The MLB Pipeline has released a new 2023 Mock Draft, and some picks have changed. This article will be an analysis of each selection in the top ten and see if the picks will help the teams or will be traded.
1. Pirates: Dylan Crews (Outfield)
Dylan Crews going first in the draft is a no-brainer. Hitting well over .300 all three years at Louisiana State, and having an OPS of over 1000 and over 50 home runs in his collegiate career, he is a monster at the plate. Crews would be an asset to the Pirates, as he could be the replacement for Bryan Reynolds, the Pirates’ Current All-Star outfielder.
2. Nationals: Paul Skenes (Pitcher)
Paul Skenes would be the definitive number one overall pick if it was not for his teammate Dylan Crews. Skenes has had a breakout year after transferring to LSU, going 10-1, and has an ERA of 1.77. Skenes could offer significant help that Nationals that they so desperately need due to bad contracts and injuries.
3. Tigers: Walker Jenkins (Outfield)
Walker Jenkins is a superstar that is ready to get picked up right out of high school. Over his career at South Brunswick High School he has hit close to .500, and he has 37 stolen bases on top of a 6.75 second 60 yard dash. Overall, Jenkins could a future star in the Tigers outfield, providing them with contact hitting and solid speed in the outfield and on the bases.
4. Rangers: Max Clark (Outfield)
Max Clark is another high school player that is ready to make the jump to the pros. He hits with consistency, averaging .550 over his career, and hit over 20 home runs in 80 games. Clark could be the missing piece in the outfield for the Rangers, but the Rangers are very good this year. They might trade the pick for a superstar now.
5. Twins: Wyatt Langford (Outfield)
Wyatt Langford plays the same as Crews, having a high batting average and OPS, hitting .373 and slugging 1.237 while at Florida. However, on defense, he does not play the same position, but nonetheless, he is still a future star. The Twins could keep him and pair him up with Byron Buxton in the outfield, and may train him to be Buxton’s replacement.
6. Athletics: Kyle Teel (Catcher)
Kyle Teel is one of two catchers in the projected to go in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, and probably is the more read of the two to go pro. Teel acts as a shield and cannon at the plate, being one of the best in the ACC, and probably the NCAA. He also swung over .340 and 26 home runs in his collegiate career. Teel could become the A’s future star, and provide the A’s with offense and defense, in which they are need of desperately.
7. Reds: Noble Meyer (Pitcher)
The last high schooler in the projected top ten, Noble Meyer has a strong arm that is ready for the jump the majors. Meyer is the top high school pitcher in his class, giving him a lot of notoriety. He could provide help in the starting pitching department for the Reds. Meyer could act as the two in the one-two punch with Red’s ace Hunter Greene.
8. Royals: Jacob Wilson (Shortstop)
Jacob Wilson is the best shortstop in his class, and is the highest-ranked infielder in his class. Wilson hits .428, and has only struck out five times in 189 plate appearances. The Royals are in a rebuild mode, and between Wilson and Bobby Witt Jr., the future is bright for the Royals.
9. Rockies: Chase Dollander (Pitcher)
Chase Dollander has had a dynamic career at Tennessee, hitting a few bumps down the road. However, with the less-than-usual amount of pitchers in this upcoming draft, Dollander may rise in worth. If the Rockies select them and he is able to smooth out his pitching, Dollander could become their ace.
10. Marlins: Jacob Gonzalez (Shortstop)
After Wilson, Jacob Gonzales is the best shortstop in his class. Hitting .320 and over 40 home runs in his collegiate career at Mississippi, he is definitely a solid pick. Gonzalez would pair up well with the Marlins other position player star, Jazz Chisolm, and help solidify their offense to pair up with their Cy Young level pitching.
Keep in mind, this is the MLB Pipeline’s 2023 mock draft, so projected picks are always subject to change up until draft day. However, do not expect any significant changes from these picks.
Stay tuned for more MLB content, trades, contract extensions, and more.
Featured Image courtesy of MLB.com
“From our Haus to Yours”