MLB Dirt - Mock

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1. Astros (Mike): Mark Appel (RHP – Stanford) I went with Appel in the previous mock draft and I am sticking with him. Appel has a 3.32 ERA on the year in 57 innings. He still is not really striking out batters like people want him to as he only has 55 strikeouts on the year but his stuff is just so good. If the strikeout concerns continue though, he could slip out of this number one spot.
2. Twins (Jonathan): Mike Zunino (C- University of Florida) I feel weird not taking Buxton here but I have to think the way I think the Twins will and I think they would want Zunino, a catcher who is showing power, hit tool, and great skills behind the plate. He should be ready soon and the Twins can move Joe Mauer from behind the plate with this pick.
3. Mariners (M): Byron Buxton (OF – Georgia HS) The Mariners would be very pleased if Buxton fell to them here, picking up the player with the best tools in the entire draft. He’s been having an impressive year and I don’t see how the Mariners could pass on a position player with the 5 tool potential like Buxton has.
4. Orioles (J): Kevin Gausman (RHP –LouisianaState) Gausman has ace potential with a fastball that has been clocked at 99 mph, a potentially plus change-up, and a breaking ball that can be above-average. He has an ideal frame and could move fast throughBaltimore’s system with Dylan Bundy and with Manny Machado.
5. Royals (M): Kyle Zimmer (RHP -San Francisco) I wrote about Zimmer’s climbing draft status at the start of the college baseball season and his stock has continued to rise. The 6’4″ pitcher has a fastball sitting in the mid 90s and touches the uppers 90s and he commands it well. He also had a curveball slider and changeup that could all be above average pitches. His mechanics are sound and he has front line starter potential.
6. Cubs (J): Carlos Correa (SS – Puerto Rico HS) He may be a little too similar to last year’s top pick, Javier Baez, but the bat and potential to stay at SS are so good that he could be popped here at #6. I think the Cubs would love for Gausman or Appel to fall here, though.
7. Padres (M): Michael Wacha (RHP – Texas A&M) He has been pitching very well this year and his draft stock has been rising. He has an electric fastball sitting in the mid 90s and has touched the uppers 90s. He has one of the best change-ups in the draft and it is a plus pitch. He works fast and does a good job getting ahead in the count.
8. Pirates (J): Deven Marrero (SS –ArizonaState) The Pirates might be tempted to add Giolito to their system here but it’s too early to tell how his injury will play out. I wrote in the last mock that the Pirates would love forMarrero to drop here and he has in this mock.Marrero is a plus defender at short and has an above-average hit tool and plays the game the right way. He should be up when the likes of Gerrit Cole, Starling Marte, Robbie Grossman, and Kyle McPherson are ready with Jameson Taillon right behind. Fills a void in the organization without reaching.
9. Marlins (M): Lucas Giolito (RHP – California HS) I think the Marlins pull the trigger here on Giolito, despite the injury. He is one of the highest ceiling arms in the draft and I think the Marlins would love to have him here. He has a fastball sitting in the upper 90s that can hit triple digits. He also has a potential plus power curve to go with his fastball.
10. Rockies (J): Max Fried (LHP – California HS) Kids from the same high school taken back-to-back. Fried is very polished for a pitcher his age and has one of the best, if not the best, curveball in the draft. His fastball is low-90s but he has projection in his 6’3″ 170 pound frame to add velocity and durability.
11. Athletics (M): David Dahl (OF – Alabama HS) Dahl is a toolsy outfielder that has the potential to hit for a great average with good power. He is very athletic and should stick at center field where he would provide great defense. I think he would be a great pick here for the A’s.
12. Mets (J): Albert Almora (OF – Florida HS) The Mets have a shallow system and they need high upside guys. They took Brandon Nimmo last year and if Almora is available I believe they would take him. He is a plus defender in center field and has a potential plus hit tool and should add power when he adds muscle to his wiry 6’2″ 170 pound frame