2019 Actual MLB Draft Day(s) Thread

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Every year, we do an actual draft day(s) thread. Post everything in here, I'll lock the other thread. I'll update this original post with Cubs' picks.

 

2019 Bonus Pool: $5,826,900

2019 Bonus Pool Including 5% Overage: $6,118,245

2019 Signings Charged to Bonus Pool: $5,951,300 (10th round pick did not sign)

2019 Bonus Pool for All Top 10 Picks That Signed: $5,783,700 (5% Overage: $6,072,885)

2019 Bonus Pool Remaining (all top 10 round pick that signed) Including 5% Overage: $121,585

 

1.27: Ryan Jensen, RHP, Fresno State - MLB.com rank: 99, BA rank: 109, ESPN rank: 32; Signed for $2,000,000 (Pick Value: $2,570,100)

Fresno State has had its fair share of high profile draftees, most recently first rounders Taylor Ward in 2015 and, of course, Aaron Judge in 2013. The Bulldogs haven't had a pitcher go in the top five rounds in over a decade, with Tanner Scheppers and Justin Wilson both going that high in 2008. Both were starters in college and made it to the big leagues as relievers, a path Jensen could very well take after pitching well as Frenso State's Friday night starter this spring. Jensen has arm strength to spare, with a fastball that sits from 94-98 mph. He's able to maintain his velocity deep into his starts, showing plenty of 97-98 mph heaters in the seventh and eighth inning of his starts. When he finds his arm slot, it can have plus life, but he often loses it, causing it to be flat and very hittable. His slider will show flashes of being an above-average pitch, but it's not consistent. He does have an upper-80s changeup with some fade that might be average, but he doesn't use it much. Jensen has a tendency to over stride at times, which makes it tougher for him to repeat his delivery and command the baseball. With some effort to his delivery and an undersized frame, many see Jensen moving to the bullpen, with his power stuff playing up and allowing him to move more quickly. There is some feel for pitching here, so a team could send him out as a starter and see how it looks at the outset of his career.

2.64: Chase Strumpf, 2B, UCLA - MLB.com rank: 41, BA rank: 42, ESPN rank: 57; Signed for $1,050,300 (Pick Value: $1,050,300)

In 2017, Royce Lewis was the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft as a shortstop out of JSerra Catholic High School in California. Lewis didn't play shortstop until 2017 because he was blocked by Strumpf. Strumpf has since moved to second base at UCLA and, coming off a huge sophomore season that saw him lead the Bruins in a host of offensive categories, started slowly in his junior season but was starting to show the advanced bat that scouts saw the year prior as the Draft approached. It's Strumpf's hit tool that stands out. He can flat out rake with excellent strike zone discipline, showing the ability to barrel up the baseball consistently. While he doesn't have huge raw power, there's some definite thump from the right side of the plate and he can punish mistakes. While he was a shortstop in high school, he doesn't have the arm or speed to play there, but he should be a reliable defender at second base. It's the bat, though, that will get him drafted in the early rounds of the 2019 Draft. He profiles as an offensive-minded second baseman with some power, kind of like a right-handed version of Bruin product Kevin Kramer, who made his big league debut with the Pirates in 2018.

3.103: Michael McAvene, RHP, Louisville - MLB.com rank: 171, BA rank: 179; Signed for $500,000 (Pick Value: $565,600)

The top pitcher in Louisville's 2016 recruiting class, McAvene was carving out a role as a freshman when he blew out his elbow in April. He returned to the mound a year later following Tommy John surgery and has emerged as the Cardinals' closer this spring. He offers additional intrigue because of the college relievers projected to go in the first five or six rounds, he might have the best chance to transition to starting in pro ball. Coming out of the bullpen, McAvene sits at 93-95 mph and can reach 96 with riding life on his four-seam fastball. He's doing a better job of generating velocity without overthrowing this spring, helping his ability to pound the bottom of the strike zone. He backs it up with a low-80s breaking ball that combines slider power with curveball depth. Both of McAvene's pitches grade as plus at their best, and he's throwing more strikes than ever. To succeed in a pro rotation, he'll need to develop a changeup after having little use for one to this point of his career. His strong 6-foot-3 frame is built for durability and his dramatically improved command bodes well for his future.

4.132: Chris Clarke, RHP, Southern California - BA rank: 216 (Pick Value: $426,600); Signed for $426,000

5.162: Josh Burgmann, RHP, Washington; Signed for $225,000 (Pick Value: $318,200)

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2017 -- his first year at the University of Washington -- Burgmann returned to throw 31 innings last season and struck out 101 batters over 79 frames this year. A sturdy righty with a strong build, Burgmann can reach 95 mph with his fastball, and he throws his above-average curveball often. He also has a good feel for his changeup, giving him a solid three-pitch foundation, but he needs to add movement to his heater and decrease his reliance on the hook.

