to Vanderbilt, but the large market Dodgers might be able to pony up some serious green to sign him
