MLB Draft : A Mock with Complete Analysis of Every Team

The 2016 Major League Draft will start tonight, June 9th, and ending on June 11th. The MLB Draft is a time of joy for some high school seniors, college juniors, and college seniors as they see their dreams start to fulfill when they hear their names called.

This year in the MLB Draft Pittsburgh Pirates will get to select two players in the first round, one being at number 22 and the other coming in the Lottery A round at pick number 41. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve dove into who could be options for the Pirates at both these picks in the MLB Draft, and players that could be there round two or even three.

Now that the draft is upon us, it is time for us to take a look at what the draft board develop into, and who we think will go where. Editors Nick Caporoso and Marty Leap, along with staff writer David Slusser, will be taking a look at the draft through what they’ve read, and what they’ve seen on some of the best players in this years draft. Nick and David will each make selections, with Marty joining in for the Pirates pick.

Next: #1 Pick and #2 Pick

#3: Atlanta Braves

Nick: AJ Puk, Left-Handed Pitcher, Florida

The Braves love pitchers.  They have acquired a ton of pitching over the last few years.  AJ Puk adds to that group here at #3.  The Braves would really like Riley Pint here, but Puk could have been the #1 overall pick and the Braves cannot pass on the talent and closeness to the MLB.  Puk is a big 6’7” left-handed pitcher who throws a mi-90s fastball from the left side.  This is a rare commodity to find from the left side.

David: Riley Pint, Right Handed Pitcher, St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Kansas)

The Braves are in retooling mode, trading away their best talents to load up on younger talent in hoping to start competing at a high rate once again in the near future. Pint comes in as one of the top two prep arms in this draft and one of the most electric arms in the draft. Pint will have to develop more in the minors more than a college arm, but his raw and projectable stuff looks like he can lead a Major League pitching staff.

#4: Colorado Rockies

  Nick: Kyle Lewis, Outfielder, Mercer College

      The Rockies have traveled down the road of taking pitchers over the last few years.  Last year, they strayed away from the philosophy and grabbed the highest upside player in infielder Brendan Rodgers.  The Rockies could look at Nick Senzel here, but may instead look for a Carlos Gonzalez replacement.  Lewis is the best power outfield bat in the draft and would fit right in at Coor’s Field. Not to mention he is the best prospect on the board at this point and the Rockies like college players. 

David: Jason Groome, Left Handed Pitcher, Barnegat High School (New Jersey)

The Rockies are always in search of pitching, as Coors field is a pitcher’s worst nightmare. Groome has a great frame at 6’6” and 220 pounds, screaming projectable stuff. His fastball from the left side has hit 96, but usually sits mid 90s. Groome will need the time to develop and polish up due to his young age of 17. In a couple years, Groome can be that pitcher.

Next: #5 Pick and #6 Pick

#5: Milwaukee Brewers

   Nick: Jason Groome, Right-Handed Pitcher, Barnegat High School

   Milwaukee seems to be able to develop hitters, but always seem to be missing a true number one type pitcher. Even during their playoff years they had to make deals for CC Sabathia and Zack Greinke.  Taking Groome here gives them a chance to develop a true number one pitcher.  Groome may have the highest ceiling out of all the players in the draft.  He is 6’6’’ and throws in the lower to mid 90s.  He has the size to be a future work horse in the big leagues. A turn around to an organization is pitching and drafting the best talent available, the Brewers start that with Groome.

David: Nick Senzel, Third Baseman, Tennessee

The Brewers have a solid farm system this year, coming at number 9 in Baseball America’s preseason rankings. Aaron Hill has not been bad this season, slashing .269/.349/.419,, but behind him, there is nothing. Combine the lack of talent at the position and the fact Senzel is the best college hitter on the board, Senzel is the perfect fit for the Brew Crew.

#6: Oakland Athletics

  Nick: Riley Pint, Right-Handed Pitcher, St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Kansas)

The Athletics do not like taking high school players, but they do here.  Pint has hit 102 milers per hour on the radar gun and Billy Beane and company cannot pass up on that.  Pint no doubt has the best arm in the draft.  He needs help with his mechanics and developing secondary pitchers, but the Athletics always do a good job of developing pitchers.  Pint is a big time arm that would be hard to pass on at #6.

