After going the prep route with their first selection, the pitching-starved Rockies choose an intriguing college arm in Bednar that just threw perhaps his best start of his collegiate career by going eight shutout innings versus SEC foe Alabama. The fastball/slider combination both grade out as above average and the spin profiles of both pitches bode well for future success, but refining a third pitch will ultimately define if he will stick as a starter long term. The durability, upside and value at this pick offer a tantalizing arm talent with middle-of-the rotation upside.
-JMC
VC- The Rockies are in need of arms to inject life into their system and Bednar is one of the more intriguing with a shorter track record as he’s just a sophomore. He’s flirted with the upper-90s but routinely pounds the zone with a good slider and changeup as he’s a definite starter candidate who’s received some first round buzz, too.
45. Los Angeles Angels: Maxwell Muncy, SS, Thousand Oaks HS (Calif.)
The overall game makes Muncy a steal at this point. He has the tools to stay at shortstop but will hit enough to play anywhere. A different player, but there seems to be a bit of a Nick Yorke meteoric rise here. He has helped himself as much as any high school bat this spring.
-JP/JG
VC- Muncy is among the next tier of prep shortstops who have upside toward the back end of the first round but likely land somewhere in the comp to second rounds. He’ll go similar to guys like Alex Mooney, Peyton Stovall, and Carson Williams, as Muncy will have been seen a ton thanks to scouts also wanting to see high school teammates Roc Riggio and Charlie Saum.
46. New York Mets: Colson Montgomery, SS, Southridge HS (Ind.)
Should he have chosen to do so, the 6-foot-3 Montgomery could very well be suiting up on the hardwood at the collegiate level next winter as he's an accomplished basketball player at the prep level in Indiana. However, 6-foot-3 left-handed hitting shortstops who've showed power production this spring, athleticism to stick on the left side, and plenty of projection all make the decision easier for Montgomery long term. -
JB/AD
BS- Montgomery has risen up boards this spring in a big way, with his left-handed bat and extreme athleticism leading the helium charge. He’s a year old for the class and may outgrow SS long term, but right now expect him gone well before this pick, and the upside in the bat is very exciting.
47. Washington Nationals: Sean Burke, RHP, Maryland
Coming off Tommy John surgery his freshman year at Maryland followed up by a 2020 season cut short due to the pandemic, Burke came back to his third year as the headliner of Maryland’s rotation, showing off a promising jump across his arsenal, including the addition of a slider blending in a two-plane mix. His fastball is hanging around the 92-95 mph range with riding life. Burke is a 6-foot-6 strong frame who has polished his mechanics and improving command. He is a strong early-rounder with 100 mph fastball potential that will complement his secondary offerings.
-BC
BS- Burke has seen a bit of an uneven spring thanks to some lapses in command, but the upside here is tantalizing with projection on the body, present velo/spin, and feel for pitching. If he can iron out the inconsistencies, this has the look of an MLB mid-rotation starter.
48. Seattle Mariners: Cody Schrier, SS, JSerra Catholic (Calif.)
There’s always a liking for SoCal shortstops toward the top of each draft and the Mariners selection here fits that trend as they go with an offensive catalyst for one of the best high schools in the country in
Cody Schrier, who is a great athlete, hits for some pop already, and seems to handle himself well against the best of the best.
-TR/CO
TH: The Mariners lack top prospects in the middle of the infield. Schrier has a chance to change that. There is a need to continue to develop on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, but the power and strength make him an intriguing player.
49. Philadelphia Phillies: Doug Nikhazy, LHP, Mississippi
The Phillies go the college route again, taking a prover performer in Nikhazy. The Phillies need to bolster their system with pitching and the Mississippi product provides a high floor left-hander with a track record of success in collegiate baseball’s toughest conference. He won’t blow you away with his stuff, but the fastball plays up due to tons of angle and deception. Add in two secondary offerings that at least grade out as average to slightly above and a developing fourth offering, and Nikhazy should provide much needed depth to the Phillies pitching corps relatively quick.
-JMC
KP: With a rock solid four-pitch mix, Nikhazy is a pretty safe pick here. The southpaw has been dominant in all three years at Ole Miss and the risk is relatively low in the second round.
50. San Francisco Giants: Trey Sweeney, 3B, Eastern Illinois
Sweeney has been one of the top performers in all of college baseball this year, and he has catapulted himself into second round draft consideration because of it. The Giants love his big-time power potential and excellent bat-to-ball skills from the left side, and his stats really speak for themselves (.382 AVG-14 HR-58 RBI).
