2015 MLB Draft Picks: Live Team-by-Team Day 1 Grades and Analysis
The 2015 MLB draft has officially arrived, as the next wave of high school and college talent is set to join the professional ranks.
The three-day event kicked off on Monday night with the first two rounds, and 75 selections total.
All 75 of those picks are laid out team-by-team in the following article, with expert scouting reports, pick analysis and draft grades provided for each selection.
Things get going again tomorrow with rounds 3-10 beginning at 1 p.m. ET, but for now let's dive into who each team picked on the first day of the 2015 MLB draft.
Arizona Diamondbacks
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First Round (No. 1 Overall): Dansby Swanson, SS, Vanderbilt
A smooth fielder at shortstop and a .348/.441/.648 hitter with 14 home runs and 61 RBI at the plate, Dansby Swanson is a finalist for the Golden Spikes award after a fantastic junior season at Vanderbilt.
The scouting report on Swanson, courtesy of Baseball America:
"He has the athleticism, range and hands necessary for the position. Swanson is a well-rounded hitter. He has a quick, loose swing that allows him to produce hard contact to all fields. He is a patient hitter who knows how to work a walk and has a sound two-strike approach. He has some pop in his bat, especially when he can turn on the ball but gears his swing more for hitting line drives. He is a plus runner and knows how to steal bases.
"
Swanson probably had the highest floor of any position player in this draft, but he also has the ceiling to make a Alan Trammell-type impact at the plate, with a 15-homer ceiling and .300-average potential.
Grade: A
The Diamondbacks are a young team on the rise, and Swanson gives them a potential cornerstone player alongside Paul Goldschmidt. It was the right pick here at 1-1, as high school shortstop Brendan Rodgers is more of a project.
Second Round (No. 43 Overall): Alex Young, LHP, TCU
A second-team All-American, Young went 9-2 with a 2.39 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 83 innings of work for the Horned Frogs this spring. The left-hander made the jump from reliever to starter this season, and his changeup has been used more as a result, but that third pitch is still a work in progress.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
The Diamondbacks grabbed a potential cornerstone player in Swanson and an advanced left-handed college arm in Young, two guys that should be able to help out at the big league level in the near future. A solid day at the top of the draft.
Atlanta Braves
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First Round (No. 14 Overall): Kolby Allard, LHP, San Clemente HS (Ca.)
The Braves have a history of grabbing top high school talent out of their own state, so you have to wonder if they at least considered Daz Cameron here, but with three of the top 55 picks this pick makes a lot more sense financially.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo had the following to say about Allard:
"He has two plus pitches in his 92-94 mph fastball that tops out at 96 and a tight curveball. Allard's third pitch is a changeup that needs more work. He has an easy delivery that enhances his ability to command his pitches and his chances to remain a starter despite his smaller build.
"
Grade: A
Allard was the top left-handed high school arm in the class, and he already possess two plus pitches with his fastball/curveball combination. This will be a big draft for the Braves as they continue to restock for the future, and they got a good high-floor/high-ceiling arm in Allard to kick things off.
Compensation Round (No. 28 Overall): Michael Soroka, RHP, Bishop Carroll HS (AB)
The best Canadian arm in this year's class, Soroka is the highest player drafted out of Alberta since Chris Reitsma was taken No. 34 overall in 1996 by the Boston Red Sox.
Baseball America had this to say about Soroka:
"Soroka attacks hitters with a low 90s fastball that he can spot down and to both sides of the plate. His best pitch is his above-average curveball, which projects as a plus pitch. Soroka also has feel for a changeup, which scouts see as a potential average pitch.
"
Grade: B+
With two more picks on Day 1, it makes sense that the Braves would reach a bit here in an effort to save some money. Soroka does not have the same ceiling as some of the other high school arms taken here in the top 30 picks, but his ceiling is relatively high with two plus pitches already.
Competitive Balance A (No. 41 Overall): Austin Riley, 3B, DeSoto Central HS (MS)
A two-way player who was viewed more as a pitcher heading into the spring, Riley saw his offensive game take off while his stuff on the mound leveled off. He has the raw power and arm strength to stick at third base after playing mostly shortstop in high school. This was a fairly significant reach, though.
Grade: B-
Second Round (No. 54 Overall): Lucas Herbert, C, San Clemente HS (Ca.)
After taking left-hander Kolby Allard at No. 14 overall, the Braves took his battery mate in Herbert with their second-round selection. He profiles as a glove-first catcher at this point, but there is some pop in his bat.
Grade: B+
Competitive Balance B (No. 75 Overall): A.J. Minter, LHP, Texas A&M
Injuries have been an issue for Minter throughout his time at College Station, but when he's healthy he's flashed first-round stuff. He projects as a reliever given his two-pitch mix and health problems, and he could move quickly once he gets healthy.
Grade: C-
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B+
After taking the top high school lefty in Allard at No. 14 overall, the Braves reached to some degree on each of their next four picks. They still managed to get some quality with those selections, and that should set them up to be one of the more aggressive teams on Day 2.
Baltimore Orioles
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First Round (No. 25 Overall): D.J. Stewart, OF, Florida State
The NCAA leader in walks with 69 in 64 games, Stewart hit .318/.500/.593 with 15 home runs and 59 RBI as the top hitter on a good Florida State team.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com said the following about Stewart:
"Stewart has a quick left-handed stroke, strength and patience. He has plus raw power but he doesn't fully tap into it because he bats from an extreme crouch and has a flat swing. He might hit 20 homers per season if he stands more upright and adds some loft. Though he's listed at 6 feet and 230 pounds, he's a better athlete than his build might indicate.
"
The Orioles have gone with a pitcher with their top draft pick in five of the past six drafts, with the exception being Manny Machado at No. 3 overall in 2010, so this pick represents a shift in strategy of sorts.
Grade: A
If there's one thing that translates from the college game to pros it's plate discipline, and no one was better in that department this past season than Stewart. He should move fairly quickly, and with the corner outfield spots a revolving door of sorts in Baltimore, this pick makes sense.
Compensation Round (No. 35 Overall): Ryan Mountcastle, SS, Hagerty HS (FL)
While Brendan Rodgers was the big draw among Florida high school shortstops, Mountcastle was a highly-regarded prospect in his own right.
Here's what Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com had to say:
"Mountcastle stands out most for his hitting ability. His tremendous bat speed leads to elite exit velocity when he squares balls up, giving him above-average power. He has a loose swing and does a good job of making adjustments to make consistent contact. Defensively, Mountcastle isn't as advanced. He'll likely either end up at third base or in the outfield at the next level.
"
Grade: B-
Mountcastle has legitimate offensive upside, but this is a reach as he was ranked No. 110 by MLB.com and No. 122 by Baseball America. Could save the team some money, but there were better high school bats available.
Second Round (No. 68 Overall): Jonathan Hughes, RHP, Flowery Branch HS (FL)
His mechanics need some work, and he doesn't have much projectability in his 6'1" frame, but Hughes is still one of the hardest throwers in the class. He has a solid fastball/slider mix right now, and that could play up if he winds up in the bullpen long-term. This was still a big reach, though, as he came in at No. 255 in the Baseball America rankings.