David: Kyle Lewis, Outfielder, Mercer

According to MLB Pipeline, the Athletics are in love with Lewis, and what is not to love? The right-handed outfielder has the pop to become a middle of the order bat while playing in right field. Combined with the Athletics in need of some outfield help, they have zero top 10 prospects in the oufield, and their major league outfield is ranking dead last in fWAR this season, and 23rd over the last two years. Lewis can come in, develop, and provide the much needed help.

Next: #7 Pick and #8 Pick

#7: Miami Marlins

    Nick: Ian Anderson, Right-Handed Pitcher, Shenendehowa (N.Y.) HS

Ian Anderson seems to be the fastest rising prospect in the draft.  This is because he is from New York, an area that scouts are typically late to due to the weather.  The Marlins know that they can have all the hitters in the league, but without good pitching they will not win.  They took Tyler Kolek two years ago, and need anothe upside arm to go with him.  They get another high upside prep arm in Anderson.

David: Forrest Whitley, Right-Handed Pitcher, Alamo Heights High School (Texas)

The Marlins drafted high school arm when they selected Jose Fernandez and now with Jim jim Benedict working with the Fish, them taking another young arm shouldn’t be too surprising. Whitley, a prep arm, can become the next pitcher to move through the system and become a frontline starter leading with his low to mid 90s fastball. Whitley has the frame, 6’7” and 225 pounds, which is very projectable.

#8: San Diego Padres

  Nick: Braxton Garrett, Florence High School, Alabama

      The Padres and AJ Preller stripped their system in the 2014-2015 off-season.  They now have to restock it.  This will start with getting some arms back into the system.  They traded Craig Kimbrel for Manuel Margot (OF) and Javier Guerra (SS) and James Shields netted them Fernando Tatis Jr, (INF).  So they need to find a replacement for former top prospect left-handed pitcher Max Fried.  Garrett is the classic left-hander sits in the low 90’s but has great secondary pitches.  Will fit into Petco.

David: Braxton Garrett, Florence High School, Alabama

The always aggressive A.J. Preller will need to aggressive again as their farm system is weak. Garrett stands at 6’3” and 190 pounds with an incredible hook and solid fastball. As Groome grows into his frame, velocity should improve, and he will develop into a better over pitcher. Combine that with a ball park such as Petco, Garrett will do just fine.

Next: #9 Pick and #10 Pick

#9: Detroit Tigers

 Nick: Mickey Moniak, Outfielder, La Costa Canyon (Calif.)

The Tigers over the last few years have had one of the worst farm systems in the league.  They are excited to see a top 5 potential pick fall to them at nine.  Moniak is a prototypical prep outfielder, seems to have five tool potential. The Tigers have the money to wait on a prospect to develop and will be able to wait on Moniak.  They can sign proven veterans to help bridge to Moniak as he develops into his high upside.

David: Justin Dunn, Pitcher, Boston College

The Tigers during their stretch of dominance over the AL Central were known for their strong pitching. That pitching is no longer strong, however, and Justin Dunn could help fix that. The Tigers farm system ranked 26th in Baseball America’s preseason rankings, and with Michael Fulmer graduating, it will only go worse. After drafting Beau Burrows last season, by taking a college arm the Tigers can hope to develop him quicker and get him to the big leagues faster. Dunn has been on the rise, and with the Tigers need of quality young arms, Dunn fits.

#10: Chicago White Sox

Nick: Dakota Hudson, Right-Handed Pitcher, Mississippi State

   The White Soxs are so closer to being consistent contenders.  They do not have time to wait on a raw, prep pitcher to make his way through the minors.  Instead they take the best available college arm on the board in Hudson.  Hudson has a big frame and is one of the more advanced pitchers in the draft.  The White Soxs would love to add another high upside arm and get one to the majors quick Hudson will sign fast and could be up next season.

David: Mickey Moniak, Outfielder, La Costa Canyon (California)

Moniak, the top high school outfielder, has incredible speed and range, a fast swing, and has the ability to become a star in the league with his four to five tool abilities. The White Sox farm system is a weak one, and after trading Fernando Tatis Jr, the system has gotten weaker. Moniak would add a nice prospect – one of the best high schoolers in the draft – to the organization.

Next: #11 Pick and #12 Pick

#11: Seattle Mariners

Nick: Justin Dunn, Right-Handed Pitcher, Boston College

   Boston College is not known for producing a lot of first round talent, but they have a rising pitcher in Dunn who is looking to go top 15.  Previously, thought as a 2nd round pick, Dunn has shown the ability to command his pitches late into games.  His fastball sits 93-95 milers per hour and he has been able to carry that velocity into the later innings.  The Mariners have struck out on some of their top pitching prospects, with Danny Hultzen struggling to stay healthy, and Paxton and Walker not pitching they way the Mariners were hoping.  Dunn gives them another projectable arm.

