2023 Mock MLB Draft Final: The Pirates control the cards
. Catcher. Oakland Athletics. Kyle Teel. 6. player. 96
Originally, I had Jacob Wilson here, but Kyle Teel’s stock has risen since the ACC Tournament. Now that the A’s are heading to Las Vegas, he could be one of the first draft players to make his debut in Sin City. He can hit for power and average with an advanced approach at the plate. If he can make the adjustment to wooden bats after struggling in Cape Cod last season, he could develop into a solid bat.
2. . OF. Minnesota Twins. Wyatt Langford. 5. player
At first glance, this might seem far-fetched, but when considering negotiation tactics for the number one pick, Pittsburgh might opt to save money for later in the draft by selecting either prep bats Walker Jenkins or Max Clark. They adopted this strategy previously in 2021.
Minnesota, known for favoring college bats, could select catcher Kyle Teel or Jacob Gonzalez, the shortstop from Mississippi, if Wyatt Langford goes as the first pick.
. RHP. Texas Rangers. Noble Meyer. 4. player. 126
Considering Noble Meyer at four follows a certain logic. The Rangers, with their limited bonus pool money and lack of a second or third-round pick, still managed to sign both RHP Kumar Rocker and RHP Brock Porter last season for above slot value at $3,700,000 (the slot value was $560,000). Given the depth of offensive talent in the draft, they might repeat this strategy with a hitter.
Or, they can go with the sure thing and pick Wyatt Langford, should the Pirates go in a different direction at one.