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Let’s take a look at where the MLB Draft Class of 2016 is now

By Joshua Sadlock

TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 22: Zack Collins #38 of the Chicago White Sox in action against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 22, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 22: Zack Collins #38 of the Chicago White Sox in action against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 22, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

10. Chicago White Sox: Zack Collins, C, Miami

With the 10th pick in the 2016 draft, the White Sox took Miami catcher Zack Collins. Despite his glaring defensive weaknesses behind the plate, the Sox believed they could get strong offensive production from Collins at a premium position. The backstop had one of the most polished plate approaches in the NCAA and projected to hit for high average with power to all fields in the pro ranks.

The White Sox believed if they could hone Collins’ defense behind the plate that he would make All-Star teams in the big leagues. The 24-year-old is now four years into his career, and his defense has not improved much. Collins is a poor receiver and blocker and is not a good thrower. Despite his solid arm strength, his mechanics hold him back.

Plate discipline was one of the perceived strengths for Collins, and he has drawn plenty of walks so far. He walked 87 times in 2017 and 101 times last season. Unfortunately, his willingness to work counts leads to a high strikeout rate. Collins lets too many hittable pitches pass in the name of patience. He should be producing better numbers than his career .235/.379/.436 line.

Collins has shown respectable power, but his stock has fallen. He is not even a top-10 prospect in the White Sox system or a top-10 catching prospect across the entire league. His offensive numbers would hold up well if he had any hope of being an average defensive catcher, but he appears destined to move to first base. The pick doesn’t look great in hindsight, but the White Sox have built one of the best farm systems in the league and can get by if Collins doesn’t pan out.

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