-DW/CS
BS- Sweeney has done nothing but climb boards this spring, not super surprising to us but apparently truly shocking the rest of the industry. Either way, with fantastic size, a good left-handed swing with big power and a good shot to play the left side, Sweeney is likely in play before this.
51. Milwaukee Brewers: Nathan Hickey, C/1B, Florida
The Brewers aren’t afraid to go after players with non-traditional profiles and Hickey is a sure bet to move out from behind the plate once he hits pro ball. Despite that, the bat has a successful track record at the college level which should give them more confidence to make this pick. He’s not going to provide defensive value but I see some Max Muncy-like traits in his stroke and that’s something to dream on.
-TI
KP: In his second year at Florida, all Hickey has done is rake. Although he likely won’t stick behind the plate, the Brew Crew gets a bat with the hit and power tool that many see enough to hold his own at first base.
52. Miami Marlins: Edwin Arroyo, SS, Arecibo Baseball Academy (P.R.)
A switch-hitting shortstop with speed and a cannon across the diamond, Arroyo will be a great fit for the Marlins. His quick feet and soft hands should keep him at shortstop with an easy transition to second if he gains size in his slender frame. His hands and defensive actions could play all over the infield if his bat plays at the next level. With his simple swing from both sides of the plate and added strength, Arroyo could surprise some people with offensive upside as his defense already plays. He could be a real flier through the Marlins organization as they are not afraid to give opportunities to younger players that show success.
-JP/JG
KP: Arroyo has the potential for average to above average tools across the board. The switch-hitting shortstop who possesses defensive and offensive skills would be a very solid pick for the Marlins here.
53. Cincinnati Reds: Ethan Wilson, OF, South Alabama
Reds go with another left-handed bat but this time it’s from the college ranks. Wilson had a ton of first round buzz after a sensational freshman season. He’s struggled with strikeouts and plays in a weak conference but has a solid hit tool and power potential. Middle-of-the-order impact bat potential whose best days might be ahead of him with some adjustments. He finished his season on a strong note and walked more than he struck out this season.
-JS
VC- It’s been a tale of two halves for Wilson, whose numbers were not great in the early portion of the season when he was trying to battle through a nagging injury. He’s been great since then, posting numbers typically in line with his past totals, but still offers a combination of athleticism and strength rarely seen in college; he is one of the truer wild cards.
54. St. Louis Cardinals: Jackson Baumeister, RHP, The Bolles (Fla.)
Baumeister, a primary catcher in his prep days, has long been lauded for the overall athleticism to his operation and long-term projection, something that seems to be hitting as of late. Working in the low-90s early this spring with the same big extension he’s long showed, Baumeister has been consistently working into the mid-90s during the back half of the spring while pounding the zone with a three-pitch mix.
-JB/AD
KP: The Cardinals get an athletic righty who has shown steady strides and continued to solidified himself over the past year. Showing a solid fastball reaching into the mid-90s and a solid curveball to go along, Baumeister offers considerable upside on the mound.
55. New York Yankees: Tyler Whitaker, OF, Bishop Gorman (Nev.)
The Yankees certainly like tools and Whitaker has no shortage of them as the long and physical outfielder is an excellent defender with the athleticism for multiple positions while possessing some of the better power upside of the high school players in this part of the draft.
-TR/CO
BS- Whitaker has been gaining steam on the strength of his athleticism and explosive tool set for months now, though it seems likely that rise doesn’t quite eclipse the first round. Likely a RF long term, Whitaker’s power upside is vast and he’s extremely twitchy for his size, though swing-and-miss concerns push him down a bit.
56. Chicago Cubs: Alex Binelas, 1B, Louisville
Binelas may have some of the most power in the ’21 class. Although the numbers have been down a bit from an average standpoint, he still has 15 homers to his name with 56 RBI on the year. He has proved himself just as much as any third-year prospect in the draft class and that is why he is a no-brainer here for the Cubs in the second round.
-DW/CS
TH: The Cubs have had success with college bats in the past and they take another one here. The Cubs will look to add power to their system with Binelas, who was a potential first round pick entering the 2021 season before a slow start knocked him down the board.
57. Chicago White Sox: Connor Norby, 2B, East Carolina
White Sox go with a safe college bat at 57 who has absolutely raked this season. He’s hit over .400 with an OPS north of 1.100 and double-digit bombs. He’s a scrappy player that should be a quick mover in the system. He’s likely limited to playing second base but the hit tool is the main calling card here, high floor and will balance out perhaps a riskier pick they made in the first round.
-JS
VC- No one in the country has better numbers than Norby, whose average has been above .400 the entire season along with double-digit power and stolen base numbers. He’s a second baseman long term so there is a lot of pressure on the bat but he’ll likely go in the first two rounds along with fellow smaller conference bats like Trey Sweeney and Tyler Black.
