MLB Draft : A Mock with Complete Analysis of Every Team

#19: New York Mets

Nick: Matt Manning, Right-Handed Pitcher, Sheldon High School (California)

  The Mets have the best pitching rotation in the National League.  However, they will not be able to keep all of their young arms in New York.  Eventually they will lose some of them to free agency or trade them for help elsewhere. Manning is one of the top prep arms in the draft, and the Mets with their current rotation have time to develop Manning.  Manning has a plus fastball and curveball, and the Mets will get another high upside arm to add to the minors.

David: Matt Manning, Right Handed Pitcher, Sheldon High School (California)

The Mets over the last few seasons seemed to have nothing but pitching and pitching depth, but they have not chosen a pitcher in the first round since 2011 when they selected Michael Fulmer. But with Manning sliding down to reported signability issues, the Mets jump on the chance. Manning features a top fastball and hook, but needs further development of his change-up to have three offerings. The Mets will pick up yet another solid pitching prospect.

#20: Los Angeles Dodgers

Nick: Zack Collins, Catcher, Miami University (Florida)

  The Dodgers current catcher is Yasmani Grandal and Aj Ellis.  However, who is behind those two catchers?  The Dodgers need a top flight catching prospect, Collins in the best option at this position in the draft, and is advanced being a college player.  The Dodgers will save some of their pool by taking him and acquire top flight talent in later rounds, while getting their catcher of the future.

David: Gavin Lux, Shortstop, Indian Trail High School (Wisconsin)

  Gavin Lux would be a slight under slot value pick that the Dodgers could save money to use elsewhere. But he is also a quality shortstop prospect. He has a quick left-handed stroke which should allow him to have some pop, and his defense is only improving. If the Dodgers want to go college pitcher, they will likely have the opportunity to do so at 32, as Lux likely won’t be around. Therefore Lux has an added bonus to the Dodgers that way.

#21: Toronto Blue Jays

Nick: Alex Kirilloff, Outfielder, Plum High School (PA)

 The top pure high school bat in the North East, Kiriloff will be a solid pick at #21 for the Jays.  He could go earlier, but questions about his future defensive position will hold him down somewhat.  The Blue Jays could lose Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista this offseason, grabbing a potential left-handed power bat will play well in the future at Roger’s Center.

David: T.J. Zeuch, Right Handed Pitcher, Pittsburgh

  The Toronto Blue Jays have sent off pitching prospects over the last few years – Noah Syndergaard and Daniel Norris. The Jays will have plenty of options to pick from, both college and high school, but T.J. Zeuch is the best college starter available. Zeuch sits mid 90s, and has touched upper 90s, but with his large frame – 6’7” and 225 pounds, the 20-year-old should be able to sit closer to the mid 90s as he develops. He has a three pitch mix, and is developing a change, and with his control, Zeuch should remain a starter.

Next: Pirates' First Pick at #22