Fansided

Here’s how the MLB Draft is going to shake out this year (probably)

By Justin Buckhanan

Omaha, NE - JUNE 27: Catcher Adley Rutschman #35 of the Oregon State Beavers singles in the first inning against the Arkansas Razorbacks during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
Omaha, NE - JUNE 27: Catcher Adley Rutschman #35 of the Oregon State Beavers singles in the first inning against the Arkansas Razorbacks during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SC – JUNE 03: Vanderbilt and Clemson played against one another in the NCAA 2018 Division I Baseball Championship regional match up on June 3, 2018 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. JJ Bleday (51) of Vanderbilt at bat. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC – JUNE 03: Vanderbilt and Clemson played against one another in the NCAA 2018 Division I Baseball Championship regional match up on June 3, 2018 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. JJ Bleday (51) of Vanderbilt at bat. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Detroit — J.J. Bleday OF Vanderbilt

Bleday is the latest big-time prospect to be churned out by the Vanderbilt program. Bleday is expected to be the 15th Vandy player to be drafted in the first round since 2007.  Nine of the previous 14, including David Price, Walker Buehler and Dansby Swanson, have already had at least strong careers. There are some concerns about Bleday’s ability to make consistent contact and maintain a playable batting average. However, he clearly has the power to be a mid-order bat, as shown by his 26 home runs this season.

6. San Diego — Riley Greene OF Hagerty HS (Florida)

Greene could go as high as No. 4 to Miami and is also a darling of Detroit’s draft board. But with so many good college bats available, Greene will likely fall to the Padres, who have done an amazing job of building their minor league system in recent years. In a normal draft, Greene would be considered of the top two or three players available. But with the depth of talent this year, Greene goes a little later.

7. Cincinnati — Nick Lodolo LHP Texas Christian

After decent freshman and sophomore seasons, the 6-foot-6, 185-pound Lodolo took off in his junior year. He struck out 131 in 103 innings this season and allowed opposing batter to hit only .203 all season against him. In the process, he cut his ERA by nearly two runs to 2.36 after being over 4.30 in his first two years. Essentially, Lodolo improved in nearly every way possible.

8. Texas — Jackson Rutledge RHP San Jacinto JC (Texas)

At 6-foot-8, 260 pounds, Rutledge is a hoss of a man. He is also not particularly polished, which is typical of young pitchers who are hit size. But when it comes to looking the part, Rutledge has that down pat and Texas is a organization that scouts a lot on raw potential. Texas is also an organization that doesn’t have anything resembling an ace pitcher at the major league level or in the minors.

9. Atlanta — Shea Langeliers C Baylor

Langeliers is a full step removed from Rutschman as a prospects, but if you’re looking for a strong plugh-and-play draft pick, Langeliers is an excellent pick. He projects as capable of hitting .260 with 15 homes runs a year. Most importantly, for an organization that has just about everything young except a catcher, Langeliers makes complete sense.

10. San Francisco Giants — Hunter Bishop OF Arizona State

Don’t be surprised if Bishop goes as high as No. 4 to Miami and San Francisco at No. 10 seems like about as low as you could expect for him. After two mediocre college seasons, Bishop took off as a junior, improving his offensive numbers across the board. In particular, his walk rate improved significantly. After walking only 33 times in his first two years, he walked 47 times this season. He also had 41 extra-base hits in 55 games.

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