58. Cleveland Indians: Tyler Black, INF, Wright State
After taking a prep arm with their first selection, the Indians go the college route in selecting Wright State’s Black here. It all starts with his bat. Black has good pitch recognition and plate discipline at the plate that couples well with his burgeoning power potential that will play at the next level. He may ultimately end up at second base due to arm strength, but he has solid hands and moves well in the dirt to do so effectively. -
JMC
BS- Cleveland picking the college bat with huge contact skills and more walks than strikeouts in his career? This one certainly makes sense. Black has come into more power this spring and continues to play a quality 2B, and given the scarcity of quantifiably safe collegiate bats this spring, don’t be surprised if he goes way before this.
59. Atlanta Braves: Josh Hartle, LHP, Reagan HS (S.C)
I will not get off the Hartle train as he has all the long-term traits to be a top-of-the-rotation starter. The repertoire and tunneling ability are in place. The frame and athleticism scream continued jumps over the next few years. This is an absolute steal for any organization who believes in their player development. -
JG/JP
BS- Hartle didn’t quite take the velo jump many projected from him this spring, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still in there. With the breaking ball improvements and his usual feel for pitching, he could be in play even higher than this, but a commitment to Wake Forest’s pitching lab could complicate.
60. Oakland Athletics: Daylen Lile, OF, Trinity HS (Ind.)
In terms of pure hit tool, Lile ranks up there with the best from the prep ranks as his left-handed swing has long produced hard, barreled contact throughout over the years. He’s an above average runner who should stick in center to start his pro career, but it’s all about the offense with Lile. Thanks to his hand quickness and refined approach, Lile can see the ball deep and adjust when he has to, while still getting good wood on the ball with natural loft.
-JB/AD
BS- Lile really, really performed on the summer circuit, more-or-less outperforming everyone who participated in events he did. The hit tool is the carrier here from the left side, and he’s come into some power along with a chance to play center long term, and this feels like a good spot for him.
61. Minnesota Twins: Gavin Williams, RHP, East Carolina
Continuing the trend of taking high-upside/high-risk college players, the Twins go with another one here. Williams has electric stuff (fastball routinely reaches triple digits) but command/control issues have plagued him in the past. He has some feel for a breaking ball and a changeup, too. His college season was solid this year and showed improved command but there’s still definite reliever risk with his profile. Still, the upside he has with this stuff is too good to overlook. -JS
VC- Williams is another prospect who is technically a senior but has rebuilt his delivery and overall profile so drastically from his freshman year to now. Instead of strikes being a red flag, they’re now a strength as Williams projects as a starter whose overall draft upside probably starts toward the back end of the first round.
62. San Diego Padres: Ryan Bliss, SS, Auburn:
I think Bliss will slide over to second base at the professional level, but I think the Padres go with the best college bat available at this pick. Despite a smaller build, his swings have a great deal of intent in them and it packs a punch. Slugged over .600 this year and with the amount of loft in his swing, it doesn’t appear to be an outlier season for him.
-TI
VC- When you think of Power 5 conference performers, Bliss’ name immediately comes to mind as he’s been a bright spot in a disappointing season for Auburn. Bliss is the type of player who can tear through the lower-level minors with the advanced nature of his bat. From a stock perspective he’s grouped with Connor Norby and Peyton Wilson as likely pro second baseman who rake and should go in the second.
63. Tampa Bay Rays: Cody Morissette, INF, Boston College
The Rays go with the consistent performer in Morissette with this pick, as the Boston College infielder has continually improved since stepping on campus. He is a pure hitter with an all-fields approach, plate discipline and the versatility to roam around the field to impact the game in various ways. The bat certainly stands out as he possesses some of the better bat-to-ball skills within the class. The positional versatility and professional approach at the plate certainly fit the Rays philosophy seamlessly.
-JMC
VC- Morissette could have been in play much higher than this if not for bad luck and a tough injury in the early portion of the season. He injured his hand which effectively sapped his power for a bit of time but this could be the gem of the draft as there’s real feel to hit, a great swing, and he was absolutely a first round candidate entering the spring for good reason.
64. Pittsburgh Pirates: Landon Marceaux, RHP, Louisiana State University
There aren’t many safer bets than Marceaux to pitch in a Big League rotation at this point. He manipulates the ball to create movement as well as anyone in the class and has shown durability all the way back to his prep days. He also has a bulldog mentality when he grabs the rock. -JG/JP
TH: The Pirates added four arms last year in the draft, including three collegiate pitchers, and they take another one here. Marceaux comes with lower risk in his profile, as well as a tick down in stuff, but is an experienced collegiate arm that can provide a quality four-pitch mix.
