With the 2023 MLB Draft getting underway Sunday night, there’s no better time to drop a mock draft. My personal mock takes into account player value, team fit, and team draft history. I have no intel, no sources. Simply going by what makes sense to me pick-by-pick, covering every selection set to be made on the first night.
The No. 1 pick is still up in the air, and there seems to be a clear top five, followed by a bit of a dropoff. Outside of that group, this class is fairly loaded with prep infielders and college bats of all kinds, while it may be difficult to find a college arm worth taking in the first round beyond the top group of Skenes, Lowder, Dollander, and Waldrep. We may not see a prep arm in the top 20, depending on how deals are cut beforehand.
1. Pittsburgh Pirates- Paul Skenes, RHP, LSU
To me, this pick should be a no-brainer: take Dylan Crews and pay him. But the Pirates, who went underslot with the first pick in 2021 and ate up the later rounds, may opt to go the same route here and avoid any kind of negotiation conflict— although Skenes will probably command close to slot value himself. Even though he will not be a two-way player — and despite having just one season against SEC hitters under his belt — Skenes’ upside on the mound is absurd. An effortless 100 mph fastball pairs with a devastating slider to make him the most unhittable pitcher in the country this year. Although unlikely, he could realistically pitch for Pittsburgh later this season.
2. Washington Nationals- Dylan Crews, OF, LSU
The rebuilding Nats may prefer Skenes — they have plenty of exciting, young bats in the system but are short on pitching talent — but the choice is easy here with the LSU hurler off the board. His teammate, Crews, has legitimate five-tool upside and a very strong track record of dismantling SEC pitching. He’s arguably the most exciting college outfielder this century.
3. Detroit Tigers- Wyatt Langford, OF, Florida
Tier 1A likely leaves Detroit choosing from a trio of outfielders, and with a fondness for college performers at the top of drafts, new GM Scott Harris could lean toward Langford— unless Crews is available, of course. Langford is a fantastic athlete with a potent bat, and although he seems destined for a corner outfield spot rather than center, lots of upside remains on both sides of the ball.
4. Texas Rangers- Max Clark, OF, Franklin Community HS (IN)
Texas needs to add players who can contribute sooner than later, but it’s hard to pass up on a player with Clark’s upside. He’s showcased an impressive combination of skills, athleticism, and maturity, making him the top prep player in the class.
5. Minnesota Twins- Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick HS (NC)
It’s been a few years since Minnesota has pulled the trigger on a prep bat in the first round — and there may be some inclination to go after someone like Jacob Gonzalez — but the top five in this class are simply a step above the rest. Jenkins is less of a sure thing to stick in center than Clark, but he comes with more raw power and a similarly strong hit tool.
6. Oakland Athletics- Jacob Wilson, SS, Grand Canyon
Oakland hasn’t drafted an arm with its first pick since 2016, and I don’t think the A’s will pay up for either Clark or Jenkins were they to fall. This pick could come down to one of a slew of college bats that includes Teel, Gonzalez, Taylor, and Wilson. Wilson has unreal bat-to-ball skills and a good glove — even if his lack of range pushes him over to second — and could become a really dangerous hitter with some added power.
7. Cincinnati Reds- Kyle Teel, C, Virginia
Cincinnati could be tempted by one of Dollander, Lowder, or Waldrep, but the ACC Player of the Year offers impressive athleticism and a strong arm behind the disc, with the ability to hit for average and power at a high level. Teel is the only college catcher worthy of first-round consideration — the next one may not go until Round 4 — and I believe he will come off the board in the 6-8 range.
8. Kansas City Royals- Brayden Taylor, 3B, TCU
Taylor is an accomplished hitter with excellent plate discipline who makes loud contact. He helped lead TCU to the College World Series, bumping up his draft stock with a late-season surge. After going under-slot in 2021, Kansas City went with the best available bat last year— the four players mentioned for Oakland should all be in play here.
9. Colorado Rockies- Rhett Lowder, RHP, Wake Forest
With another strong campaign, Lowder now sits atop the conversation for this year’s second-ranked arm. He is sturdy and durable, with an impressive combination of pure stuff — a mid-90s fastball and arguably the best changeup in the class — and plus command. His ground ball-heavy profile could play well in Colorado, and the Rockies have prioritized college arms of late.