David: Zack Collins, Catcher, Miami

Catcher has been a black hole for the Mariners for a while. The struggles of Jesus Montero and Mike Zunino in the previous years, and Chris Iannetta and Steve Clevenger both being best suited for a backup role. This year the Mariners have a chance to take the best catcher in the draft, like they did in 2012 with Zunino. Collins rakes, and despite questions about his ability behind the plate, he’ll likely start his career off behind the dish.

#12: Boston Red Sox

Nick: Blake Rutherford, Outfielder, Chaminade College Prep (California)

   The Red Soxs have enough spending money that they do not need to draft for need, if they would they would be looking for a pitcher here.  However, they instead will take the best available talent left on the board.  Rutherford is considered a top ten prospect on the big board, but the Soxs get him at 12 and are more than happy to.  They add another big time talent to an already deep system.  

David: Dakota Hudson, Right Handed Pitcher, Mississippi State

The Red Sox pitching has been a mess over the last two years and Henry Owens has not developed into a Major League starter. The Sox have the opportunity to select the second best college arm in the draft with Dakota Hudson. Hudson sits mid 90s and pounds the strike zone. Being a college pitcher, Hudson should progress quickly and be ready to pitch in the majors in two or three seasons, and develop into a strong number two behind David Price.

Next: #13 Pick and #14 Pick

#13: Tampa Bay Rays

Nick: Joey Wentz, Left-Handed Pitcher, Shawnee Mission East High School (Kansas)

The Tampa Bay Rays have a lot of success with such a small payroll because they continue to develop young pitching.  They have developed pitchers like David Price, Matt Garza, and most recently Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, and Chris Archer.  They Rays know that pitching is the most expensive commodity in baseball, and they can get hitters by trading from their pitching depth.  They add to that depth by taking Joey Wentz.  The 6’5” lefty is arguably the top left-handed prep pitcher in the draft and is his fastball has already hit 95 miles per hour on the gun.  The Rays are looking to get another valuable arm working in their system.

David: Blake Rutherford, Outfielder, Chaminade College Prep (California)

The Tampa Bays selected a top outfield high school outfielder last year with Garrett Whitley at this same pick. This year they will draft another top outfield prospect in Blake Rutherford. Rutherford is already 19, but he possesses a great hit tool and he can fly. The left-handed swing is one of the best in the draft. At 6’2” and 190 pounds, he should develop more physically, moving him into right field, but with his talent the Rays will pick up a solid prospect to put in their system.

#14: Cleveland Indians

Nick: Josh Lowe, Third-Baseman, Pope High School (Georgia)

   A few years ago the Indians thought they had their third baseman of the future in Lonnie Chisenhall.  However, they have moved him to the outfield.  Lowe is the stop third base prospect on the board and the Indians need a future third baseman.  The Indians have struggled with developing offensive, but with adding Lowe to the core of Frazier, Zimmer, Naquin, and Lindor could lead to a strong offensive core for year to come.

David: Alex Kirlilloff, Outfielder, Plum High School (Pennsylvania)

  The Indians seem to love taking outfielders in the first round, taking Clint Frazier, Bradley Zimmer, Mike Papi, and Tyler Naquin all in the first round since 2012. This time around – after taking two arms last year – they take another outfielder in Kirlilloff. Alex will be develop into a corner outfielder with pop, something the Indians seem to always be missing.

Next: #15 Pick and #16 Pick

#15: Minnesota Twins

Nick: Devlin Perez, Shortstop, Puerto Rico

  A few years ago Twins fans thought they had their future Shortstop in Miguel Sano, however he filled out and has been moved to the outfield and third base.  Jorge Polanco is their current top shortstop prospect, but does not appear to be a future all-star.  Perez has slid due to character concerns and a reported failed drug test, the belief is PEDs.  The Twins took a chance with signing Sano when there were questions surrounding him.  Perez is too good of a talent to pass up at fifteen and the Twins will take advantage of him sliding. If it is PEDs he will be suspended, but at such a young age the Twins would be okay with sacrificing 50 games.  If he signs quickly, he could sit out this year and start fresh next season. 

