With the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft right around the corner the anticipation is growing as baseball fans wait to see who is selected at the top. There is no doubt that experts, fans and even actual management groups for MLB teams will continue to adjust their draft boards leading up to the big event. We took the time to break down the picks that should be at the top of this year’s board. Here is a look at the projected top five picks in the 2017 MLB Draft.
1. Minnesota Twins: Brendan McKay, 1B/LHP, Louisville
The general consensus at the top of draft boards is that McKay is one of the best two-ways players on the board. The 6’2’’, 214-pound lefty is considered the best pure hitter in this year’s draft class thanks to his smooth swing and all-fields approach. He has also made strides as a pitcher with a fastball that gets above 90 mph, a plus curveball and a changeup that is good enough to get by for now.
There has been plenty of debate about whether teams will draft him to be a pitcher or a first baseman. Whatever the decision, it’s clear that McKay is the most unique talent on the board and should be selected first overall.
2. Cincinnati Reds: Hunter Greene, RHP/SS, Notre Dame High
The Reds reportedly prefer McKay over Green,e but if the former is taken first overall, then there is a good chance they swill take the latter with the second pick. The 17-year-old Greene is already 6’4’’ and 210 pounds. That’s quite an impressive frame for someone who still has some growing to do. His fastball has reached 102 mph and he generally works between 95-98 on the gun. Greene has four different pitches, including a curveball and changeup that he throws for strikes.
There is a good chance that Greene would want to remain close to home and go to San Diego. However, the Padres have the No. 3 overall pick, so Greene likely won’t be available by the time they pick.
3. San Diego Padres: Royce Lewis, SS/OF, JSerra High
The San Juan Capistrano, California native has been inconsistent at the plate in his senior season. However, Lewis’ combination of plus-plus speed, athleticism and ability to play an up-the-middle position make for a tantalizing combination. There is some obvious concern about his arm and whether it’s strong enough to play shortstop at the major league level. However, Lewis still has some elite potential and his power at the plate in particular will be a major selling point when he is selected in the top-five of this year’s MLB amateur draft.
4. Tampa Bay Rays: Kyle Wright, RHP, Vanderbilt
There is a good chance that Wright will be the first college pitchers off the board. Based on the selection order, it won’t be a surprise if the Rays take him fourth overall. The 6’4’’, 220-pound Wright has some of the best arm action and arguably the best physical projection in the group. His 91-94 mph fastball can touch 97 and he throws both a curveball and a slider in addition to his changeup. Tampa Bay has struggled when it comes to drafting hitters so look for them to stick with a pitcher and take Wright with the No. 4 pick.
5. Atlanta Braves: Mackenzie Gore, LHP, Whiteville High
Atlanta will be hoping that one of the first four players mentioned in this column falls to them at No. 5 overall. If none of them reaches the Braves, then there is a good chance they will settle for Gore. The athletic 6’2’’, 180-pound lefty has impressed scouts with his arsenal of pitches and he is further along in terms of his polish and poise than some of the other top pitching prospects. A newfound velocity has pushed his fastball in to the early 90’s and he backs it with a curveball, slider and changeup that are all considered to be above average. Gore has the pure potential to be a top-five pick so don’t expect him to slide past Atlanta at No. 5 in this year’s MLB amateur draft.
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