10. Miami Marlins- Chase Dollander, RHP, Tennessee
Dollander, who entered the season as the projected top arm in the class but took a step back as a junior, seems likely to come off the board somewhere between the 7th and 13th picks. He still possesses an enticing pitch mix with solid strike-throwing ability, but command of all of his pitches needs more consistency. Miami has had an absolute disaster of a time developing position players, and Dollander could instead add to its plethora of talented, young arms.
11. Los Angeles Angels- Enrique Bradfield Jr, OF, Vanderbilt
Bradfield’s offensive upside is limited — with next-to-no power — but he could theoretically slide in as the Angels’ center fielder right away, with 80-grade run and field tools. Los Angeles had success targeting a high-floor college bat last year — Zach Neto is already in the big leagues — and could do the same with Bradfield.
12. Arizona Diamondbacks- Colin Houck, SS, Parkview HS (GA)
Houck is a left-side infielder with five tools that project to be average or better. He comes with a uniquely high floor for a prep hitter, with room for additional power, as well. He offers some defensive versatility that should make him even more intriguing for teams in the first half of Round 1. Arizona has spent its first pick on a high school position player in four of the last five drafts— the only exception being 2020 when seasons were cut short.
13. Chicago Cubs- Hurston Waldrep, RHP, Florida
Waldrep’s pure stuff stands out in this class, but even after a full season at Florida, he’s not quite as polished as some of the other arms. An inconsistent, high-effort delivery has led to plenty of command and control issues, but his upside remains appealing and he should hear his name called somewhere in the first round. The Cubs have honed in on college arms over the last four years, and have proven themselves to be open to taking risks.
14. Boston Red Sox- Raffaele Velazquez, C/1B, Huntington Beach HS (CA)
The first surprise of the draft. Boston has taken a prep bat from California in the first round every year since Chaim Bloom took over — two of which were under slot picks — so why bet against history repeating itself? Velazquez isn’t a consensus top-20 player, but he does have some helium. His power profile is appealing even if he doesn’t stick behind the plate.
15. Chicago White Sox- Jacob Gonzalez, SS, Ole Miss
Once thought of as a potential No. 1 pick, Gonzalez still feels in play as early as 6, but in this mock, he falls to what is likely his floor. He has an impressive batted ball profile and a good eye, but has struggled to catch up to velocity— and that may become a bigger issue going forward. An accomplished SEC shortstop is quite valuable, however, and Gonzalez could be the eventual Tim Anderson replacement.
16. San Francisco Giants- Tommy Troy, SS, Stanford
Troy came into the season as a contact-oriented middle infielder, but he showed off some surprising pull-side power and the willingness to steal bases, as well as improved plate discipline. He still doesn’t have the upside of some of the other bats in this range, but with a well-rounded skill set and the ability to play several positions, there’s plenty of mid-first-round appeal. San Francisco has gone pitching-heavy of late and could use an infusion of offense from the local kid.
17. Baltimore Orioles- Arjun Nimmala, SS, Strawberry Crest HS (FL)
Baltimore hasn’t drafted a pitcher in the first four rounds under Mike Elias, and despite graduating lots of bats, the O’s have a ton of talent in the upper minors and can start working on the next wave. Among the youngest in the class, Nimmala is athletic, toolsy, and projectable, with a good chance to stick at short.
18. Milwaukee Brewers- Matt Shaw, 2B, Maryland
Milwaukee is no stranger to the college bat demographic, and there are a ton who fit into this range. Shaw punishes baseballs to all fields, makes plenty of contact, and is a threat on the bases. Questions about his defensive future remain, but he’s super athletic and his bat should play just about anywhere.
19. Tampa Bay Rays- Walker Martin, SS, Eaton HS (CO)
Martin is a bit older for the class and comes from a region generally devoid of baseball prospects, but he sure can hit. He’s projectable with a clean, left-handed swing that is geared for both gap and home run power. Tampa has made it clear it values bat-first infielders.
20. Toronto Blue Jays- Thomas White, LHP, Phillips Academy (MA)
White has electric stuff and a ton of projectability. His long levers provide his delivery with some moving parts, but there is plenty of time for his command and control to develop. In a class short on both lefties and prep arms, he could even land inside the top 15. Toronto nabbed the top prep lefty in the first round last year before diving head-first into the position player market.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Bryce Eldridge, 1B/RHP, Madison HS (VA)
A potential two-way player, the 6-foot-7 Eldridge boasts enormous power both at the plate and on the mound. There may be some appeal to honoring his Alabama commitment in order to play both ways, but if the Cardinals are willing to let him do the same, they could be coming away with one of the most exciting prep players in the class.