Grade: C
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B+
Love the selection of Stewart in the first round, as he could help that team in the very near future at a corner outfield spot, but the other two picks were big reaches. We'll see what they do to back that up on Day 2.
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Boston Red Sox
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First Round (No. 7 Overall): Andrew Benintendi, OF, Arkansas
The breakout college player of the year, Benintendi was not even on the draft radar heading into the season, but he hit .380/.489/.715 with 13 doubles, 19 home runs and 55 RBI.
Benintendi drew the following praise from Baseball America:
"He has extremely strong forearms and has shown plus raw power that plays in games, with the ability to drive the ball to all fields but with most of his home runs coming to his pull side. And he does it with a very balanced approach and excellent pitch recognition. He's striking out in only 11 percent of plate appearances, while getting extra-base hits in 13 percent of his plate appearances. He is also a legitimate center fielder with above-average to plus run times and excellent reads and instincts.
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It remains to be seen how well his power will play at the pro level, but Benintendi is a terrific all-around athlete and he should have no problem sticking in center field and making an offensive impact.
Grade: B
In a draft class thin on college bats, the Red Sox grabbed one of the better ones with their only pick here on Day 1. It's not a clear need given their already crowded outfield situation, but in a farm system already loaded with arms adding more position player talent made sense.
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B
The Red Sox will have plenty of draft pool money to offer up above-slot deals in the later rounds with only one pick on Day 1, so going with a safe pick who won't cost above slot at No. 7 overall was a smart play.
Chicago Cubs
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First Round (No. 9 Overall): Ian Happ, 2B/OF, Cincinnati
For the third year in a row, the Cubs select what they viewed as the best available college bat with their top draft choice.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com said this about the highest draft pick in University of Cincinnati history:
"A switch-hitter who's better from the left side of the plate, he has good balance and controls the strike zone well. Add in some deceptive strength, and he should hit for average and power. Happ played mostly second base in 2013 and does have solid speed and arm strength, so a pro team could try him in the infield. But he lacks smooth infield actions, hasn't played regularly on the dirt since his freshman year and fits best on an outfield corner.
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His defensive versatility and offensive tools have drawn comparisons Ben Zobrist, who was a Joe Maddon favorite, and he's another advanced bat. Happ hit .369/.492/.672 with 18 doubles and 14 home runs.
Grade: B
Happ was the best college bat on the board at No. 9, and he fits the strategy Theo Epstein and Co. have employed since they first took charge of the club. Had Carson Fulmer slipped to No. 9 I think he would have been the pick, but it gives the team another terrific young bat.
Second Round (No. 47 Overall): Donnie Dewees, OF, North Florida
Dewees earned First-Team All-American honors with a monster sophomore season at North Florida. The left-handed hitter put up a .422/.483/.749 line with 12 doubles, eight triples, 18 home runs and 68 RBI while also swiping 23 bases.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A-
There is still a clear need for pitching, but the Cubs continue to stock up on bats and it's hard to argue with their results the past few seasons. Expect them to target some above-slot arms on Day 2 like they did last year.
Chicago White Sox
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First Round (No. 8 Overall): Carson Fulmer, RHP, Vanderbilt
The second Vanderbilt player and third college arm off the board, Fulmer has electric stuff, though his long-term role is still unclear.
Fulmer picked up the following scouting report from Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com:
"Fulmer has an electric arm that delivers 93-97-mph fastballs and power breaking balls. His changeup is an effective third pitch and coaches and scouts alike rave about his competitive makeup. Some scouts think he'd be best off channeling his energy into becoming a closer because he lacks size, his delivery features effort and his control can get wobbly at times.
"
As an under-sized right-hander out of Vanderbilt with a plus curveball the Sonny Gray comparisons are inevitable, but I like St. Louis Cardinals starter Carlos Martinez as my pro comparison.
Both pitchers are a ball of energy on the mound, and both have electric fastballs with breaking ball/changeup combination that can be dominant at times.
Reigning in that energy and honing his command will be the key to Fulmer progressing through the pro ranks, and those are the same hurdles Martinez has been dealing with while making the transition from relieving to starting.
Grade: A
For the second year in a row, the White Sox were able to grab what most would consider to be the top college arm in the country, after Carlos Rodon fell to them at No. 3 overall last year.
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
Fulmer could rival Tyler Jay to be the first player from this class to the majors if he is moved to the bullpen full-time, but expect the White Sox to give him every chance to start. In terms of pure stuff, he's as good as any arm in this class.
Cincinnati Reds
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First Round (No. 11 Overall): Tyler Stephenson, C, Kennesaw Mountain HS (Ga.)
All reports leading up to the draft had the Reds enamored with the top catcher in the class in Stephenson, and they did indeed grab the Georgia backstop at No. 11 overall.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo put together the following scouting report on Stephenson:
"Stephenson's combination of strength, bat speed and loft in his right-handed swing translate into huge raw power. There are some concerns about his ability to make contact against pro-level pitching, however, because his swing can get long. His strong hands and arm translate into quality receiving and throwing skills, and he has surprising agility for a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder.
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Due to his size and offensive tools, Stephenson has drawn comparisons to Matt Wieters, and he should have no problem sticking behind the plate.
Grade: A
The Reds got their guy here, and that type of raw power from a sure-fire catching prospect doesn't come along very often. High school catchers obviously have a shaky history this high in the draft, but Stephenson immediately becomes one of the top catching prospects in the league.
Second Round (No. 49 Overall): Antonio Santillan, RHP, Seguin HS (TX)
Santillan is a big 6'3" and 240-pound power pitcher who can touch 98 on his fastball and has a hammer curve as his second pitch. His mechanics need a lot of work, and he's definitely a project, but in terms of raw stuff he has the arm to make an impact.
Grade: B-
Competitive Balance B (No. 71 Overall): Tanner Rainey, RHP, West Alabama
Rainey ranked among Division-II offensive leaders with 17 home runs and an .827 slugging percentage while playing first base, but his pro future is on the mound. With a fastball that can touch 97 and a mid-80s slider, he has the prototypical late-inning repertoire. However, with a big 6'2" and 235-pound frame, he could get a look as a starter.
Grade: B+
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B
Day 1 was a win for the Reds, as they managed to get their guy in Stephenson at No. 11 overall. They say you can't teach velocity, and they won't have to with their two second-round picks, as both guys can dial it up into the high-90s and could make an impact in the late innings.
Cleveland Indians
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First Round (No. 17 Overall): Brady Aiken, LHP, IMG Academy
Most know the story of Brady Aiken by now, as he was taken with the No. 1 overall pick last season but failed to sign after failing his physical. The concerns about the structure of his arm proved to be warranted, as he left his first start of the spring and wound up needing Tommy John surgery.
Baseball America provided the following scouting report:
"Aiken had no physical problems leading up to the 2014 draft and, when he was healthy, had as much promise as anyone. His fastball touched 97 mph and sat in the low 90s. He located the pitch well to both sides of the plate while mixing in a plus curveball, a promising changeup and a developing slider. He has a clean, fluid delivery, an ideal pitcher's frame and plenty of athleticism.