6.192: Ethan Hearn, C, Mobile Christian School (AL) - MLB rank: 67; Signed for $950,000 (Pick Value: $247,000)

Only two Alabama high school catchers ever have been selected in the first three rounds, and it hasn't happened in the last 50 years. Rated the top prep backstop in the 2019 Draft by some teams, Hearn could join James Kelly (Orioles, second round, 1966) and Lamar Johnson (White Sox, third, 1968) in that exclusive club. His talent and the relative lack of catching available this year is pushing him up boards. Hearn's two most impressive tools are his raw power and pure arm strength, both of which grade as plus. He's a left-handed hitter whose strength and aggressive, pull-oriented mindset give him plenty of pop to right field. He has a quick release on his throws and can record 1.9-second pop times to second base. A Mississippi State recruit, Hearn still requires some offensive and defensive polish. He needs to temper his approach at the plate because he doesn't always make consistent contact against quality pitching. He has improved as a receiver but still has more work to do and loses concentration more often than he should.

7.222: Brad Deppermann, RHP, North Florida; Signed for $50,000 (Pick Value: $194,400)

8.252: Davidjohn Herz, LHP, Terry Sanford HS (NC); Signed for $500,000 (Pick value: $162,700)

Herz succeeded Christian Jayne (now at East Carolina) as the quarterback and top baseball prospect at Sanford High (Fayetteville, N.C.) this spring. He has the most live arm in Tar Heel State's prep class, though there's debate as to his long-term role and whether he's signable away from a North Carolina commitment. Herz already can touch 95 mph with his fastball and popped 93s and 94s more frequently as the Draft approached. His heater has jumped about 5 mph from a year ago and could reside in the mid-90s if he continues to develop physically. He generates a lot of ugly swings with the lateral break on his low-80s slider but has yet to exhibit much feel for a changeup. While throwing across his body gives Herz some action on his pitches, it also costs him command. Some scouts look at the effort in his delivery and the length of his arm action and project him as a definite reliever. Others think he's athletic and strong enough to power through and make it as a starter.

9.282: Tyler Schlaffer, RHP, Homewood Flossmoor HS (IL); Signed for $250,000 (Pick Value: $149,800)

10.312: Wyatt Hendrie, C, Antelope Valley CC (CA) (Pick Value: $142,200)

11.342: Mack Chambers, SS, Seminole State JC (OK)

12.372: Hunter Bigge, RHP, Harvard - Signed for $125,000

13.402: Porter Hodge, RHP, Cottonwood Senior HS (Murray, UT) - Signed for $125,000

14.432: Ryan Reynolds, 3B, Texas - Signed for $125,000

15.462: Zach Bryant, RHP, Jacksonville - Signed for $125,000

16.492: Johnzan Oquendo, RHP, Leadership Christian Academy HS (Guaynabo, PR) - Signed for $125,000

17.522: Tanner Dalton, RHP, Sacramento St - Signed for $5,000

18.552: Alex Moore, RHP, Lander (SC) - Signed for $1,000

19.582: Adam Laske, LHP, Duke - Signed for $125,000

20.612: Dairus Hill, OF, West Virginia - Signed for $5,000

21.642: Nelson Maldonado, OF, Florida - Signed for $5,000

22.672: Elian Almanzar, RHP, Florence-Darlington Tech JC (SC) - Signed for $75,000

23.702: Manny Collier, OF, Westwood HS (Mesa, AZ) - Signed for $125,000

24.732: Grayson Byrd, IF, Clemson - Signed for $5,000

25.762: Zac Taylor, OF, Illinois - Signed for $1,000

26.792: Jacob Olson, IF, South Carolina - Signed for $1,000

27.822: Cayne Ueckert, RHP, McNeese St - Signed for $5,000

28.852: Chris Kachmar, RHP, Lipscomb - Signed for $1,000

29.882: Jake Washer, C, East Carolina - Signed for $5,000

30.912: Bryan King, LHP, McNeese St - Signed for $1,000

31.942: Shane Combs, RHP, Notre Dame - Signed for $50,000

32.972: Bryce Windham, 2B, Old Dominion - Signed for $1,000

33.1002: Ryan Ritter, SS, Lincoln-Way East HS (Frankfort, IL)

34.1032: Nolan Letzgus, RHP, Heritage HS (Ringgold, GA)

35.1062: Hunter Patteson, LHP, Vero Beach HS (Vero Beach, FL)

36.1092: Jayson Hoopes, RHP, St. Augustine Prep (Richland, NJ)

37.1122: Jaylon McLaughlin, OF, Nevada

38.1152: Marc Davis, 3B, Florida Southwestern State JC

39.1182: Mason Auer, Kickapoo HS (Springfield, MO)

40.1212: Mac Bingham, OF, Torrey Pines HS (San Diego, CA)

[Regular Show]

Adley Rutschman goes #1 to the Orioles like we all expected. I hope he gets almost the full signing bonus there because he deserves it.