65. Baltimore Orioles: Peyton Wilson, 2B, Alabama
Orioles go with a twitchy up-the-middle player who’s done nothing but hit in his two seasons at Bama. Explosive hands and showed a little bit of unexpected power this season. Solid run tool and the glove is good enough to keep him up the middle. Excellent blend of high floor and upside for a guy still available at 65.
-JS
VC- Wilson is another second-year eligible prospect who is a switch-hitter with up-the-middle versatility and separating athleticism. Wilson is more of a backend day one type right now but should be going in a similar spot as right-handed pitcher Dylan Smith, his teammate.
66. Kansas City Royals: Noah Miller, SS, Ozaukee HS (Wis.)
Miller has been a rising name lately in draft circles, and the Royals take him with their third pick of the draft, betting on his high offensive upside. There is no doubt that he has the defensive skill set to stick in the middle infield long term, and he has real potential to hit for both average and power as a switch-hitter. -
DW/CS
BS- Miller can really hit, and he did a great job proving that this spring in the Iowa Spring League. The hit tool along with the athleticism, middle-field defensive traits, and continually-growing power make him a candidate for going higher than this.
67. Arizona Diamondbacks: Wes Kath, 3B, Desert Mountain (Ariz.)
The Diamondbacks stay close to home here with their third selection as the steadily-rising
Wes Kath fits the mold of a great pick for them at this spot. He’s got an excellent handle of the barrel and the power potential was on full display this spring as he hit .486 with 11 home runs to go with 13 other extra-base hits.
-TR/CO
TH: Kath stays in his home state as Arizona takes him 67th overall. The Diamondbacks look to add a potential power bat to their system that lacks high-ceiling infielders, although there is some risk in the pick due to the need to continue to develop his frame and swing, as well as concerns whether he can stick at third base.
68. Colorado Rockies: Luca Tresh, C, North Carolina State
Quality college catchers that can hit for power and profile to stick behind the plate at the next level generally don’t last very long. The Rockies grab Tresh here as an athletic backstop that can bolster their system and provide a potential power bat to the catching ranks. Tresh was off to a hot start in 2021, as he hit a bevy of home runs early before cooling off. The solid catch-and-throw skill set, arm strength and power potential will be too much to pass up despite some swing-and-miss concerns with young backstop.
-JMC
KP: After being blocked from behind the plate by 2020 pick Patrick Bailey, Tresh has broken out with a big year at NC State. Offering considerable pop for a catcher, the Rockies would be glad to get Tresh to Coors Field.
69. Cleveland Indians: Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP/SS, Nebraska
The Indians go with the intriguing two-way profile of Schwellenbach here, as teams have differing opinions on where he ends up long term. Schwellenbach is a good athlete that has developed solid defensive skills and offensive upside during his first two seasons at Nebraska. The clean delivery and present arm speed that has been into the upper-90s at times may be too much to ignore, as some think he could profile as a starter down the road. It Is certainly an exciting dilemma to have for the Indians system that could use the depth on either side of the ball.
-JM
BS- Schwellenbach is a popular riser amongst draft boards currently, a trend that started months ago for those paying attention at the time. Some teams prefer him as a SS, some teams prefer him on the mound, and some even think he can start long term. His draft ceiling is higher than this.
70. St. Louis Cardinals: Frank Mozzicato, LHP, East Catholic HS (Conn.)
In terms of pop-ups this spring, Mozzicato might rank atop the list as the ultra-projectable 6-foot-3 lefty has been blowing away the competition, seemingly striking out double-digit batters in front of throngs of scouts. There’s more to come with the fastball, currently working into the low-90s with his heater, though it’s the plus curveball that’s the true separator and biggest reason for his meteoric rise.
-JB/AD
BS- Mozzicato is going to go a lot higher than this, even as high as the back of the first round, given that one late 20s-selecting team has had their GM at his last 2 starts. Scouts see an athletic, projectable lefty with excellent feel to spin and consistently climbing velocity.
71. San Diego Padres: Caedmon Parker, RHP, The Woodlands Christian Academy (TX)
The Padres go high upside again with this pick. Parker is a long and lean-framed Texas prep arm that has a three-pitch mix including an above average spin rate curveball. He already sits in the low-90s range with his fastball and with how much room his body has to add strength, he could be a velocity jump candidate sooner than later. -TI
VC- Parker is your prototypical projection prep right-hander as he checks nearly every box on the scouting card. He’s athletic with a good delivery, has present stuff, and projects out to be a monster. Parker is one of numerous arms who should get a potential overpay with a second pick thanks to his overall upside.