2021 MLB Mock Draft 1.0

Projecting the first two rounds of July's MLB Amateur Draft

We’ve reached the halfway point of the NCAA baseball season, and although the MLB Draft is still three months away, it’s never too early for a mock draft. Picks are made on a combination of personal rankings, industry rankings and each teams’ recent draft strategy.

Round 1

1. Pittsburgh- Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt

The Jordan Lawlar hype train seems to be gaining steam, but it should take more than one rough outing (5 IP, 6 ER, 12 K vs Georgia) for Rocker to lose his grasp on the top pick. The 6-foot-5, 250-lb right-hander is so much more than a large frame and a devastating fastball-slider combo-- the Vanderbilt ace displays strong poise, command and feel for pitching, and he can grind out starts when he doesn’t have his best stuff. There’s never been any pitcher quite like Rocker, who should help jump start the Pirates’ rebuild.

2. Texas- Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt

Hard to imagine the No. 2 overall pick isn’t even the most exciting pitcher on his own college team, but that’s the case here. Leiter has arguably been more impressive than Rocker thus far in 2021-- in his latest start, Leiter took a 20-inning hitless streak into the fifth inning. Not scoreless. HITLESS. Despite his relatively small stature -- especially when compared to Rocker -- Leiter can overpower hitters with an upper 90s fastball that may be the best in the draft class.

3. Detroit- Jordan Lawlar, SS, Jesuit Prep HS (TX)

In most drafts, Lawlar, whose overall, five-tool skill set compares favorably to those of Royce Lewis, CJ Abrams and even Bobby Witt Jr., would be the runaway top pick. But this isn’t most drafts. Detroit’s timeline would likely warrant a college player of some sort, but with the two Vanderbilt pitchers off the board, Lawlar -- also committed to Vanderbilt -- rounds out a clear top three.

4. Boston- Marcelo Mayer, SS, Eastlake HS (CA)

The draft truly starts with Boston. The second tier of prospects is loaded with talent, but Meyer is the pick here for his well-rounded skill set and polish that is unusual for an 18-year-old. Boston isn’t quite in a rebuild, but they’re far enough from contention that a high schooler is in play with this pick if Chaim Bloom and company believe he is the best player available.

5. Baltimore- Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College

Baltimore is in a tough spot. The O’s have struggled through an abysmal four-year stretch (.368 W-L%), yet barely boast a top-10 farm system and missed out on landing one of the top-tier players in this class. Frelick has catapulted himself into top-10 conversation with a strong junior campaign, and actually appears to be the favorite for first college bat off the board. He’s always been a weapon on the bases and in the field, but a surprising power boost this year has solidified Frelick as a true five-tool player.

6. Arizona- Matt McLain, SS, UCLA

The Diamondbacks have a chance to double down on McLain, whom they drafted and failed to sign three years ago. Arizona hasn’t hit on many college bats over the last few years, but McLain is a high-floor prospect with solid production at the collegiate level. While he lacks a plus tool, he projects to be a solid contributor across the board with the potential to fly through the minors.

7. Kansas City- Adrian Del Castillo, C, Miami

Kansas City seemed primed to grab a college bat early in last year’s draft before left-hander Asa Lacy fell in its lap. This year, the Royals must address their shallow offensive player pool, and Del Castillo possesses one of the more potent bats in the class. If he can stick behind the place, he is a perfect successor for Salvador Perez, with whom he has trained during the offseason. If not, Del Castillo should be able to move quickly up the ranks as an offensively-gifted 1B/DH.

8. Colorado- Brady House, 3B/RHP, Winder-Barrow HS (GA)

Currently a two-way player, House appears more likely to give up pitching at the next level in favor of developing into a slugger. He has a swing that looks as though it were built for Coors Field, with a lightning quick bat and plus raw power to all fields. He’s about as raw of a hitter as you’ll find in the first round, but focusing full-time on hitting in the minors could change that.

9. Los Angeles (AL)- Ty Madden, RHP, Texas

The Angels remain desperate for starting pitching help, so the move here is to once again add the most polished college arm available-- they selected Louisville left-hander Reid Detmers 10th overall a year ago. Madden is averaging nearly seven innings per start in 2021, and has dominated to the tune of a 1.52 ERA over seven starts. He has three future plus pitches to go along with above-average command and control, and should be the third college pitcher off the board with continued success in Big 12 play.