David: Josh Lowe, Third Baseman, Pope High School (Georgia)

The Twins have a good farm system, even with Buxton graduating. MLB Pipeline reports they are likely to go hitter over college arm, and that’s where Lowe fits. Lowe fits that mold, and on my board he is the best high school bat available. He’s a left-handed bat with a quick swing who also possesses good speed. And if the worst case scenario arises, the Twins could put the 6’4” and 190 pounder could move over to the mound where he sits mid 90s.

#16: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Nick: Jordan Sheffield, Right-Handed Pitcher, Vanderbilt

  The Angels seem to trade away their top prospects every year and need to start brining talent in.  They refuse to blow up their roster however, so they would love to get a prospect who could help quickly.  Sheffield might be the closest MLB ready pitcher in the draft.  He has three plus pitches and would only need a little bit of time in the minors.  Down sides about Sheffield is he is undersize at 5’11’ and has had Tommy-John Surgery.  He may be better suited for the bullpen, but the Angels will be happy to get an upside arm.

David: Jordan Sheffield, Right Handed Pitcher, Vanderbilt

The Angels have the worst system according to Baseball America’s preseason rankings, so Sheffield will help in that department. Having a plus fastball and slider already, along with a developing change. He will have three plus pitches, which should allow him to reach the majors fast. The only downside is he has already had Tommy John, but he’s now two years removed. Sheffield will instantly become the Halos best prospect by a wide margin.

Next: #17 Pick and #18 Pick

#17: Houston Astros

Nick: Cal Quantrill, Right-Handed Pitcher, Stanford University

   The Astros gave up a lot of young pitching in their trade with the Phillies for Ken Giles.  They also have been able to get good value in the draft over the last few years, last year they drafted top ten talent, Daz Cameron, in the 2nd round.  Cal Quantrill received Tommy-John last year, if not for that he would be a top 10 talent.  The polished right-handed pitcher will be another high upside pick for the Astros and will help replace the pitching talent in their system.

David: Eric Lauer, Left Handed Pitcher, Kent State University

The Astros have been aggressive in the draft, one of their reasons for their great depth and strong success last season. But with MLB Pipeline noting they are tied strongly with college arms, is why Lauer fits. Lauer doesn’t feature standout pitches, but he knows how to pitch and will be a solid Major League starter. By selecting Lauer over a high school player still on the board, the Astros could save a few hundred thousand dollars to use in later rounds.

#18: New York Yankees

David: Ian Anderson, Right Handed Pitcher, Shenendehowa High School (new York)

Ian Anderson at 6’3” and 170 pounds has room to grow into his frame and develop into a top of the rotation arm with his good fastball and above average slider and change-up. The Yankees, despite taking four straight college players in the first round, have not been shy of taking the young pitchers, as their selections in both 2012 and 2013. The Yankees will get another high school arm to add to their system.

Next: #19 Pick, #20 Pick, and #21 Pick

#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

#22 Pittsburgh Pirates

Nick: Buddy Reed, Outfield, Florida University

  The Pirates have strayed away from taking pitchers in the first round since taking Mark Appel in 2012, Gerrit Cole in 2011, and Jameson Taillon in 2010.  They will continue this trend.  The Pirates top outfield prospects have either reached the major leagues or are in the upper minors (Meadows and Ramirez at AA).  Reed is ranked to go somewhere in the 25-40 range, but the Pirates will look to take him at #22.  Reed is a big time athlete, who will need time in the minors to develop at a professional hitter.  Reed has the potential to be a five tool player in the big leagues.  The recent trends by the Pirates is to reach on athletes in the first round and save money for upside pitchers later in the draft.  Reed will give them a new top outfield prospect in the lower minors and will have plenty of time to develop.

David: Nolan Jones, Third Baseman, Holy Ghost Prep (Pennsylvania)

Neal Huntington has only taken four high school position players in his 13 first round picks as the Pirates general manager. However, since 2013 the Pirates have had six first round selections, all six being positional players, and four of them being high school kids. The tide has changed from the college players he focused on during his early days. Jones can hit with the best of the high school players, and as a left-handed bat, the 6’3” and 195 pound Jones, could add some pop that plays well at PNC Park

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

Matt Manning is a top 10-15 talent, however some teams are worried about his sign-ability due to him being committed to Loyola Marymount. Under Neal Hutnington though, the Pittsburgh Pirates have never shied away from these type of players in the MLB Draft. Neal Huntington is also a big fan of prep arms, such as last night’s starter Jameson Taillon, which Manning is. The six-foot-six 185 pound Manning features a mid-to-upper 90s fastball, and a strong curve ball/change-up combination. Manning has all the tools to be a front of the rotation Major League starting pitcher.

