2018 MLB Mock Draft

2018 MLB Mock Draft

The 2018 MLB draft will take place on June 4th in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Tigers hold the first overall pick followed by the Giants and the White Sox as the other teams with a top pick. Unlike previous years, the college talent is stacked this year with little high school talent likely to go into the top ten. Unlike in previous years, this draft class is very unpredictable, with many surprises to come along.

1. Detroit Tigers: C Joey Bart, Georgia Tech

For the first time since 1999, the Detroit Tigers hold the first overall pick. They are in a clear rebuild and are in desperate need for star talent. Joey Bart is one of the best all around players in this years draft. He has the potential to be 3-4-5 hitter who is killer on the base pads. To go along with a great offensive game, he has one of the best throwing arms in the nation and is known for working well with pitchers. This pick seems the most logical at the moment as Auburn Tigers star Casey Mize has allowed 11 runs in his past 2 starts.

2. San Francisco Giants: RHP Brady Singer, Florida

The Giants are solid at almost every position except for pitching. The health of their all star starter Madison Bumgarner has been a concern as of late. As a result, selecting one of the best pitchers would be their best option. Singer this season has a 2.25 ERA and has struck out 92 in 88 innings.

3. Philadelphia Phillies: 2B Nick Madrigal, Oregon State

In recent years the Phillies have not exactly hit a “homerun” on their picks. However, their team is on the rise and currently in a playoff push this season. Madrigal is arguably the best hitter in this year’s class, hitting .458 this season along with the great defense he puts out at second base. Madrigal has one of the best shots to become a superstar in years to come.

4. Chicago White Sox: OF Jarred Kelenic, Waukesha West HS (Wisconsin)

Wisconsin’s own Jarred Kelenic has everything you would want in a baseball player: great speed and athleticism along with a great offensive home. The White Sox still need that 1 superstar player, and Kelenic can be that guy.

5. Cincinnati Reds: 3B Alec Bohm, Wichita St.

In recent years the Reds have drafted with the intentions of snagging the best available player, and Bohm would be the next guy up. Bohm is one of the best hitters in this years draft class, hitting .333 with 14 home runs. To go along with that, Alec also has more walks (36) than strikeouts (19). His bat is the reason Bohm is a lock for a top-5 pick.

6. New York Mets: RHP Casey Mize, Auburn

Once a projected number 1 pick, Mize has struggled in recent weeks. At this point in time, college pitchers are overshadowed by college hitters and prep hitters and pitchers. Mize’s health has also been a concern since his high school days.

7. San Diego Padres: LHP Matthew Liberatore, Mountain Ridge HS (Arizona)

In recent years the Padres have gone the prep route. I expect them to do the exact same. Liberatore is the best high school pitcher who has been blinded by the college talent.

8. Atlanta Braves: 3B Nolan Gorman, O’Connor HS (Arizona)

WIth the new GM for the Braves, this team can go in any direction. Their current team has a lot of young stars. They do, however, lack a reliable spot at the third base position. Gorman has one of the best bats coming out of high school. However, his inconsistencies in high school have dropped his draft stock enormously.

9. Oakland Athletics: SS Brice Turang, Santiago HS (California)

The ideology the Athletics draft with is very sporadic. They have gone the prep and college routes almost every other year. Turang was once projected to be the first overall pick a few months ago, but his struggles in his senior year have decreased his draft stock. Turang is a speedy contact hitter who lacks power. It is possible for his stock to dip a bit, but it would be crazy for the A’s to pass on a player like Turang.

10. Pittsburgh Pirates: OF Travis Swaggerty, South Alabama

Swaggerty seems like the best option at this pick. He is one of the best all around college players. He gets on base a tremendous amount and has the chance to develop into a 5-tool player.