Mack’s First 10 Picks in the 2021 Draft v1.0

I take this only up to the Mets pick because none of you really care much past that.

 

I will update this throughout the off-season leading up to the draft.

 

One thing… I have told you recently that both RHP Andrew Painter and C Henry Davis are my two favorites in this draft. Neither one will be picked here by the Mets. This is not an emotional draft. It it the ranking, in my opinion, of the 10 best talents, on order.

 

In order, my choices of 11-6-2020 are:

 

Pick 1.1 - Pittsburgh Pirates

 

RHP Kumar Rocker Vanderbilt

 

There is no question about this pick. If someone mocks someone else they are making a mockery of the mock process (that’s a lot of mocks).

You may remember this name as one of the top high school players we talked about three years back. Instead of signing early, he chose to attend Vanderbilt and make history.

 Pitchers like Brady Singer never see the light of draft day. They come off the board only when the worst team picks. There is an outside chance that Rocker could be picked 1.2, but I think he’s a lock as the first pick. His talent is legendary.

 He throws a consistent mid-90s fastball that does hit 99.

 Ended the 2019 season at Vanderbilt with a 19-K no-hitter. Also a  wipeout slider and a change that could use some work.

 2020 stat line:  3-Starts, 2-1, 1.80, 15-IP, 28-K 

Enough said.

 

Pick 1.2 - Texas Rangers

 

RHP Jack Leiter Vanderbilt

 

For some reason, some are choosing to move away from the 1-2 Vandy Boy punch here. Don’t fall for it. The son of Al will be the second pick in this draft.

 

Yes, he only stands at six feet and, yes, his fastball only hits 95, but he also has four plus pitches in a two curves, slider, and a change.

 

He started his college career by throwing five no-hit innings against South Alabama, striking out 12 of the 15 outs.

 

He is easily the second best pitchers in this draft and Texas will scoop him up. 

 

 

Pick 1.3 - Detroit Tigers

 

SS Matt McClain UCLA

 

You can’t having a winning baseball team without a star shortstop. It just is what it is.

 

McClain will be the first to come off a very talented shortstop board. How good is this Bruin? Well, for one, he was drafted in the first round out of high school, turning down a $2.6 million dollar bonus from Arizona. He was a Cape Cod all-star last year (.397, 1.043-OPS).

 

Has the best bat-to-ball skills in his college class. Well above average speed. Stronger arm than Nick Madrigal.

 

It is rumored that Arizona wants another shot at this kid, but Detroit will not let it happen.

 

 

Pick 1.4 - Boston Red Sox

 

C Adrian Del Castillo Miami

 

Great catchers are a rare breed in this game. When one comes around, they are drafted earlier than other position players because teams know if you don’t pick them early, they won’t be around where they should project out at.

 

We’ve also had some great catchers drafted in the first round of the last two drafts. In 2019, Adley Rutschman and Shea Langeliers were picked. In 2020, Patrick Bailey, Tyler Soderstrom, and Austin Wells  were picked. Trust me… Solderstrom and Wells would never have be first rounds if they played another position.

 

In the case of Castillo, he is half the deal. This is a big time hitter. Hit .331 as a freshman and .358 last season. The downside is his defensive skills which currently leave a lot to be desired.

 

I’m not in love with him, but, like I said, catchers always draft quicker. I have him going here, and, if I am wrong, he still will be gone by the time the Mets pick.

 

 

Picl 1.5 - Baltimore Orioles

 

SS Luke Leto Portage Central HS

 

Here is the fastest riser in the draft right now.

 

Leto is a phenomenal athlete who came to the Perfect Game’s National Showcase and fell on his face defensively. Up to that point, he flashed tools throughout the field.

 

He has raw power and projects to either wind up on third or in left field. Other than that showcase, he looks to be a future star in the game as he matures.

 

At least he has the name.

 

 

Pick 1.6 - Arizona Diamondbacks

 

OF Jud Fabian Florida

 

The only reason Fabian isn’t a top 5 pick is because I slotted in Luke Leto ahead of him.

 

Fabian rates out at 55 in FIVE tools. Very rare in baseball. Above average speed and power and a very advanced hitting ability.

 

Hit .290 with 6-HR in the Cape Cod League, followed by .294 last season.

 

Some question his chances of becoming a superstar in this game. I do too; however, Fabian will be a starter for some team for many years.

 

 

Pick 1.7 - Kansas City Royals

 

3B Brady House Windor Barrow HS

 

House is a 2-way player (96-FB) that will probably be drafted as a hitter because of his advanced pop. Grades out with a 60 power rating. Already producing 100+ mph exit velocities. Will alays be remembers for his 450 foot homer he hit as a 15 year old.

 

Has to work on his consistencies at the plate.

 

Check this out… hit .653 as a junior, threw 96mph fastballs and threw 95 from short.

  

 

Pick 1.8 - Colorado Rockies

 

3B Alex Binelas Louisville

 

Brady House isn’t the only great third baseman in this draft.

 

Most grade Binelas out as a future success in major league baseball. Not because of any insane tools, but the fact that he is consistent across the board. He is a very good hitter (very few freshman ever hit 15 home runs) and has a strong and accurate arm.

 

There are concerns with him defensively which could push him to either first or left field.

 

Still, this a bat-first star in the making that has risen to a top ten ranking these past few months.

 

 

Pick 1.9 - Los Angeles Angels

 

OF Ethan Wilson South Alabama

 

Won the Sunbelt Conference POY as a freshman, hitting 17 home runs.

 

Quick hands and good extension.

 

Has to cut down his strikeouts if he is going to be a star at the next level. Still, this is huge power potential.

 

 

Pick 1.10 - New York Mets

 

OF Braylon Bishop Texarkana HS

 

Bishop is leaping up the mocks and, right now, he is the 10^th best player in the draft.

 

Oozes potential. Has 93mph exit velocities in high school. Grading as a 55 future Power hitter. High-end athleticism that’ll play at any level. Has the athleticism to succeed in center field. Played last year as a 16 year old. Plus speed.

 

Needs to improve pitch selection.