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Aiken drew comparisons to Clayton Kershaw heading into last year's draft, and that potential is still there if he can get and stay healthy. A more conservative comparison might be Seattle Mariners lefty James Paxton, as they have similar size and repertoires.
Grade: A+
I love the Indians taking a chance on Aiken here. In a class thin on bats, rolling the dice on Aiken's potential makes sense as opposed to going with a safer college arm, as the team already has a terrific pitching staff in place but are lacking in true impact prospects.
Competitive Round A (No. 42 Overall): Triston McKenzie, RHP, Royal Palm Beach HS (Fla.)
There is plenty of projectability in the 6'5" and 160-pound frame of McKenzie, as he can already dial his fastball up to 92 and that velocity should only improve as he fills out. He also has the makings of a solid curveball/changeup mix, and could take off in the pro ranks.
Grade: A
Second Round (No. 59 Overall): Juan Hillman, LHP, Olympia HS (FL)
A teammate of last year's No. 5 overall pick Nick Gordon, The left-hander already possesses a solid three-pitch mix with a low-90s fastball, plus curveball and developing changeup, and his 6'2" frame has room to fill out.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
The Indians rolled the dice on Brady Aiken with their first-round pick, then scooped up two high-upside high school arms that have the potential to be legitimate top prospects once they fill out. Again, this is a team lacking impact prospects behind Francisco Lindor, so taking a chance on some high-ceiling guys made sense.
Colorado Rockies
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First Round (No. 3 Overall): Brendan Rodgers, SS, Lake Mary HS (Fla.)
The consensus top high school player in the country, Rodgers makes it three straight shortstops to open the draft, and while it may take him some time he has the tools to wind up being the best of the bunch.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo said the following about Rodgers:
"Rodgers has gotten considerably stronger in the last year and he generates power with an easy, compact stroke. He doesn't have to muscle up to hit home runs, and his bat speed and all-fields approach bode well for his ability to hit for average as a pro. A quality athlete with solid speed and above-average arm strength, Rodgers should be able to remain at shortstop.
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Rodgers draws comparisons to Addison Russell for his similar polish offensively coming out of high school, though he has more power and could wind up at third base long-term.
Grade: A-
Rodgers was the best available player at No. 3 overall, and with the future of Troy Tulowitzki in Colorado up in the air, this gives the team a contingency plan and a potential star at the position to replace him. That being said, this franchise still needs impact pitching help if they're ever going to turn things around.
Compensation Round (No. 27 Overall): Mike Nikorak, RHP, Stroudsburg HS (PA)
This pick comes as compensation for losing Michael Cuddyer, and the Rockies went with perhaps the top remaining high school arm on the board.
Here is what Baseball America had to say about Nikorak:
"He did exactly what scouts could have asked of him in the winter, hitting the weight room and adding meat to his 6-foot-3 frame, developing into an imposing power pitcher. With a clean arm action and outstanding athleticism, the 6-foot-5, 215-pounder has peaked at 97 mph this spring, with flashes of above-average offspeed stuff and command of his three-pitch mix...He has the potential to develop into an impact starter at the major league level.
"
After going with Rodgers in the first round, this pick had to be pitching, and Nikorak has as much upside as anyone left on the board here.
Grade: B
Kyle Funkhouser or Jon Harris would have been safer picks here for a pitching-starved franchise, but Nikorak has a chance to be special.
Competitive Balance A (No. 38 Overall): Tyler Nevin, 3B, Poway HS (Ca.)
The son of former No. 1 overall pick Phil Nevin, Tyler has some solid offensive upside and is one of the more advanced high school bats in the class.
Grade: A
Second Round (No. 44 Overall): Peter Lambert, RHP, San Dimas HS (Ca.)
A UCLA recruit, Lambert pitched for the 18U Team USA squad last summer, and he already features a solid three-pitch repertoire with a low-90s fastball, 12-6 curveball and decent changeup. The pitchability is there, it's just a matter of filling out and adding strength.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A-
The Rockies opted to draft on upside, selecting four high schoolers with their Day 1 picks. That carries a certain amount of risk, but considering this is a team in major need of an overhaul, high-ceiling talent is what they should be targeting.
Detroit Tigers
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First Round (No. 22 Overall): Beau Burroughs, RHP, Weatherford HS (TX)
The run on high school arms has begun, and the Tigers got in the fun by taking Texas high school right-hander Beau Burroughs.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo had this to say about Burroughs:
"Burrows lacks prototypical size at 6-foot-1, but he generates his velocity with a quick arm and works down in the strike zone thanks to his high three-quarters arm slot. His delivery also helps him stay on top of his power curveball, which can be a plus pitch. His changeup has its moments as well. Though Burrows doesn't have much physical projection remaining, he already has enough stuff and just needs more consistency.
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Burroughs has some work to do on his changeup, but his fastball/curveball combination would play in the bullpen right now. He'll be given every chance to start, though, and his ceiling is right there with any high school arm in the class.
Grade: B
With Kyle Funkhouser, Jon Harris and Walker Buehler all still on the board, this pick was something of a surprise, but Burroughs has as much potential as any of those guys and a higher ceiling.
Compensation Round (No. 34 Overall): Christin Stewart, OF, Tennessee
Another college bat drafted higher than expected due to the thin class, Stewart played with Team USA last summer before starring with Tennessee this spring.
The scouting report from Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com:
"The Tennessee outfielder has always shown a good amount of bat speed, but in the past it's typically generated more line drives than loft, more extra-base gap power than over-the-fence pop. A team that thinks Stewart can tap into his bat speed and strength and provide more consistent power will take him early as a potential every day corner outfielder.
"
Tucker hit .311/.443/.633 with 15 home runs and 47 RBI this spring, and that jump in power was enough for him to climb up the board.
Grade: A
This should be a solid below-slot pick for the Tigers to allow them some flexibility in the later rounds.
Second Round (No. 65 Overall): Tyler Alexander, LHP, TCU
Perhaps the biggest reach of Day 1, Alexander was ranked as the No. 327 overall prospect by Baseball America. The draft-eligible sophomore was 6-2 with a 2.86 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 91.1 innings, and he profiles as a control pitcher.
Grade: C+
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B
The Tigers should have plenty of money to sign Burroughs away from his commitment to Texas A&M, as both Stewart and Alexander figure to sign for well below their slot value. That should put them in the market to take a run at some above-slot guys on Day 2.
Houston Astros
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First Round (No. 2 Overall): Alex Bregman, SS, LSU
The Houston Astros have their middle infield seemingly set with Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa, but you can never have enough middle infield talent.
Baseball America had this to say about the LSU shortstop:
"Blessed with excellent bat speed, Bregman has a flat bat path and contact-oriented swing that fits well with his excellent hand-eye coordination. He's proven to be a very reliable shortstop and a number of evaluators believe he will be able to stick at shortstop as a pro with average range, an accurate, average arm and quality hands.
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The somewhat under-sized Bregman has drawn comparisons to Dustin Pedroia, and he hit .312/.406/.534 with 22 doubles and nine home runs so there is some pop there despite his size.
Grade: B+
Considering there is not a clear need up the middle for the Astros, they may have been better suited taking a chance on high school shortstop Brendan Rodgers who has a higher ceiling. Bregman has the talent to make an impact, though, and they can sort out where he plays when the time comes.