22. Seattle Mariners - Blake Mitchell, C, Sinton HS (TX)
Mitchell is an appealing two-way catcher who, given his strong receiving skills and cannon for an arm, should have no trouble staying behind the dish. He also boasts lots of raw power without too much swing-and-miss.
23. Cleveland Guardians- Colt Emerson, SS, Glenn HS (OH)
As a young infielder with strong bat-to-ball skills, Emerson is a perfect fit for the Guardians’ model. Despite being on the smaller side, he has the actions and arm strength to handle several infield spots.
24. Atlanta Braves- Aidan Miller, 3B, Mitchell HS (FL)
Miller is a physical, athletic third baseman in the mold of Nolan Arenado. His raw power stands out in the entire draft class, but a wrist injury has hampered his stock. Atlanta hasn’t dipped too heavily into the prep bat pool of late, but it surprised us with three consecutive prep arms last year, so anything is on the table.
25. San Diego Padres- Dillon Head, OF, Homewood-Flossmoor HS (IL)
It’s no secret that A.J. Preller loves toolsy, up-the-middle prep hitters, and Head may be the best high school outfielder in the class not named Clark or Jenkins. He has elite speed that plays well in center, and he makes plenty of contact to make up for a lack of power.
26. New York Yankees- Sammy Stafura, Cortlandt Manor HS (NY)
Even without any connections or sources, it’s not a secret that the Yankees supposedly love the local kid. Stafura is toolsy and athletic, with the ability to make an impact with the bat and play up the middle.
27. Philadelphia Phillies- Charlee Soto, RHP, Reborn Christian HS (FL)
Dombrowski loves prep arms, and Soto projects as a big-bodied, mid-rotation arm with exciting raw stuff. He boasts a fastball that can reach the upper 90s and a potentially double-plus changeup, but the stuff is unrefined and his command and control need work.
28. Houston Astros- Nolan Schanuel, 1B, Florida Atlantic
Schanuel is an accomplished hitter who could be a top-10 pick if he brought any value defensively or on the basepaths. Despite a rough showing on the Cape last summer, he has done nothing but hit at FAU, including posting a D1-best 1.476 OPS this past season. The last three times Houston has selected in the first round, it came away with a college bat.
29. Seattle Mariners- Noble Meyer, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR)
With a projectable frame and a promising pitch mix, Meyer is widely considered the top prep arm, with a chance to even go in the top 10. However, Seattle has the money to float him down to this pick. Prep righties are always a tricky bunch, but Meyer stands out as a potential ace who can beat you in different ways.
30. Seattle Mariners- Brock Wilken, 3B, Wake Forest
A poor showing in his second summer on the Cape hurt his stock, but Wilken bounced back with a dominant junior season. He has arguably the most raw power in the class, with an incredibly patient approach— sometimes to a fault. There’s a good chance he moves across the diamond to first, but he has the bat to offset those concerns. Seattle likes to supplement its higher-upside players with proven college bats.
31. Tampa Bay Rays- Chase Davis, OF, Arizona
Davis made significant contact strides in 2023, providing himself with more opportunities to tap into his plus raw power. Big and athletic, Davis could get a chance to prove himself in center, but he’s more likely a strong-armed right fielder. The Rays’ picks are typically difficult to project, but Davis has some similar traits to Tampa’s second-rounder last year, Brock Jones.
32. New York Mets- Kevin McGonigle, 2B, Monsignor Bonner HS (PA)
The Mets had their pick dropped down 10 spots due to luxury tax implications, but they could still come away with a talented player. McGonigle is a small, quick-twitch athlete with a very impressive hit tool. His size may push him over to second base, but he could be a quick mover regardless. He’s not dissimilar from Jett Williams, one of New York’s first-round picks a year ago.
33. Milwaukee Brewers- Jack Hurley, OF, Virginia Tech
Milwaukee has been known to double down on college bats in recent years, and there is a slew of intriguing ones available here. Hurley has five average-or-better tools and a track record of production in the ACC. He boasts impressive batted ball data and the range and instincts to stick in center.
34. Minnesota Twins- Yohandy Morales, 3B, Miami
Morales has one of the more impactful bats in college baseball, with plus power from the right side. His strong arm fits well at third, where he could be playing for the Twins sooner than later if he can improve his plate discipline and make more contact. He finished the year on a high note, and could even jump into the late first round.
