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MLB mock draft: Hunter Greene draws intrigue

By John McCarty

January 14, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; High school pitcher Hunter Greene during the USA Baseball sponsored Dream Series at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
January 14, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; High school pitcher Hunter Greene during the USA Baseball sponsored Dream Series at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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9. Milwaukee Brewers

2016 Record: 73-89

Selection: Pavin Smith, 1B, University of Virginia

Signing Bonus Slot Value: $4,570,000

Milwaukee has been linked to numerous high school position players here, including Kentucky high school Jordon Adell,  as well as numerous college players, both pitchers and hitters. After going with outfielders specifically early in the past three drafts, hard to see the Brewers doing that again.

Much like his previously selected teammate Haseley, Smith’s hit tool is highly advanced, perhaps even more advanced then his teammate. The University of Virginia star, for his career, has more walks then strikeouts, with a solid career batting average (.326) to go go along with really good slugging (.513) and on-base percentage (.402).

Defensively, Smith is solid with quick feet and soft hands. Also, Smith has a strong arm for the position, and some scouts believe he has the arm and hands to play a corner outfield spot.

Concerns with Smith are will his power fully develop, that while he can hit the ball hard to all fields now, will he be able to get the ball over the fence with enough consistency.  If Smith is unable to hit for consistent power, pitchers can attack him without fear of the ball going over the wall. Also, Smith is not very fast, and the limited speed could hinder his ability to move to the outfield should it be needed.

Perhaps as opposed to any other professional league, baseball isn’t usually about drafting a player to replace someone on the roster. In this case, perhaps Pavin Smith is able to be the guy that replaces current first baseman Eric Thames. However, if Smith is able to hit the ground running with the Brewers, he could be in a position to fill a void after the 2019 season.

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