MACK - MY Sunday Observations - Mock Drafts, Ryan O'Hearn, Sean Gamble, Tate Southisene, Ethan Conrad, Mason Neville, Brandon Compton, Max Belyeu

 

Mock Draft - Prospect Live

Mock Draft - Baseball Prospectus

Just Baseball’s 2025 MLB Mock Draft 3.0

https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb-draft/just-baseball-2025-mlb-mock-draft/

38. New York Mets – LHP Zach Root, Arkansas

Slot Value: $2,569,400

The Mets have become a bit of a pitching lab in recent years (look at their recent drafts and successes that follow). Zach Root has buzz in the top 40 picks, and he would fit in very well with the Mets’ development system. He has traits that they covet.

Trade Targets

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6467560/2025/07/02/mlb-trade-deadline-predictions-alcantara-naylor/    

 Ryan O’Hearn, DH, Orioles

If the Orioles become sellers, O’Hearn could end up being the trade deadline headliner for Baltimore. A soon-to-be free agent, he is slashing .295/.383/.473 with 11 home runs and 30 RBIs in 244 at-bats, which is similar to Naylor’s season, as are his most likely landing spots. O’Hearn’s best position is DH, but he can play first base and left field as well. The 31-year-old is making only $8 million this year, which enhances his trade value.

Mets 2025 MLB Draft preview:      Who will they take at No. 38 overall?

https://sny.tv/articles/mets-2025-mlb-draft-preview?s=03

Here are a few names to at least keep an eye on:

- Florida high school second baseman/outfielder Sean Gamble

Sean Gamble is a highly touted high school baseball player from Des Moines, Iowa, currently attending IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Born around 2007, he moved to Florida at age 14 to pursue baseball at IMG, a powerhouse for developing talent. He’s a left-handed batter and thrower, listed at 6’2”, 185 lbs, with exceptional athleticism.

Position and Skills: Gamble is a versatile player, capable of playing center field, second base, and potentially shortstop long-term. He’s noted for his plus running speed (graded 60/80), explosive bat speed, and improving swing efficiency. In 2024, he showed better control at the plate, driving the ball for extra-base damage to all fields. His strong arm and quick first step makes him a candidate for multiple positions.

- Nevada high school shortstop/outfielder Tate Southisene

Tate Southisene is a senior shortstop and outfielder from Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada. Born around 2006, he’s 5’8”–5’10”, 170–185 lbs, and bats and throws right-handed. He’s a top prospect in the 2025 high school class, known for his athleticism and versatility.

Skills and Scouting Report

:Hitting: Southisene has strong hand-eye coordination and a dynamic swing with multiple moving parts, generating high exit velocities. His swing incorporates a leg kick and significant torque, leading to solid bat-to-ball skills and emerging power (9 HRs in 2024). Scouts project average game power as he adds strength, though he may trade some contact for power. Scouting grades: Hit: 50, Power: 50.

Speed: An above-average runner (grade: 55/80), his instincts enhance his speed, making him effective on the basepaths (16 stolen bases without being caught in 2024).

Defense: Versatile, playing s, hortstop and center field. He has above-average defensive skills (grade: 55) with a plus arm (grade: 60) and quick release, particularly in the infield. His actions at shortstop are smooth, and he could excel at either position professionally. 

- Wake Forest outfielder Ethan Conrad

Ethan Conrad, born July 5, 2004, is a 6’4”, 215-pound left-handed hitting outfielder from Saugerties, New York. He played high school baseball at Saugerties Senior High School, where he pitched and played first base but was underrecruited, receiving little attention from scouts. He began his college career at Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY) before transferring to Wake Forest University for the 2025 season.

Scouting Report:

Hit (Grade: 45–50): Advanced feel for hitting with a simple left-handed swing and gap-to-gap approach. Excellent in-zone contact (91% contact rate against fastballs in the Cape Cod League) but struggles with high chase rates (32%+ on sliders, changeups, and curveballs), leading to whiffs when chasing. Reduced strikeout rate from 24.5% (freshman) to 12.4% (sophomore) at Marist, showing improved plate discipline.

Power (Grade: 50–55): Present gap power with 15–18 HR potential at the pro level, though his 45% ground ball rate at Marist and 58% on the Cape raise concerns about elevating the ball. Raw power is plus (55 grade), but he doesn’t consistently drive balls in the air to his pull side.

Run (Grade: 50–55): Above-average runner with a 55 grade, utilizing speed effectively on the basepaths (19 stolen bases in 23 attempts on the Cape).

Field (Grade: 50): Versatile outfielder capable of playing all three positions, best suited for a corner spot (likely left field) but can handle center or right. Solid route-running and range.

Arm (Grade: 50): Average arm strength, sufficient for any outfield position.

Overall Grade/Risk: Baseball America grades him 50/High risk due to his aggressive approach and injury concerns. Compared to Jared Thomas (42nd overall pick by the Rockies in 2024). 

- Oregon outfielder Mason Neville

Mason Neville, born around 2003 (age 21.5 at draft time), is a 6’1”–6’3”, 200–215-pound left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing outfielder from Henderson, Nevada. He attended Basic High School, where he was a highly touted two-way player (outfielder/pitcher). Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 18th round (No. 543 overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft, he chose college over signing. Initially committed to Arizona, he switched to Arkansas after a coaching change (Jay Johnson to LSU) and later transferred to Oregon for the 2024–2025 seasons.