First Round (No. 5 Overall): Kyle Tucker, OF, H.B. Plant HS (Fla.)
The younger brother of current Astros outfielder Preston Tucker, high school outfielder Kyle Tucker has a significantly higher ceiling than his brother.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com had this to say about Tucker:
"Tucker has one of the purest swings and best bats in the 2015 high school crop. He makes consistent hard contact and, once he fills out his lanky frame, he could be a plus hitter in both average and power. He should have average-or-better tools across the board. He'll likely move from center field to a corner spot in pro ball and has the arm strength needed to play right.
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His smooth lefty swing has drawn lofty comparisons to the likes of Darryl Strawberry, Ken Griffey Jr. and even Ted Williams, but a more realistic expectation for what he might become could be former New York Yankees outfielder Paul O'Neill in his prime.
Grade: A
Great pick for the Astros, who get perhaps the best pure hitter in the draft, and keep the Tucker brothers together.
Competitive Balance A (No. 37 Overall): Daz Cameron, OF, Eagle's Landing Christian (Ga.)
The most hyped high school sophomore since Justin Upton, Cameron has been on the prospect radar for a long time now, but as big asking price and a less-than-dominant senior season left him outside of the first round.
The scouting report on Cameron, courtesy of Baseball America:
"His exceptional hand-eye coordination and incredibly fast hands give him a chance to make the necessary adjustments as he gets more experience. He is content to drive the gaps now, but he produces elite bat speed and has the potential for above-average power. Cameron is a smooth defender in center field, thanks to his advanced outfield actions and instincts.
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The easy comparison is to his dad, former All-Star Mike Cameron, and in terms of raw tools Daz has as much upside as any prospect in the draft.
Grade: A+
According to Jim Callis of MLB.com, Cameron is looking for a bonus in the $5 million range, so this is going to be a tough sign. That said, he's well worth snapping up here at No. 37 and hoping that price comes down.
Second Round (No. 46 Overall): Thomas Eshelman, RHP, Cal State Fullerton
Eshelman is the prototypical "pitchability" college starter, as his stuff is average across the board, but he has some of the best command in the entire class. His ceiling isn't all that high, but he should be able to contribute in some form.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A+
Great-looking first day for the Astros, a good mix of safe picks and risks, and this is an A++ if they can find a way to sign Cameron.
Kansas City Royals
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First Round (No. 21 Overall): Ashe Russell, RHP, Cathedral HS (In.)
Cathedral High School has recently produced Tommy Hunter and Jake Fox, but right-hander Ashe Russell has all the tools to blow them away as far as his big league career is concerned.
Baseball America had this to say about the high school right-hander:
"Russell is blessed with a very quick arm that has consistently sat at 92-94 mph and has touched 97 at his best. That fastball seems to explode from his hand and he gets good extension. But even more than the velocity, the late boring action of Russell's fastball makes it a plus pitch and one that should generate lots of ground balls. His low three-quarters arm slot also helps the action of his above-average low 80s slider.
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Russell has drawn comparisons to Clay Buchholz for more than just his hair, and while he has work to do on developing a third pitch after dominating with two offerings, his fastball/slider combination is electric.
Grade: A+
Russell had as much upside as any high school arm in the class, and after going the safe route with Brandon Finnegan last year, taking a chance on developing a high schooler made a lot of sense here.
Compensation Round (No. 33 Overall): Nolan Watson, RHP, Lawrence North HS (IN)
Watson is a Vanderbilt commit, so he could be a tough sign, but this is a lot higher than most expected him to go so the Royals may be able to buy him out of that commitment.
Baseball America's scouting report on the right-hander:
"This spring he’s generally been sitting 90-93 mph with his fastball, touching 96 at his best. He also features a promising low-80s slider and has shown some feel for his developing changeup. His delivery shows no obvious red flags and he’s generally around the strike zone.
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Interestingly enough, Russell and Watson were teammates on the EvoShield Canes during the summer, and they will have a chance to climb the Royals' organizational ranks together.
Grade: A
Watson was one of the biggest helium guys of the class among high school arms, and climbing into first round money could be enough for him to back out of his Vandy commitment.
Second Round (No. 64 Overall): Josh Staumont, RHP, Azusa Pacific University
Staumont is rough around the edges, but he can touch triple-digits with his fastball, and it comes with relatively smooth mechanics. Command is an issue, as is his lack of polished secondary stuff, but the arm strength is impossible to ignore.
The 6'3" right-hander was 6-2 with a 3.67 ERA, 54 walks and 109 strikeouts in 68.2 innings.
Grade: B+
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
The Royals are one of the big winners of Day 1 for me. They picked up what I thought was the best high school arm in the class in Russell, one of the biggest pop-up prospects in Watson and a project guy with triple-digit velocity in Staumont. What's not to like?
Los Angeles Angels
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First Round (No. 26 Overall): Taylor Ward, C, Fresno State
Most had California high schooler Chris Betts pegged as the No. 2 catcher of the draft class, but the Angels opted to go the college route and select Tyler Ward with something of a reach.
This is what Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com had to say:
"While he's hit some in college, his offensive game does lag behind his defense at this point, though he'll flash glimpses of some pull power. He is athletic and runs well for a catcher. Ward has the behind-the-plate skills to at least be a strong Major League backup. The team that takes him early will be the one that thinks he'll hit enough to be a regular backstop at the highest level.
"
Ward hit .304/.413/.486 with seven home runs and 42 RBI for the Bulldogs this spring, so there is some hope that his bat will eventually come around.
Grade: C
This is another pick that was likely made with an eye on targeting some above-slot guys later on in the draft. If that's how things play out, it makes sense, but for now we'll go with a "C" grade.
Second Round (No. 70 Overall): Jahmai Jones, 2B/OF, Wesleyan HS (Ga.)
Jones comes from a football family, and he was an honorable mention All-State receiver as a sophomore, but he's committed to baseball. He's spent time at second base, and his value would be significantly higher if he can find a way to stay there, but his bat should play in the outfield as well.
Grade: B+
Final Day 1 Team Grade: C
The Angels are clearly eyeing a busy Day 2 after reaching big-time for Ward with the final pick of the first round, so we'll have to wait and see what their plan is for the rest of the draft.
Los Angeles Dodgers
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First Round (No. 24 Overall): Walker Buehler, RHP, Vanderbilt
The third Vanderbilt player taken in the first round, Buehler teamed with Carson Fulmer to give the Commodores a dynamic one-two punch in their rotation this season.
This was what Baseball America had to say about the Vanderbilt starter:
"At his best, Buehler has four above-average offerings. He throws his fastball in the low to mid 90s, though it doesn't have a ton of life. His curveball and slider both show promise and he has a good feel for spinning the baseball, but they run together at times. He gets good fading action on his changeup. Scouts have more confidence that Buehler will be able to remain in the rotation thanks to his deep arsenal, athleticism and more polished delivery.
"
Buehler does not have the same upside as Fulmer, but he's a more polished pitcher at this point, and he should move as quickly as any starter in the class.
