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MLB Draft 2017: Royce Lewis goes No. 1 overall to Twins

By Sarabeth Pollock

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 21: A Minnesota Twins hat and glove sit in the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 21, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 21: A Minnesota Twins hat and glove sit in the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 21, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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The 2017 MLB Draft has arrived and the Minnesota Twins have the first pick. With the No. 1 pick on the line, who did they choose?

The Minnesota Twins had the first pick in the 2017 MLB Draft and the team selected Royce Lewis (SS/OF) from Jesuit Serra Catholic High School to join their ranks.

Lewis was one of the most dominant position players available. He’s compared to a young George Springer with great bat speed and excellent athleticism.

Minnesota was able to make their selection from the cream of the crop. As of Draft Day, Baseball America released their Top 5 list and it looked like this:

  1. Hunter Greene (RHP/SS Notre Dame HS (CA))
  2. Kyle Wright (RHP, Vanderbilt)
  3. Brendan McKay (LHP/1B, Louisville)
  4. Mackenzie Gore (LHP, Whiteville HS (NC))
  5. Royce Lewis (SS/OF, Jesuit Serra Catholic HS (CA))

Hunter Greene, notably, has been getting looks for years with his smoldering 102 mph fastball and a home run derby title to his name. He was also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in May 2017, which introduced the baseball phenom to the world. However, he’s just one of the three high school students in the Baseball America Top 5 list.

There was a lot of speculation ahead of the MLB Draft with everything hinging upon what the Twins did with their selection. If they wanted an arm then Hunter Greene or Brendan McKay would make the most sense, and early predictions show that the Twins would lean toward McKay. If McKay went No. 1, then it was likely the Reds would pick up Greene at No. 2, and the Braves might grab Kyle Wright in the No. 5 spot. But again, it all hinged upon the Twins’ selection. With the selection of Lewis, the Twins shake up the entire draft.

The Twins are sitting on top of the American League Central standings this year with a 32-27 record. They’re having a great season and the addition of Royce Lewis will strengthen their depth whether he plays shortstop or centerfield.

Next: Top Starting Pitcher Of All-Time From Every MLB Team

In addition to the No. 1 pick, the Twins will also have the No. 35 and No. 37 pick on Day One of the MLB Draft. The Draft continues on Tuesday, June 13.

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