Mack – Draft News – Zac Veen, Cole Wilcox, Austin Martin

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Ian (Florida):

Is there a good chance the Zac Veen could end up as the first Prep off the board in June?

Carlos Collazo: As far as I'm aware, we've been on the Zac Veen train as long as anyone, going back to his days as a junior when he was hitting home runs every other day. 1) I do not expect him to be available at 16 at this point, no. 2) He sounds like a top 15 prospect from most people I talk with, though I have had conversations with some scouts who are more skeptical of his bat than others. 3) Yes, pretty good chance Veen is the first prep off the board.

Fish Stripes:   More Veen:

The first thing that jumps out at you with Zac Veen is his bat. He is one of the top hitting prospects with a high floor and even higher ceiling. He makes a lot of contact and can drive the ball well to all fields. His power is one of the best out of all the draft-eligible high schoolers. That should continue to improve once he starts to fill in his large frame.

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James (Iowa):

Cole Wilcox has performed pretty well this season so far is he now in the top 10-15 range for where he might get drafted?

Carlos Collazo: He's doing well, but there are still a number of guys who have him in the second half of the first now. If he keeps doing what he's already done against SEC competition though and maintains this level of success I would be surprised if he's not pushing closer to the range you mentioned. Just has to keep doing it.

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Pete (The Bronx):

What is optimistic view of Austin Martin's upside? A shortstop with 20 homers and 20 SB and great on base skills? Is he worth the first overall pick if he ends up in the outfield and falls short of those offensive expectations?

Carlos Collazo: I've had scouts tell me that he has the most upside of anyone in the draft thanks to the hit tool, speed and athleticism and potential for an impact defender at a premium position. So I think so. The bat is special and even if he's a center fielder... that's an incredibly valuable position. I probably think CF defense is closer to SS defense than most, in terms of the value of the positions, but either way I think he's talented enough to warrant being the No. 1 pick. If he falls short of his offensive expectations he still has a better chance to return value than Nick Gonzales or Spencer Torkelson if those two were to also fall short of their offensive expectations.