Grade: A+
Buehler was ranked as the No. 11 prospect by MLB.com and No. 12 by Baseball America, so this looks like a solid value pick for the Dodgers. He should be able to stick as a starter, despite his undersized frame, and he has actually drawn some comparisons to current Dodgers starter Zack Greinke for his size and athleticism.
Compensation Round (No. 35 Overall): Kyle Funkhouser, RHP, Louisville
There's a time when Funkhouser was in the mix to be the No. 1 overall pick, but inconsistent performance this spring caused him to slip down the board.
The first Louisville player to be taken in the first round, here's what Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com had to say:
"Funkhouser has a solid three-pitch mix that begins with a 92-96 mph fastball. Both his slider and changeup show flashes of becoming plus offerings as well. Funkhouser's 6-foot-2, 218-pound frame is built for durability. There's some effort to his delivery, though not enough to lead scouts to think he'll wind up in the bullpen. His biggest need is to improve the consistency of his control and command.
"
Funkhouser was 8-5 with a 3.20 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 112.1 innings of work.
Grade: A+
Another college arm slips to the Dodgers, and here at No. 35 overall, Funkhouser is well worth taking a flier on. That said, there's a chance he could return for his senior season now that his stock has dropped.
Second Round (No. 67 Overall): Mitch Hansen, OF, Plano HS (TX)
The No. 38 prospect according to MLB.com and No. 43 by Baseball America, Hansen does not have one clear standout tool, but should do a little bit of everything at the pro level. The left-handed hitter can play all three outfield spots, and he's drawn comparisons to Michael Saunders.
Grade: A
Competitive Balance B (No. 74 Overall): Josh Sborz, RHP, Virginia
This was a bit of a reach, but outside of Tyler Jay, there might not be a more MLB-ready player picked on Day 1 of the draft. Sborz is essentially a finished product, but he could see the majors by season's end after saving 14 games with a 1.95 ERA, 7.8 K/9 as the Virginia closer.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A+
Despite not picking until No. 24 and No. 35, the Dodgers managed to grab two of the top six or seven college arms on the board in Buehler and Funkhouser. That alone would have grabbed them an "A" grade, but they capped the day off with a well-rounded high school bat in Hansen and what should be a fast-track bullpen arm in Sborz. Couldn't have gone better for LA.
Miami Marlins
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First Round (No. 12 Overall): Josh Naylor, 1B, St. Joan of Arc Catholic SS (ON)
The first big reach of the draft, Naylor was ranked as the No. 61 prospect by Baseball America and came in at No. 59 according to MLB.com's Prospect Watch.
Baseball America provided the following scouting breakdown on Naylor:
"Naylor is a first-base only prospect, putting a lot of pressure on his left-handed bat. His best tool is his plus-plus raw power, which allows him to shine in a batting practice session, though he showed some swing-and-miss last summer. He can get pull happy, as he often extends early and punishes baseballs before they get deep into the hitting zone.
"
Power is at a premium in today's game, and the Marlins got one of the better power bats in the class, albeit one with some significant work to do before reaching the majors.
Grade: C
We'll give this pick a "C" for the time being, but it will hinge heavily on what they do at No. 50 overall, as reaching for Naylor should allow them to save some pool money and they could scoop up someone above slot with their second-round pick.
Second Round (No. 50 Overall): Brett Lilek, LHP, Arizona State
Lilek opened the season as the Friday starter for Arizona State, but inconsistency bumped him to the weekend. He finished the season 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 78.2 innings, and profiles as a pitchability left-hander.
Grade: C
Final Day 1 Team Grade: C
Strange first day for the Marlins, but if nothing else they're in as good a position as anyone for some Day 2 above-slot moves.
Milwaukee Brewers
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First Round (No. 15 Overall): Trent Clark, OF, Richland HS (TX)
The Milwaukee Brewers will likely be headed for a top-five pick in next year's draft, but even selecting at No. 15 this year they were able to grab a dynamic talent in Clark.
The scouting report on Clark, courtesy of Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com:
"Clark has an unusual left-handed swing with a golf-style grip, but he makes repeated hard contact with his short stroke and above-average bat speed. Factor in his considerable strength and he should have at least average power. He also adds value on the bases with his solid speed and keen instincts. While he's not a true burner, Clark has a chance to stay in center field as a pro.
"
A left-handed hitting A.J. Pollock was one comparison thrown out by Paul Casella of MLB.com, and considering his rise to stardom this season that's high praise.
Grade: A
Could this be a further sign that Carlos Gomez is headed for the trade block this summer? Either way, Clark brings some much-needed star upside to a weak Brewers system.
Competitive Balance A (No. 40 Overall): Nathan Kirby, LHP, Virginia
The top college arm left on the board, Kirby was expected to go off the board in the 25-30 range, so this is a solid value for the Brewers. The left-hander was 5-2 with a 2.28 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 59.1 innings this spring.
Grade: A
Second Round (No. 55 Overall): Cody Ponce, RHP, Cal Poly Pomona
With a big 6'5" and 235-pound frame and a mid-90s fastball, there is a lot to like about Ponce. His secondary stuff needs work and he's battled some injuries in 2015, but he still went 5-3 with a 1.44 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 62.1 innings of work this spring.
Grade: B
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
Clark was a great pick in the first round for the Brewers, and then they off-set their second round picks with a relatively safe selection in Kirby and a riskier selection with big upside in Ponce. A solid approach, and a welcome one for a farm system that needed help.
Minnesota Twins
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First Round (No. 6 Overall): Tyler Jay, SP/RP, Illinois
While their pitching has been significantly improved this season, that is still the biggest weakness for the Twins long-term, and they will no doubt give Jay every chance to start as a pro.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com's Prospect Watch offers up the following scouting report:
"Jay now works at 93-95 mph and peaks at 98 mph with his fastball, even when he works on consecutive days. He generates that heat with athleticism and a quick arm rather than an excessive amount of effort in his delivery.
Jay has a deeper repertoire than most relievers. His plus slider is his second-best pitch, and he also has a curveball with power and depth and shows signs of interesting changeup. He has enough pitches and control to lead a pro team to consider trying him as a starter, though he lacks size and could speed to the Majors if he remains a reliever.
"
Jay has Andrew Miller stuff in a Billy Wagner body as he's somewhat undersized at 6'1" and 185 pounds, and he was lights out this season in the closer's role. If he remains in a relief role, he could be the first player from this class to reach the majors.
Grade: A
With the Twins emerging as surprise contenders this season, they could take a similar route with Jay as the Royals did with Brandon Finnegan last year. A quick climb to the majors for a late-season bullpen role, then a return to the minors next season to stretch out as a starter.
Competitive Balance B (No. 73 Overall): Kyle Cody, RHP, Kentucky
A big right-hander out of Kentucky who was drafted more on stuff and potential than results...sounds an awful lot like Alex Meyer, who is currently one of the Twins top pitching prospects. The 6'6" Cody has the body to be a workhorse starter, but his power stuff could also play in a relief role.
Grade: B
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
It will be interesting to see what approach the Twins take with Jay, as it's not inconceivable to think he could be pitching out of their bullpen a couple months from now. If they commit to using Cody in the bullpen, he could potentially shoot through the system as well.