35. Miami Marlins- Travis Sykora, RHP, Round Rock HS (TX)
Sykora is physically mature for his age — although he is on the older side of the class — with electric stuff and a clean delivery. He can hit triple digits with the fastball, and a splitter is considered his best secondary offering. Miami went pitcher-heavy last year and could do the same in 2023.
36. Los Angeles Dodgers- Cameron Johnson, LHP, IMG Academy (FL)
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Johnson already has a pro body and currently sits in the mid-90s, coming out of a low arm slot from the left side. Injuries and control issues may keep him out of the first round, but there’s a ton to be excited about here. The Dodgers’ first pick comes all the way down at 36, and they could go the route they went in 2021 and grab a prep lefty with big stuff.
37. Detroit Tigers- Joe Whitman, LHP, Kent State
Whitman has emerged as the leading candidate to be the first college lefty off the board. With impressive secondary pitches, the six-foot-five southpaw dominated his competition en route to becoming the MAC pitcher of the year after two seasons of riding the bench at Purdue. Scott Harris is no stranger to big-bodied, small-school lefties.
38. Cincinnati- George Lombard Jr, SS, Gulliver Prep (FL)
Lombard is a big, physical infielder who may have to move over to third in pro ball. He has the power potential and arm strength to make that move, although bigger concerns come with his swing-and-miss. The Reds, who have targeted similar types of players in recent years, will have to lure Lombard away from his Vanderbilt commitment.
39. Oakland Athletics- Cade Kuehler, RHP, Campbell
Kuehler has the size and stuff to be a first-rounder, and although he enjoyed a solid 2023 campaign, struggles with command will likely keep him out of that range. He’s essentially just a two-pitch guy at the moment, but both his fastball and slider miss plenty of bats. Oakland happens to love college pitchers from the Carolinas.
40. Washington Nationals- Sean Sullivan, LHP, Wake Forest
With Crews in tow, Washington could look to save some money with some arms. Sullivan enjoyed an exceptional season at Wake after two years with Northwestern. He’s incredibly deceptive, with long limbs and a low arm slot, and offers plus stuff and command. There is some reliever risk, but he should get a chance to start for a Pirates team that has been enticed by a funky lefty in recent years.
41. Oakland Athletics- Eric Bitonti, 3B, Aquinas HS (CA)
Bitonti is unfathomably young for this class, as he won’t turn 18 until well after the 2023 MLB season. He projects as a toolsy infielder with lots of power, and while his size will likely necessitate a move from shortstop to the hot corner, his strong arm would play at either spot. This would be the fourth consecutive draft in which the A’s come away with a prep player from California in the first two rounds.
42. Pittsburgh Pirates- Jonny Farmelo, OF, Westfield HS (VA)
Farmelo is big and athletic with the ability to fit all around the diamond. His frame should lend itself to decent power, and he’s turned in plus run times. Washington likes to pair college arms with high school bats, and Farmelo may have the most exciting tools of any prep bat left on the board.
43. Cincinnati Reds- Brandon Sproat, RHP, Florida
Sproat has a big, sturdy frame with an enticing, four-pitch mix, but he’s been plagued by inconsistency. Earlier this season, he threw a one-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts against Alabama, but then proceeded to get lit up by Ole Miss and Auburn. He flashes front-line starter potential, but his command and control give him plenty of reliever risk. Seven of Cincinnati’s last 11 picks in the top 50 have come from the state of Florida.
44. Kansas City Royals- Colton Ledbetter, OF, Mississippi State
The Royals have struggled to develop college arms, but hit on two college bats at the top of last year’s draft. They could go with the same strategy here, pairing Brayden Taylor with an accomplished SEC outfielder. Ledbetter is an incredibly patient hitter with strong contact rates, and though his tools aren’t quite as loud as Gavin Cross’, his well-rounded skill set could entice Kansas City in the same way.
45. Detroit Tigers- Juaron Watts-Brown, RHP, Oklahoma State
If Detroit could pair Langford with a couple of talented college arms, that could go a long way in terms of getting its rebuild back on track. Watts-Brown didn’t have a ton of success this past season, but athletic and projectable, with electric stuff. He has a similar breaking ball-heavy, fringy-control profile that Dylan Smith had when he was taken by the Tigers two years ago.
