2021 MLB Draft - Izzac Pacheco, Ian Moller, Sal Frelick, Ricky Tiedemann, Josh Hartle

Good morning.

I know this might seem early, but I have always been known for my draft research and, trust me, scouting is a 52 week business.

This week's five featured players should all be around at the lower level of the first round.

Let's begin. 

Isaac Pacheco   SS/3B   Friendship HS (TX)

Some scouts have Pacheco ranked in the top 20 prospects in the upcoming draft. 

I have him near the middle, but his ranking could tick up if he continues his surge in power.

Has huge power from the left side of the plate. There is even more projected in his future. Excellent bat speed and ++ defense that includes an excellent arm from short (currently projected to remain there).

Was a standout at this year's Perfect Game's National Showcase games. Arm from short to first was clocked at 102.

Created big power to all fields.  Exciting to watch him take BP.

Ian Moller    C    Wahlert HS (IA)   6-1   201   R/R

Moller is primarily a catcher.  Has a very large, athletic frame that shows high level actions and lower set behind the plate.

A rare African-American catcher (there are currently no black catchers in major league baseball) who has a fast transfer and release on all throws. Advanced arm strength. 

Hits from the right with an even stance. Quick hands through his low tension swing. 

Excellent bat speed. Pop to all fields. He can really hit. Has a simple approach at the plate and barrels the ball up consistently. 

Excellent tools across the board.

Sal Frelick   SS/2B   Boston College   5-10   170   R/R

He actually came out of high school at 5-8/155 which strengthens what I have said about drafting high school players... it will take a couple of years to grow, fill out, bulk up, and get pro-like coaching.

He projected very well to grow. Hit with a simple load and shift into contact. Excellent quick weight shift while swinging. Very projectable hitting tools. 

Fielding wise, very smooth defensively. Quick first step. Clean hands. Very quick release. Throws were clocked at 81.

As a freshman at Boston College, he hit .367 with four home runs, 32 runs batted in, and 30 runs scored.

This past season, he played in 15 games before the stoppage, and led the team with 17 runs scored, seven stolen bases, and 11 walks. He also had two home runs.

The Bleacher Report has him going 1.16 in their first mock draft this year.

Ricky Tiedemann

LHP  6-3   195   Lakewood HS (CA)

Was scheduled to be drafted at 17-years old. Plenty of projection remaining.

Big side step coupled with big leg life. 3/4 arm slot. 

88-92 fastball, sweeping break, and marginal curve ball. Plenty of projected velocity down the line. Needs to develop consistency on all pitches.

MLB currently has him ranked 92nd. Finished his high school career with a 2.88 ERA

Josh Hartle      

LHP   6-5   195  Reagan HS (NC)

88-91 FB with run, 70-74 curve , 80-81 slider, and two different breaking balls. Control pitcher first.   

Finished in the 2018 Development League with a 0.90-ERA

Sal Frelick  

 OF   Boston College   5-10   170   L/R

His high school scouting reports had him at 5-8 and 155. He posted a 6.60 60-yard dash and threw 81. Said he had good power and home run potential. Highly projectable hitting tools. 

Also listed him as a smooth fielder with a quick first step and clean hands.

Frelick was a rising star in 2020 until the coronavirus cut his season short. 

He played in 15 games in 2020 and led the team in runs (17), stolen bases (7) and walks (11). He also had two homers. 

Stat line was soft:  .241/.380/.414

Bleacher Report's initial mock draft this year has him 1.16. They also listed him as a shortstop.

His freshman stats were .367, 4-HR, 32-RBI, 30-R