New York Mets
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Second Round (No. 53 Overall): Desmond Lindsay, OF, Out-Of-Door Academy (FL)
While Baseball America had Lindsay pegged as the No. 102 draft prospect, he didn't crack the top 200 on MLB.com. Either way, this was a reach for the Mets with their first and only pick of Day 1.
Here is what Baseball America had to say about Lindsay:
"He has fast hands and produces good bat speed, enabling him to drive the ball with ease. His approach is geared toward hitting the ball up the middle or going the other way, sometimes to the detriment of his power, which works best when he turns on the ball. Listed at 6-foot, 200 pounds, Lindsay is well built and is a plus runner. That gives him a chance to play center field, though he doesn’t have much outfield experience and would need time to learn the position.
"
Grade: C
Final Day 1 Team Grade: C
The Mets sacrificed their first-round pick to sign Michael Cuddyer, so they took a chance and reached for a high-ceiling outfield bat in Lindsay. The tools are there, as he has plenty of projectability offensively, but he'll be a project.
New York Yankees
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First Round (No. 16 Overall): James Kaprielian, RHP, UCLA
Kaprielian made a name for himself pitching for Team USA last summer, and most had him pegged with the best pitchability of any arm on the roster.
Baseball America scouted the UCLA right-hander as follows:
"Kaprielian knows how to finish hitters off when he's ahead in the count, with a plus curveball as his best pitch. He can land it, vary the shape of it and bury it as a chase pitch, and his feel for the curve is his strongest attribute. He has dabbled with a slider as well but has focused on the fastball, curveball and solid-average changeup for most of the spring. In several April and May starts, his velocity improved, bumping 95 and holding 92-93 deeper into games.
"
There were pitchers with higher ceilings on the board like Kyle Funkhouser and Walker Buehler, but Kaprielian may be the safest bet of that group to be a big league starter.
Grade: B+
With a safe pick at No. 16, don't be surprised if the Yankees take a chance on someone like Brady Aiken or Mike Matuella at No. 30 overall. We'll grade this as a "B" for now, and see how the next pick plays out.
Compensation Round (No. 30 Overall): Kyle Holder, SS, San Diego
The fifth high school shortstop selected, Holder is a supreme athlete who had a chance to play both baseball and basketball at the college level before opting to focus on baseball full-time.
This is what Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com had to say:
"Unlike many college shortstops, there are absolutely no questions about Holder's ability to stay at the premium position long-term. He has outstanding hands, range and footwork to go along with a strong arm and the athleticism that made him a good shooting guard carries over to baseball. The questions start to come when discussing his bat. While he is performing in his junior year and rarely strikes out, he's still learning how to take good at-bats consistently, and power is never going to be a part of his game.
"
Holder hit .348/.418/.482 and stuck out just 19 times in 224 at-bats this spring, so there are some offensive tools to work with.
Grade: A
Holder is probably the best defensive shortstop in the class, so if he can emerge as even an average offensive option, the Yankees may have nabbed an everyday-caliber shortstop here.
Second Round (No. 57 Overall): Jeff Degano, LHP, Indiana State
After missing last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, Degano returned healthy this season and pitched his way into being a Day 1 selection. The left-hander finished the year 8-3 with a 2.36 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 99 innings as the ace of the Indiana State rotation.
Grade: B
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B+
In a draft that has seen a surprising number of high school players selected so far, the Yankees went the college route with all three of their selections. All three guys have relatively high floors, and should immediately boost a steadily improving farm system.
Oakland Athletics
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First Round (No. 20 Overall): Richie Martin, SS, Florida
One of the standouts for a Florida team heading to the College World Series, Martin hit .292/.404/.424 with 20 stolen bases and 59 runs scored.
This is what Baseball America had to say about Martin:
"He has plenty of range, soft hands and enough arm strength, though it doesn't always earn true plus grades. He has shown more power this year and there's probably even more waiting to be unlocked in his lithe 6-foot, 185-pound frame, but his game remains based on getting on base. He sprays line drives to all fields, controls the strike zone and has above-average speed, giving him the profile of a top-of-the-order hitter.
"
Martin probably has a better chance of sticking at shortstop than Kevin Newman, who was taken one pick before him by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has the on-base tools the Athletics love, and he comes from a winning program.
Grade: A+
Martin has more projection and upside than most college bats, especially among shortstops, so this could wind up being a real steal if his power continues to improve.
Second Round (No. 63 Overall): Mikey White, SS, Alabama
The last of what would be 10 shortstops selected over the first 75 picks, White has been a staple at shortstop for the Crimson Tide since his freshman season. He's likely ticketed for second base long-term, but has the bat to be a plus option there, as he hit .339/.444/.537 with 19 doubles, six triples and four home runs this spring.
Grade: B+
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A-
The Athletics have put a clear emphasis on middle infield talent since trading away Addison Russell, and I really like the Martin selection. He could wind up being one of the biggest steals of this class at No. 20 overall.
Philadelphia Phillies
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First Round (No. 10 Overall): Cornelius Randolph, SS, Griffin HS (Ga.)
Selected from the same high school that produced Tim Beckham, Randolph won't stick at shortstop as a pro but his bat will be his ticket to the big leagues.
Baseball America had this to say about the Georgia high schooler:
"He is a disciplined hitter with an excellent feel for the strike zone. He has the strength and bat speed necessary to hit for above-average power, giving him a chance to be one of the best all-around hitters in the draft class. While scouts are sure Randolph isn't a shortstop, they aren't quite sure where he'll ultimately settle defensively.
"
Terry Pendleton was one comparison that makes sense, as Randolph is not an elite athlete by any means, but his offensive tools have a chance to be plus across the board.
Grade: C
The rebuilding Phillies went with what may be the safer high school pick over higher ceiling guys like Daz Cameron and Trenton Clark that were still on the board. For a franchise in desperate need of young, impact talent they may have been better off rolling the dice on a potential star.
Second Round (No. 48 Overall): Scott Kingery, 2B, Arizona
Kingery was taken 29 picks after his double play partner Kevin Newman, but he actually had the better season in 2015. A Third-Team All-American, Kingery hit .392/.423/.561 with 15 doubles, five triples and five home runs.
Grade: B+
Final Day 1 Team Grade: C
The Phillies reached big-time with the No. 10 overall pick, and while Kingery is a solid second selection, it's not enough to off-set their questionable first-round pick.
Pittsburgh Pirates
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First Round (No. 19 Overall): Kevin Newman, SS, Arizona
The only player to ever win two batting titles in the Cape Cod League, Newman kicks off the second tier of shortstops after the three that were selected with the top three picks in the draft.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com said the following about Newman:
"The question with Newman is what else he'll bring to the table in pro ball. His contact-oriented approach results in little power. Putting the ball in play so easily also cuts down on his walks, and with average speed, it remains to be seen how much offense he provides beyond his batting average. There is a split camp on whether Newman can stay at shortstop. Some feel his fringy to average range and arm strength will dictate a move from shortstop to second base once he signs. He does draw universal praise for his strong leadership skills and competitive nature.
"
Newman has proven himself against top competition, and while he does not have much of a ceiling, his contact tool should allow him to establish himself quickly as a pro. Adam Kennedy may be a fair comparison.