46. Colorado Rockies- Gino Groover, 3B, NC State
Groover is one of the best pure hitters in the class, and there is potential for at least average power given his frame and exit velocities. His below-average athleticism and lack of a defensive position, however, will likely keep him out of the first round. The Rockies could ignore some of Groover’s deficiencies in favor of his plus hit tool, just as they did with Sterlin Thompson a year ago.
47. Miami Marlins- Alex Clemmey, LHP, Bishop Hendricken HS (RI)
Miami followed up an at-slot college player with two over-slot prep arms last year, and it feels like it can do the same in 2023. Clemmey is a big, lanky left-hander from the northeast with upper-90s heat and a sharp breaking ball. His stuff compares well to top prep lefty Thomas White, but his command and control are not up to par.
48. Arizona Diamondbacks- Jake Gelof, 3B, Virginia
Gelof, who has a good chance to be picked earlier than his brother was in 2021, is among the most accomplished hitters eligible for this year’s draft. Virginia’s all-time home run leader has an aggressive approach and comes with some contact concerns, but there is significant power, as well. Arizona often pairs prep hitters with more stable college performers, and while Gelof doesn’t have massive upside, there’s certainly a role for someone with his power profile.
49. Minnesota Twins- Cole Schoenwetter, RHP, San Marcos HS (CA)
Schoenwetter is a prototypical prep righty with lots of athleticism and projection. He has three pitches that grade out as above average, but his command and control are a work in progress. At this point in the draft, Minnesota will likely have to pay above slot value to steer him away from UCSB.
50. Boston Red Sox- Mac Horvath, 3B/OF, North Carolina
Horvath’s draft stock will depend on where teams view him playing defensively, but he comes with an impressive power/speed combination and plus plate discipline. There are some swing-and-miss concerns, but he’s an accomplished hitter with enticing tools. Boston has prioritized bats in recent years, and Horvath is one of the more exciting ones remaining.
51. Chicago White Sox- Ty Floyd, RHP, LSU
Floyd had a rocky junior season, but finished strong, including an insane, 17-strikeout showing in the College World Series finals against Florida. He has a fastball-heavy repertoire — it is a potentially double-plus pitch — but his secondaries flash promise and he is a solid strike-thrower. Chicago tends to really like SEC arms.
52. San Francisco Giants- Hunter Owen, LHP, Vanderbilt
Owen is a big, physical strike-thrower with a nasty fastball/slider combination. He has just one injury-riddled season as a starter, however, so he undoubtedly comes with some reliever risk, but the upside is apparent. The Giants have focused heavily on big college arms in recent years, and Owen could join that mix.
53. Baltimore Orioles- Tre’ Morgan, 1B, LSU
Morgan doesn’t have the power that’s typical for a first baseman, but he’s an accomplished hitter and a Gold Glove-caliber defender at first. Baltimore’s M.O. has been to load up on college bats, and few available in this range have Morgan’s feel for hitting. He can certainly be had below slot value here.
54. Milwaukee Brewers- Alonzo Tredwell, RHP, UCLA
Milwaukee has drafted a pitcher who’s at least 6-foot-7 pretty early in each of the last two years— Tredwell is 6-foot-8. He also comes with three above-average pitches, an incredibly repeatable delivery, and tons of strikes. He’s a high-floor arm — albeit with an injury history — who could move quickly through the minors.
55. Tampa Bay Rays- Maui Ahuna, SS, Tennessee
Ahuna arrived in Knoxville with first-round expectations, but this now feels like something of a ceiling for the Kansas transfer. He has significant contact issues and chases breaking balls out of the zone, but there is at least some power potential to go along with plus speed. Tampa would be drafting the glove and hoping to develop the bat.
56. New York Mets- Alex Mooney, SS, Duke
Mooney is the kind of hit-over-power infielder Billy Eppler has targeted throughout his career. His batted ball data isn’t great, but he offers strong on-base skills, plus speed and defensive skills at short. He’s not the first-round talent many thought he could’ve become when he arrived on campus, but there’s still plenty of value. The draft-eligible sophomore may choose to return to Duke if he falls beyond this.
57. Seattle Mariners- Josh Rivera, SS, Florida
If Seattle is going to come away with both Blake Mitchell and Noble Meyer in Round 1, it will certainly have to save some money elsewhere. Rivera is undoubtedly the most attractive college senior in the class, coming off a breakout 2023 season during which he out-homered his first three seasons combined and helped Florida get to the CWS finals. He lacks a carrying tool, but a well-rounded skill set could allow him to carve out a big league utility role.