[Post Count Padder]

Are you [expletive] me glenallen hill Jr is in this draft? God I'm old.

[Regular Show]

Jim Callis just comped Bobby Witt Jr. to the Royals as being as impactful as Patrick Mahomes to the KC Chiefs lol. He took it from another scout and liked it.

 

Yeah, I don't know about that...

[Tryptamine]

Sadly the Sox made the right decision and took Vaughn.

[Edith Cox]

Jim Callis has hit all 11 and has us with Davidson in his just before the draft mock.

[Regular Show]

The draft is proceeding like we expected for the most part. It'll start getting more murky and unpredictable now.

 

Mets taking Brett Baty (good HS bat).

[Outshined_One]

It took an hour for the first 7 picks to go as projected....Coolcoolcool, love this about the new MLB draft

 

Remember when the draft was just a conference call that took roughly 45 minutes?

[Regular Show]

It took an hour for the first 7 picks to go as projected....Coolcoolcool, love this about the new MLB draft

 

Remember when the draft was just a conference call that took roughly 45 minutes?

 

[UMFan83]

I know you draft guys know this already but crazy the DBacks have 6 of the first 75 picks. Their draft budget must be gigantic

[Regular Show]

[tweet]

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That's pretty good lol.

[Regular Show]

There goes one college bat (SS/2B Will Wilson) I like. Well, at least he didn't go to a team in the division.

[Tryptamine]

Absolutely love Corbin Carroll. Dbacks got a steal.

[Regular Show]

Players I like that are still available:

 

College bats:

Braden Shewmake

Michael Busch

Kody Hoese

Kam Misner (but I doubt we take him)

 

HS bats:

Matt Lugo

Nasim Nunez

Gunnar Henderson

Maurice Hampton

[Regular Show]

[tweet]

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[Tryptamine]

I’m not uninterested in Gunnar Henderson falling to the Cubs. If they think he can be a giant LHH SS...

 

Wow, Nats and Cards went boring

 

Pretty happy with that Card pick. I don't think that arm has much chance of holding up to a starter workload.

[Regular Show]

You don't need a crazy IsoP in college to be a good hitter in the pros. Look at Nico's stats and get back to me lol. Make some good tweaks and learn to hit at a higher launch angle and get away from the college approach.

 

Also, the ball is juiced in MLB so good contact hitters hit for more power than you'd expect when they reach the big leagues.

[Regular Show]

You don't need a crazy IsoP in college to be a good hitter. Look at Nico's stats and get back to me lol.

 

Also, the ball is juiced in MLB so good hitters hit for more power than you'd expect when they reach the big leagues.

 

Hoerner went to the CCL and hit .300/.356/.456 in 160 PAs

 

I would never make a first round pick on the assumption that the ball will give me an impact bat

 

Yeah, and his junior year at Stanford he only hit 2 HRs(!) and posted an amazing IsoP of .153 in a weaker conference so please stop talking.

 

You don't know what you're talking about and I have no idea why I even bother arguing with you...

[Bertz]

I would love any of Busch, Hoese, or Misner. The latter two could easily be trash but the Cubs have earned enough benefit of the doubt with college bats that I'd be super optimistic.

[Bertz]

I would love any of Busch, Hoese, or Misner. The latter two could easily be trash but the Cubs have earned enough benefit of the doubt with college bats that I'd be super optimistic.

[Regular Show]

I would love any of Busch, Hoese, or Misner. The latter two could easily be trash but the Cubs have earned enough benefit of the doubt with college bats that I'd be super optimistic.

 

I really want Busch and I've heard good things. Even has a decent chance to be average in LF. He's a better athlete than Schwarber (not super high praise I know).

[Bertz]

I would love any of Busch, Hoese, or Misner. The latter two could easily be trash but the Cubs have earned enough benefit of the doubt with college bats that I'd be super optimistic.

 

I really want Busch and I've heard good things. Even has a decent chance to be average in LF. He's a better athlete than Schwarber (not super high praise I know).

 

Busch's scouting report to me reads like Michael Conforto. A little safe and boring but fantastic value at the end of the 1st round.

[Regular Show]

Kody Hoese is gone so there goes one good option...

 

[tweet]

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Big surprise here if true.

[Regular Show]

Please take Michael Busch or Matthew Lugo. I'd be happy with either player.

[Bertz]

Hey look at that!