Grade: B-
The Pirates reached for high school shortstop Cole Tucker with the No. 24 pick in last year's draft, but once again you can never have too much middle infield talent. His strong makeup and terrific contact skills should at least make him a useful utility infielder.
Compensation Round (No. 32 Overall): Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B, Concordia Lutheran HS (TX)
The son of former big leaguer Charlie Hayes, Ke'Bryan Hayes has a smooth right-handed swing and is one of the more advanced high school bats of the class.
Baseball America said this about Hayes:
"He shows average raw power in batting practice, then gears his swing for line drives in games. Hayes makes some spectacular plays at third base, especially coming in on the ball, and he has excellent hands.
"
The bloodlines are there, and if he can stay in shape, Hayes should be able to stick at third base long-term where his bat would be more valuable than across the diamond at first.
Grade: B+
The first two picks for the Pirates have shown a focus on contact skills, and Hayes could wind up saving them some money here as most had him pegged in the second or third round range.
Second Round (No. 62 Overall): Kevin Kramer, SS, UCLA
The Pirates were one of a handful of teams scooping up middle infield talent with their early picks, and they capped off their day by taking Kramer at No. 62 overall. The UCLA standout was a Third-Team All-American after hitting .323/.423/.476 with 14 doubles and seven home runs. The health of his surgically repaired shoulder will ultimately determine if he sticks at shortstop, but the tools are there defensively.
Grade: B
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B
If there is one area the Pirates' farm system is lacking it's in middle infield talent, even after reaching for Tucker last season, so it makes sense that it would be their target area here to kick off the draft.
San Diego Padres
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Second Round (No. 51 Overall): Austin Smith, RHP, Park Vista Community HS (FL)
With their only pick of Day 1, the Padres took a high school arm with some of the easiest velocity in the draft.
"He works at 90-92 mph and tops out at 96 while looking like he's just playing catch. He could sit in the mid-90s once he fills out his 6-foot-4 frame and gets more consistent," wrote Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com.
His curveball and changeup are still a work in progress, but there is plenty of projectability here for a franchise that has done a good job developing their pitching talent in recent years.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
The Padres gave up a good deal of their pitching prospect talent during their busy offseason of trades, so adding a high-ceiling arm to the mix is a nice restocking move.
San Francisco Giants
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First Round (No. 18 Overall): Phil Bickford, RHP, College of Southern Nevada
The No. 10 overall pick in 2013 by the Toronto Blue Jays, Phil Bickford instead honored his commitment to Cal State Fullerton. After one mediocre season there, the right-hander transferred to College of Southern Nevada so he'd be draft eligible this season.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo had the following to say about Bickford:
"After showing an explosive 90-96-mph fastball in 2013, Bickford pitched more at 88-92 last spring. The velocity and life on his heater returned when he pitched in relief in the Cape, as he worked from 93-98 mph and struck out 42 hitters in 27 2/3 innings. Bickford's slider also improved in the Cape, showing signs of becoming a plus pitch, but he'll have to learn to improve and trust his changeup.
"
There were some makeup questions coming out of high school, and a recent positive marijuana test has done nothing to change that, but it's hard to ignore Bickford's arm.
Grade: C
If there is any environment for Bickford to step into and turn things around from an off-the-field standpoint it's the Giants organization, but a safer arm like Walker Buehler or Jon Harris would have been a better pick here.
Compensation Round (No. 31 Overall): Chris Shaw, 1B, Boston College
This class is thin on college bats, so it's not a surprise to see Shaw climb up into the first round here after most had him pegged in the 45-50 range.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com said this about the left-handed slugger:
"Shaw packs a lot of strength in his 6-foot-3, 248-pound frame and his well above-average pop extends to all fields. He can get too aggressive at times, though he does a nice job of shortening and controlling his left-handed swing.
"
Shaw hit .319/.411/.611 with nine doubles and 11 home runs this spring, and while he's like a first-base only guy as a pro, his bat will be his ticket to the majors.
Grade: B+
Shaw was the best college power bat still on the board here at No. 31, and considering the Giants' system is deep on pitching talent and thin on position players, the pick makes sense.
Second Round (No. 61 Overall): Andrew Suarez, LHP, Miami
Suarez has been drafted twice before, including No. 57 overall last season by the Nationals as a redshirt sophomore, and he ended up in the same area once again this season. The left-hander underwent labrum surgery as a freshman, and missed time this season with an oblique injury, but when healthy he has legitimate big league starter potential.
He was 9-1 with a 2.96 ERA and a 19/74 BB/K ratio in 79 innings of work as one of the weekend starters on a good Miami team.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B-
I'm not a fan of the Bickford pick, and they reached for a college bat when they took Shaw, but Suarez was a nice get at the back of the second round. This grade has a chance to improve significantly if Bickford gets his head on straight, as the stuff is there for him to excel.
Seattle Mariners
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Second Round (No. 60 Overall): Nick Neidert, RHP, Peachtree Ridge HS (Ga.)
Elbow tendinitis at the end of his senior season hurt Niedert's stock a bit or he may have pushed his way into the first round.
MLB.com provided the following scouting report on the Mariners' top pick:
"Neidert was pitching at 92-94 mph and peaking at 96 with his lively fastball. He has an advanced changeup for a high schooler, maintaining his arm speed and imparting some fade when he throws it. He did a better job of spinning his curveball, though some scouts wonder if he might be better off throwing a slider. Neidert lacks ideal size at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, though he generates his velocity with athleticism and arm speed rather than effort.
"
If the arm issues prove to be an anomaly and he can stay healthy moving forward, this could be a nice value pick.
Grade: A
Competitive Balance B (No. 72 Overall): Andrew Moore, RHP, Oregon State
A Second-Team All-American, Moore went 7-2 with a 1.91 ERA and a 21/111 BB/K ratio in 122.1 innings of work as the Friday starter for Oregon State. He's under-sized at 5'11", but he has an impressive track record of success both in the college ranks and pitching for Team USA.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
Considering they didn't have a pick inside the Top-60, the Mariners did a great job landing a high-ceiling high school arm and an established college arm with plus pitchability on the first day of the draft. We'll see if they take a run at any above-slot options on Day 2.
St Louis Cardinals
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First Round (No. 23 Overall): Nick Plummer, OF, Brother Rice (MI)
The St. Louis Cardinals always go best-available with their first-round pick, and this time around the man atop their board was Brother Rice outfielder Nick Plummer.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo scouted Plummer as follows:
"Plummer has a chance to be a plus hitter for both power and average. He has a quick left-handed bat and a mature approach, hitting gap to gap while doing a nice job of recognizing pitches and refusing to chase them out of the strike zone. He shows average to solid speed and can steal an occasional base. Some scouts think Plummer has the instincts to stay in center field even though he's not a plus runner, while others think he's destined for a corner.
"
With a decent mix of power and speed and defense that would play in center field but is probably better suited in a corner spot, Plummer has drawn comparisons to Shin-Soo Choo.
Grade: A+
Plummer checked in at No. 11 on the Baseball America pre-draft rankings, so this has the potential to be yet another terrific draft steal for a Cardinals team that has drafted as well as anyone in recent years.