58. Cleveland Guardians- Will Sanders, RHP, South Carolina
Sanders is a big right-hander who has filled out his frame and comes with intriguing raw stuff. His command is a work in progress, however, and he got knocked around a bit this season. The ceiling remains fairly high, and there will be plenty of interest in the second round of a draft that is shallow in college arms. Cleveland has a long history of drafting large, right-handed college arms in the second and third rounds.
59. Atlanta Braves- Brice Matthews, 2B, Nebraska
After going pitching heavy at the top over the last two years, the Braves could stand to replenish its system with fast-moving bats. Matthews offers a well-rounded skill set with solid athleticism and the ability to play up the middle. He boasts impressive exit velocities, but he’ll need to make more contact against breaking stuff.
60. Los Angeles Dodgers- Hunter Hollan, LHP, Arkansas
Hollan has a case for being one of the top southpaws in the draft. He has a big, projectable frame, a full, four-pitch mix, and solid control. The JuCo transfer was solid in his only season in the SEC, but the Dodgers would be drafting him for his potential, not his track record.
61. Houston- Adrian Santana, SS, Doral Academy
Santana is a burner with elite defensive skills at shortstop. He will probably never develop a lot of power, but he’ll be 17 on draft day with upside at the plate as a switch-hitter. Houston used its second pick on a prep SS from Florida back in 2021, as well.
62. Cleveland Guardians- Quinn Mathews, LHP, Stanford
Mathews is exactly the type of accomplished college lefty Cleveland often goes after in this range. He finished second in the nation in strikeouts this season, thanks to a plus changeup and the ability to pound the zone with strikes. His dominant performance against Texas in the Supers certainly helped his stock.
63. Baltimore Orioles- Ryan Lasko, OF, Rutgers
Let’s stick with the college bat theme here for the O’s. Lasko doesn’t have a carrying tool, but he comes with solid plate discipline, above-average power, a strong arm, and a decent chance to stick in center.
64. Arizona Diamondbacks- Jackson Baumeister, RHP, Florida State
Baumeister is durable without a ton of mileage on his arm as a draft-eligible sophomore. His size and raw stuff — mid-90s fastball with carry and a pair of secondaries that flash plus — give him an excellent foundation and make him an intriguing option late on Day 1. Arizona has lived in the ACC pitcher pool for the last few years.
65. Colorado Rockies- Travis Honeyman, OF, Boston College
This is the same blueprint Colorado used a year ago, pairing a first-round arm with some college bats. Honeyman isn’t particularly toolsy, but his skill set is well-rounded, with excellent bat-to-ball skills and defensive versatility. He’s a threat on the bases and covers plenty of ground in the outfield. A late-season shoulder injury may have hurt his stock a bit, but he could still be a Day 1 pick.
66. Kansas City- Adam Hachman, LHP, Timberland HS (MO)
It’s been lots of prep arms and college bats for KC the last few years. Hachman is big and lanky with a fastball that can already touch the upper 90s from the left side. With below-average control, he profiles best as a reliever, but the upside is certainly there for him to be an impact arm in some capacity.
67. Pittsburgh- Joey Volchko, RHP, Redwood HS (CA)
Volchko won’t come cheap, but Pittsburgh should be in a position here to pay him. The right-hander has electric stuff coming out of a big frame, though his control and command have a long way to go before he’s big league ready.
68. Chicago Cubs- Roch Cholowsky, SS, Hamilton HS (AZ)
Cholowsky is an athletic middle infielder with a mature approach and a frame that could one day lend itself to decent power. By taking Waldrep in the first round, the Cubs should be able to find the money to overshadow a two-sport commitment to UCLA.
69. San Francisco Giants- Tai Peete, SS, Trinity Christian HS (GA)
Peete is young for the class, with a ton of athleticism and plenty of projection. He’s something of a free swinger and his hit tool is fringy at the moment, but he’s toolsy with the chance to stick on the left side of the infield.
70. Atlanta Braves- Tanner Witt, RHP, Texas
Witt hasn’t pitched a whole lot in college due to Tommy John surgery in 2022, and when he returned to the mound at the end of the 2023 season, the results weren’t pretty. Still, he’s a big, powerful arm who has flashed four plus pitches. Atlanta hasn’t been against taking risks, and Witt’s stuff is easily the best of anyone remaining on the board.