MLB Mock Draft 2018: Dodgers find a potential ace, Giants replace Buster Posey
By Josh Hill
The MLB Draft is right around the corner, and that means mocking where the next generation of star ballplayers will go.
Unlike other drafts, the order in MLB is set by overall record and not where the team finished. That’s why the Dodgers have the last pick in the first round rather than the second-to-last, and the Indians are picking behind the Astros.
Also unlike most drafts, we probably won’t see any returns on these prospects until at least late-2019 at the earliest. These are guys who will be cropping up for teams around 2020 unless they absolutely prove themselves to be Major League-ready in their time in the minors.
1. Tigers — Casey Mize/RHP/Auburn
This is the stud pick of the draft class, and could be a potential ace for the Tigers down the line.
2. Giants — Joey Bart/C/Georgia Tech
The last time San Francisco picked a Georgia kid to be their catcher, it was Buster Posey. Considering how well that turned out — and the fact that Posey is at the end of his prime — this pick makes sense.
3. Phillies — Travis Swaggerty/OF/South Alabama
Going pitcher here (Brady Singer comes to mind) wouldn’t be the worst idea. But the Phillies need depth and Swaggerty has the potential to anchor the lineup and the outfield for years to come.
4. White Sox — Alec Bohm/3B/Wichita State
Chicago is very much rebuilding itself and could take cues from its North Side brethren in grabbing a top third baseman to be a future franchise player.
5. Reds — Brady Singer/RHP/Florida
After taking two-way sensation Hunter Greene last year, the Reds could add another power arm to its rotation. Singer has nasty stuff, and along with Greene could become a dynamic duo that takes over the NL Central.
6. Mets — Jonathan India/3B/Florida
Florida players going back-to-back is a huge endorsement of both the program in Gainsville and the talent it’s producing. The Mets have been desperately trying to find a new face of the franchise, and there are worse options than a take-two at third.
7. Padres — Carter Stewart/RHP/Eau Gallie High School
Prep arms are always a gamble, but Stewart seems to be legit. San Diego is years away from competing, which could line up with Stewart contributing to this incarnation of the team peaking.
8. Braves — Nolan Gorman/3B/Sandra Day O’Connor High School
According to Keith Law from ESPN, the Braves appear to be zeroing in on Gorman and only him at this slot. So take that for what it’s worth.
9. Athletics — Nick Madrigal/SS/Oregon State
The A’s currently have Marcus Semien at shortstop, but by the time Madrigal gets called up they’ll have a need at the position. There’s a lot to love about this kid and if he slides here, Billy Beane is going to need a walk around the block.
10. Pirates — Grayson Rodriguez/RHP/Central Heights High School
Pittsburgh needs to reload, and Rodriguez’s career timeline matches where the Pirates should be in a few years. He has ace potential, something the Bucs need.
11. Orioles — Matthew Liberatore/LHP/Mountain Ridge High School
Baltimore going with a prep arm here is dicey, but Liberatore is one of the most promising lefties in the country. He’ll be a commodity as the draft nears, and the Orioles landing him here could end up being a steal.
12. Blue Jays — Jarred Kelenic/OF/Waukesha West High School
A prep bat for Toronto means they’ll have to wait on his impact, but Kelenic is perhaps the best non-pitching prep prospect in the draft.
13. Marlins — Shane McClanahan/LHP/South Florida
Sticking close to home to find a future ace might be the best move for Miami. McClanahan is years away from contributing but could be a great value pick here in the long run.
14. Mariners — Ryan Rolison/LHP/Ole Miss
If it needs to happen, the Mariners will draft a prep prospect here but that’ll be unheard of in the draft history of Jerry DiPoto. Rolison is a polished college pitcher and might be able to contribute sooner than people expect.
15. Rangers — Ryan Weather/LHP/Loretto High School
Speaking of polished arms, Weather is considered to be as such by scouts who have looked at prep arms throughout the country. Texas needs to invest future stock in its pitching, and Weather seems like a safe bet.