Next: #23 Pick

#23: St. Louis Cardinals

Nick: Forest Whitley, Right-Handed Pitcher, Alamo High School (Texas)

  The Cardinals seem to draft well every year.  This is because they have great scouting and a smart front office.  Whitley is a top 15 talent in the draft, but falls to the Cardinals at #23.  As usual the Cardinals find great talent late in the draft. The Cardinals always seems to have a pipeline of young, hard throwing pitchers coming up in the minors, Whitley will be their next quality pitching prospect.  The Cardinals could use more young pitching in their system as their top pitching prospect Alex Reyes is close to the major leagues.  Whitley will represent their next top pitching prospect for years to come.

David: Bryan Reynolds, Outfielder, Vanderbilt

It seems on regardless of the selection, the Cardinals turn out quality Major League players routinely. Reynolds, a switch hitting outfielder, is one of the best college hitters in the draft. He hit .330/.461/.603 at Vanderbilt this season. Last season was the first selection of a positional player since 2013, with the previous five all being pitchers. Going back to taking an outfielder who will be ready in roughly two years, and will be able to carry on the Cardinal Tradition of solid everyday players.

Next: Pirates second first round pick at #41

#41 Pittsburgh Pirates

Nick: Kevin Gowdy, Right-Handed Pitcher, Santa Barbara High School (California)

  The Pirates saved money with their first pick by reaching on a college player at #22.  The Bucs pick up a high upside pitcher who has a strong commitment to UCLA. Gowdy will need a sizable bonus to pass on his commitment to the Bruins and the Pirates will do everything they can to do so.  Gowdy represents everything the Pirates like in prep pitchers he is big at 6’4’’ and 170 pounds, and his fastball sits in the low 90s which will go up as he physically fills out.  He also already seems to possess solid secondary pitches, including a change-up and a slider.  The Pirates like pitchers who already have a good feel for a change-up and Gowdy does.  With the Pirates graduating some of their top pitching prospects to the majors it will be a good thing to add some more talent to the lower minors for the next wave.

David: Will Benson, Outfielder, The Westminster School (Georgia)

At 6’6” and 220 pounds, Benson just screams future power hitter. Baseball America notes that some scouts worry about his hitting ability, but when drafting high school kids that are more projectable. But his defense and arm should play regardless of his bat. Developing high school bats has been the normal recently when selecting hitter so Benson fits right in. Both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America both cite Jason Heyward comparisons.

Marty: Will Benson, Outfielder, The Westminster School (Georgia)

Like Dave, I am going with outfielder Will Benson here. He projects to be a power hitting outfielder in the Major Leagues, and during his time as Pirate General Manager Neal Huntington has loved taking outfielders in the MLB Draft. His defense is a plus tool, and makes him valuable even if his power never develops.

Next: The Draft as a whole

This is exactly how the draft will go tonight… but for real.  This mock draft was made through reading scouting reports, and reading the update to information from Baseball America and MLB.com.  This mock draft has been a work in progress for a few weeks now.

This was one of the hardest drafts to predict.  There is no clear cut, top tier prospect like in previous years.  Since the MLB has installed draft pools into the draft system, teams have to analyze their who draft rather than just taking the best player all the time.  Instead of over spending on certain picks, the teams now have to try and save money at certain spots so they can spend a little more on the prospects who are demanding a little more or the later round talent.

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The Pirates are picking at #22 and #41 which are both considered first round picks.  Over the last few year the Pirates have taken the rising prospects with their traditional first round pick.  Two years ago they took Cole Tucker, who was considered a late rising prospect, and last year Kevin Newman who also was a prospect that was climbing draft boards late.  They very well could do this again.  They do this because they are trusting their scouting department, believe they are getting a quality prospect, and are able to save money to use else where in the draft. This year their slot values are $2.254 million at pick number 22 and $1.576 million at pick number 41.

Check back tonight as the draft gets underway, we will have quick, up to date articles as the Pirates picks come in.  I, Nick Caporoso, will be giving scouting reports and bios on the players. While David and Marty will give a deeper look on how that player fits into the Pirates organization. Its is a great day for baseball, happy draft day!