Scouting Report:

Hit (Grade: 40–45): Neville’s hit tool is his primary concern, with an 85% contact rate against fastballs (94% against 92+ mph pitches) but high miss rates (>33%) against sliders, changeups, and curveballs. Respectable chase rates suggest contact issues rather than plate discipline problems, which may be harder to fix. Struggles against left-handed pitching. Improved strikeout rate year-over-year in 2025.

Power (Grade: 55–60): Elite raw power, with exit velocities exceeding 110 mph and a violent, whippy swing producing 20+ HR potential. His 22 HRs in 2025 led college baseball, though a gap between raw and game power exists due to contact issues. Pull-side power is a strength, with natural loft and high bat speed.

Run (Grade: 50–55): Above-average runner with plus run times in high school (55 grade). Speed plays well in the outfield and on the basepaths, though not elite.

Field (Grade: 50): Serviceable center fielder in college, but projects as an above-average corner outfielder (likely right field) at the pro level due to inconsistent routes and less-than-elite closing speed.

Arm (Grade: 60): Plus arm strength, with occasional accuracy issues but undeniable raw power, ideal for right field. Threw in the upper 80s/low 90s as a high school pitcher, with a mid-70s curveball as a fallback option.

Overall Grade/Risk: Baseball America grades him 50/High risk due to hit tool concerns but acknowledges his five-tool potential. Compared to Cody Bellinger for his left-handed power and outfield versatility. 

- Arizona State outfielder Brandon Compton

Brandon Compton, born October 27, 2003, in Glendale, Arizona, is a 6’1”, 225-pound left-handed hitting, left-handed throwing outfielder. A native of Buckeye, AZ, he grew up attending Arizona Diamondbacks games at Chase Field. He starred as a two-way player (outfielder/pitcher) at Buckeye Union High School, ranked as Arizona’s No. 18 prospect by Perfect Game in 2022. After undergoing UCL surgery post-high school, he redshirted his freshman year at Arizona State University (ASU) in 2023.

Scouting Report:

Hit (Grade: 45–50): Compton’s hit tool is his primary concern, with a 71% contact rate and 32% chase rate at ASU in 2024, struggling against sliders and changeups (36% miss rate on 93+ mph fastballs in a small sample). Improved to a 74% contact rate and 27% chase rate in the Cape Cod League, showing better swing decisions. His aggressive approach limits consistency, but there’s potential for an average hit tool with further refinement.

Power (Grade: 60–70): Thunderous raw power, graded at 70 by Baseball America, with exit velocities exceeding 116 mph and a 441-foot HR at the combine. Projects as a 25+ HR bat in the pros, with a violent swing and consistent backspin. Power translates to wood bats, as shown in the Cape Cod League (.489 SLG).

Field (Grade: 40): Below-average in left field, with limited range and inconsistent routes. Likely profiles as a left fielder or first baseman long-term, possibly a DH if defensive skills don’t improve.

Throw (Grade: 40): Below-average arm strength, sufficient for left field but not a standout tool.

Run (Grade: 45): Fringe-average speed, better than expected for his 225-pound frame, but not a base-stealing threat. Moves well enough to play outfield but lacks plus speed. 

Overall Grade/Risk: Baseball America grades him 50/High risk due to hit tool concerns and defensive limitations. A bat-first prospect with a projectable swing, compared to power-hitting outfielders like Dylan Beavers 

- Texas outfielder Max Belyeu

Max Belyeu, born December 15, 2003, in Longview, Texas, is a 6’2”, 195–210-pound left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing outfielder. A native of Aledo, Texas, he was a top high school prospect (No. 167 on Baseball America’s 2022 draft board) but went undrafted out of Aledo High School and committed to the University of Texas. He’s now a junior, aged 21.6 at draft time.

Scouting Report:

Hit (Grade: 45–50): Solid bat-to-ball skills (84% in-zone contact rate in 2024) but aggressive approach (44% swing rate, 30–33% chase rate, 23rd percentile). Struggles against spin (high whiff rates on sliders/changeups, 30–40% on changeups) and offspeed pitches, especially with wood bats (Cape Cod, Team USA). Potential for an average hit tool if swing decisions improve.

Power (Grade: 55): Above-average to plus pull-side power, with exit velocities over 112–113 mph and 18 HRs in 2024. Flatter swing plane in 2025 led to a 38% ground ball rate, reducing lift compared to his 2024 lofted approach. Projects for 20+ HRs in the pros.

Run (Grade: 40–50): Fringe-average to average speed, not a base-stealing threat (3 SB in 2024). Speed is functional but not a standout tool.

Field (Grade: 50–55): Likely a corner outfielder (left field) long-term due to average route-running and range. Has played center field but needs polish. Could move to first base if defensive skills don’t develop.

Arm (Grade: 55–60): Plus arm with great carry and accuracy, ideal for right field but sufficient for left. A strength that deters baserunners.

Overall Grade/Risk: Baseball America grades him 50/High risk due to chase rates and defensive inconsistencies. Compared to a bat-first corner outfielder like Dylan Beavers