2023 MLB Mock Draft 2.0: A surprise No. 1 pick?

Dylan Crews and Wyatt Langford have much in common; both have been excelling against ACC pitching and are right-handed hitters. However, Crews displays slightly more potential for power than Langford. Crews’ ability aligns well with the new directive from Tigers’ President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris, who advocates for players capable of controlling the strike zone.

As the Harris era begins, the Tigers’ initial pick appears promising. While there may be speculation that Harris could select a ‘dark horse’ like catcher Teel to maybe have the “smartest guy in the room” title,  it’s unlikely in this situation.

Regardless, if the Pirates do not pick Crews, and he falls to Detroit at three, this should be the choice. Crews has had one of the best seasons by an ACC player and could reach the majors quickly, something the Tigers would not mind with a system that currently thin in the outfield.

Standing at 6-6, Skenes has been a commanding presence for LSU this season. He has hit 102 on the radar gun and striking out 167 in 90 innings of work this season. This is a front line starter who could move quickly through the Nats system. Seems like a no-brainer here at two.

Earlier in the year, Langford was predicted to go number one and because of the season that Crews has had, a vast majority of mock drafts have Crews over Langford. But the Pirates always throw people for loops. Case in point, the pick of Henry Davis, who was not projected to go in the top 5, let alone number one overall.

Langford fell from that distinction because of an injury after taking a foul ball off his own bat and came back in two weeks, which is impressive, considering the injury, which was slated to have a healing time of six weeks.

He is a five-tool player who has put up an impressive resume in his time at Florida. Langford or Crews, you cant go wrong either, both have the potential to reach the majors quickly.