Competitive Balance A (No. 39 Overall): Jake Woodford, RHP, H.B. Plant HS (Fla.)
Scouts got plenty of chances to see Woodford as he was high school teammates with No. 5 overall pick Kyle Tucker. The big 6'5" right-hander has a fastball that touches the mid-90s and plenty of projectability, but his secondary stuff is a work in progress.
Grade: B+
Second Round (No. 66 Overall): Bryce Denton, 3B, Ravenswood HS (TN)
A Vanderbilt commit, Denton was grabbed for his offensive upside, something scouts seem to be divided on. Still a raw all-around prospect, he uses his strong 6'1" and 195-pound frame to provide some plus pull-power from the right side of the plate, but he may need to move to a corner outfield spot defensively.
Grade: B-
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B+
The Cardinals could have a tough time signing both Woodford (Florida) and Denton (Vanderbilt), but it they look to have landed a potential steal with Plummer at No. 23 overall.
Tampa Bay Rays
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First Round (No. 13 Overall): Garrett Whitley, OF, Niskayuna HS (NY)
This year's draft is thin on legitimate five-tool talents, but Whitley certainly qualifies as the full skill-set was on display when scouts did get a chance to watch the Northeastern high schooler.
This is what Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com had to say about the high school outfielder:
"Whitley has an advanced approach at the plate for a high schooler from a cold-weather state, and his strength and bat speed could produce above-average right-handed power. His pure speed is his best tool, grading as a legitimate plus. Whitley's wheels also give him plenty of range in center field, and he has a better arm than most players at that position.
"
A comparison to a young Andrew McCutchen may not be off-base, as Whitley has good bat speed and plus power potential, but also possess the wheels to make an impact on the bases and in center field.
Grade: A
Baseball America was very high on Whitley, ranking him as their No. 7 overall prospect, so the Rays just might have pulled off a steal here. At some point they need to infuse that offense with some impact bats, and Whitley could quickly become their top position player down on the farm.
Second Round (No. 52 Overall): Chris Betts, C, Woodrow Wilson HS (Ca.)
One of the bigger steals of Day 1, Betts was ranked at No. 25 by MLB.com and No. 28 by Baseball America.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo had this to say about Betts:
"Regardless of what position he plays, Betts has one of the more interesting high school bats in the 2015 class. He makes hard contact from the left side of the plate and has above-average power potential. Betts' pure arm strength also grades as a plus, though a long release and a lack of quickness mean he doesn't always get the most out of it.
"
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
The Rays managed to grab two of the top high school bats in the class, as Whitley and Betts have a chance to immediately become two of the team's top position player prospects.
Texas Rangers
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First Round (No. 4 Overall): Dillon Tate, SP, UC Santa Barbara
Shortstops were the talk of this year's draft, but there are also a number of high-ceiling college arms on the board, and Tate may have the most upside of the bunch. The right-hander was 8-5 with a 2.26 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 103.1 innings.
Baseball America said the following about Tate:
"Tate's high-energy delivery, fast arm and athletic body deliver plus fastballs, sitting 94-96 mph and touching 97-98, especially early in games. They have some arm-side life that make his hard, plus slider even more effective. It's his strikeout pitch, missing bats with late life and upper-80s velocity, scraping 89 mph. Tate's changeup has improved the more he's used it, and his cutter gives him a another wrinkle to throw at hitters from the same release point.
"
Tate has been compared to former Oakland ace and current Arizona GM Dave Stewart for his power stuff and his tenacity on the mound.
"It's like Dave Stewart-style intimidation," one scout told Nick Piecoro of AZCentral. "You look at this guy and you think he's going to mow through them."
Grade: B+
It remains to be seen if Tate will stick as a starter long-term, but his stuff should allow him to make an impact regardless of what role he winds up in. The athleticism and power stuff should make him a fun one to watch progress.
Second Round (No. 45 Overall): Eric Jenkins, OF, West Columbus HS (NC)
Speed is the No. 1 tool for Jenkins, but he has a better all-around feel at the plate than the traditional high school burner. In fact, he has a chance to develop some solid power as his lanky 6'2" and 165-pound frame fills out.
Grade: B
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B+
The Rangers got their guy with Tate at No. 4 overall, and added another athletic outfielder to a system loaded with them at No. 45 overall. A solid first day for a team that already has one of the better crops of minor league talent in the league.
Toronto Blue Jays
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Compensation Round (No. 29 Overall): Jon Harris, RHP, Missouri State
The Blue Jays did not have a regular first-round pick, as their first selection comes here at No. 29 as compensation for losing Melky Cabrera, and they took one of the top college arms in the class in Harris.
He received the following scouting report from Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com:
"He works comfortably at 92-94 mph with his fastball, and it plays up because it has run and sink and he uses his height to deliver it on a nice downhill plane. He has added some strength and his 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame still has room for more, so he could pick up more velocity. His curveball, slider and changeup are all plus pitches at times.
"
The No. 10 prospect according to MLB.com and No. 25 prospect from Baseball America, this looks like a steal no matter how you slice it for the Blue Jays.
Grade: A+
Just the eighth college arm off the board, counting Brady Aiken and Phil Bickford, Harris gives the Blue Jays a polished arm that should be able to help replace R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle in the near future.
Second Round (No. 56 Overall): Brady Singer, RHP, Eustis HS (FL)
A prototypical projectable high school right-hander at 6'5" and 180 pounds, Singer shot up draft boards this spring when his stuff showed significant improvement across the board. He should develop a solid three-pitch mix with a slider and changeup to compliment his mid-90s fastball, though his mechanics need some work.
Grade: A
Final Day 1 Team Grade: A
Landing Harris, perhaps the most polished college starter of the class, with the No. 29 pick may have been the biggest steal of Day 1. That allowed the team to take a chance on someone like Singer with their next pick, and it will be interesting to see what they do for an encore on Day 2.
Washington Nationals
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Second Round (No. 57 Overall): Andrew Stevenson, CF, LSU
Defense in center field is the calling card for Stevenson.
"Stevenson is the best defensive center fielder in college baseball," wrote Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. "His terrific reads and jumps and his well above-average speed give him tremendous range. His arm lacks strength but doesn't detract from his overall brilliance in center."
He's also no slouch with the bat, hitting .356/.407/.458 with 53 runs scored and 26 stolen bases in 33 attempts. He led the Cape Cod League with 21 stolen bases last year, and if his hit tool can progress as expected he'd be a legitimate top-of-the-lineup threat.
Grade: B+
Second Round (No. 69 Overall): Blake Perkins, OF, Verrado HS (AZ)
A "toolsy outfielder" with some impressive raw tools, Perkins was a reach here as he checked in as the No. 162 prospect on MLB.com and No. 137 according to Baseball America. There is tremendous upside here, but he's a project.
Grade: B
Final Day 1 Team Grade: B+
Already stocked with pitching, the Nationals grabbed a pair of outfielders with the tools to stick in center field long-term. If Stevenson can prove himself offensively as a pro, he could be one of the better values of the class, and if nothing else he should carve out a role as a fourth outfielder on his defense alone.
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