Nine Baseball - December 2013 - Mock

1. Houston Astros- Carlos Rodon, LHP, North Carolina State

As close to a slam dunk as it gets at number one. Rodon features a nasty mid-90s fastball with plenty of armside run, a big league slider and a developing change. He has the frame, the stuff, and demonstrated in Omaha last year the competitive drive clubs love out of a top pick.

 

2. Miami Marlins – Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina

I see LHP Carlos Rodon as the frontrunner coming into the 2014 season, but I think it could be closer than people realize. East Carolina RHP Jeff Hoffman is the number two prospect in this draft and could make a run at the #1 pick by the time June rolls around as a 6’4 RHP who sits mid 90s with a plus curveball.

 

3. Chicago White Sox- Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd (TX) HS

The 6’6’’ 250lb. Texan is comparable to Noah Syndergaard in repertoire and pedigree. He features an explosive fastball capable of triple digits, a biting curve in the low 80s, and an average changeup. His combination of athleticism, live arm, and size will keep him at the top of draft boards.

 

4. Chicago Cubs – Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville (GA) HS

I have had Gettys as the number 1 player in the 2014 HS class since he put on a show at the National Showcase. The 6’2, 200 OF runs a 6.4, has a 100 mph arm from the OF, and has some elite bat speed. He is a two-way prospect who sits in the low 90s on the mound as well, but his future is in the OF.

 

5. Minnesota Twins- Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho Bernardo (CA) HS

With Joe Mauer moving to 1B the Twins need their next catcher of the future, and very well may get it in Jackson. He has the arm and blocking skills to be a Major League catcher, but he could face a similar fate if his hit tool develops like some think it will. A sound athlete that could have a future in the outfield as well.

 

6. Seattle Mariners – Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway (SC) HS

In a HS class that may have the best pitching of any class in recent memory, I see Holmes as the top arm. The 6’2, 190 RHP sits 92-94 and dialed it up to 97 in Jupiter with his BB being a true out-pitch as well. Dominated at National Showcase, East Coast Pro, and PG All-American.

 

7. Philadelphia Phillies- Marcus Wilson, OF, Serra (CA) HS

Philadelphia loves high upside athletes with a deep toolbox, as evidenced by recent drafts, and Marcus Wilson fits that description to a “T”. A nice blend of arm strength, bat speed, easy actions, range, and speed along with an extremely projectable frame make Wilson one of the most intriguing players in the draft.

 

8. Colorado Rockies – Braxton Davidson, 1B, T.C. Roberson (NC) HS

Davidson was named the Nine Baseball Summer Player of the Year after his fantastic showing this summer. He comes into the year as the best pure hitter in the HS class with some massive power, including a three homer showing at the Tournament of Stars. It is easy to dream on how well he would do out in Colorado.

 

9. Toronto Blue Jays- Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis (CA) HS

With Toronto having their two protected picks split by the Mets, they are likely to consider New York’s needs when making their first pick. Gatewood is a tall, athletic shortstop with one of the biggest bats in the draft, but many project his arm and lateral movement may take him to third. Above-average athleticism, build, and his potential power make him an exciting prospect.

 

10. New York Mets – Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State

Turner had a fantastic freshman season at N.C. State and has continued to prove to be one of the elite players in college baseball. He is a game changer who can do almost anything on the field and would be a steal at the 10th pick in the draft for the Mets.

 

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