10 New York (NL)- Gunnar Hoglund, RHP, Mississippi

Hoglund arrived at Ole Miss as a command artist with a big frame and clean mechanics, but he has developed into a hard-throwing strikeout machine. He has racked up 70 strikeouts -- just one behind Leiter for the nation’s lead -- to go along with just 11 walks in 43.2 innings, and has worked himself into top-10 consideration, right in the second tier with Madden and, before he tore his UCL, LSU’s Jaden Hill. Hoglund should be a quick mover who can help fill a big league rotation role for the Mets within a couple of years.

11. Washington- Jud Fabian, OF, Florida

Fabian isn’t enjoying a standout junior campaign, but he hasn’t done anything to hurt his draft stock, either-- especially considering many high-profile college outfielders have struggled mightily this season. Fabian is a potential five-tool center fielder with a strong track record against SEC pitching. Concerns about his swing-and-miss tendencies remain, but he is one of the few college players who will still be 20 on draft day, so there’s plenty of time for him to develop in the Nationals’ system. Washington has taken a pitcher in the first round for five straight years, but a depleted offensive talent pool in the minors could force the organization to change course.

12. Seattle- Henry Davis, C, Louisville

After three years of selecting college right-handers in the first round, Seattle goes back to the position player pool to address a position at which it only has one top-30 prospect. Davis has emerged as a challenger to Adrian Del Castillo for the spot of top college catcher by posting an 1.196 OPS with eight homers through 27 games. His receiving skills aren’t very strong at the moment, but his cannon of an arm should allow him to stay behind the dish.

13. Philadelphia- James Wood, OF, IMG Academy (FL)

Wood is arguably the most physically gifted player in this year’s class. The 6-foot-6, 230-lb high schooler displays above-average speed and massive power from the left side, and even if he outgrows center field, his strong arm would play well in right. Wood’s size and skill set are reminiscent of those of Cliff Floyd, a Dave Dombrowski draft pick in 1990.

14. San Francisco- Sam Bachman, RHP, Miami OH

Bachman has flashed an elite fastball-slider combination, but his shortened arm action, less-than-smooth mechanics and lack of a third quality pitch could relegate him to the bullpen, where his stuff would play up significantly. After going position-player heavy at the top of the last two drafts, the Giants jump on something of a lottery ticket in Bachman, who has more upside than any college arm still on the board.

15. Milwaukee- Joshua Baez, OF, Dexter Southfield HS (MA)

Baez boasts more raw power than any high school bat to enter the draft since Nolan Gorman in 2018. Being selected any later than this might convince Baez to put his pro career on hold and head to Vanderbilt, but the Brewers should do whatever it takes to sign him. Baez, the youngest player with legitimate first-round aspirations this year, is definitely a project, but he should develop into a star right fielder.

16. Miami- Harry Ford, C, North Cobb HS (GA)

Miami has done a nice job of replenishing its farm system and slowly opening up a competitive window for itself. Now the Marlins can look to keep that going long-term with some young talent-- Ford is one of the youngest prep bats in the class. The uber-athletic catcher has shown true five-tool upside, with the versatility to play all over the field in a pinch. That said, there’s no reason to believe he can’t stick behind the plate. Ford would fit nicely in a Marlins system that lacks catching depth but is otherwise loaded with offensive firepower.

17. Cincinnati- Izaac Pacheco, SS, Friendswood HS (TX)

The Reds have a ton of bonus pool money, which should allow them to snag the best available prep bat here. Pacheco will likely outgrow shortstop and move to third, but he has an incredibly projectable tool set, headlined by plus raw power from the left side. While he may not be in the same tier as Lawlar and Mayer, Pacheco stands out as the next best in a deep crop of high school infielders.

18. St. Louis- Andrew Painter, RHP, Calvary Christian HS (FL)

The vast majority of St. Louis’ top prospects are likely to graduate to the big leagues by the end of 2022, so the Cardinals should continue to add young talent for the next wave, as they did in last year’s draft. It’s not a wide gap, but Painter is currently considered the top (signable) prep arm in the class. He has a big frame with solid athleticism and above-average stuff, command and control. There don’t appear to be any red flags for Painter, who could come off the board earlier if not for the fact that teams have soured on drafting prep righties in the top 10.

19. Toronto- Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State

Toronto was expected to grab one of the top three pitchers in last year’s draft until Austin Martin slid to the fifth pick. This year, with a much deeper crop of college pitchers, the Blue Jays can still get an impact arm despite picking later in the first round. Toronto’s window of contention is officially open, and Wicks is a high-floor pitcher who can join its rotation within a couple of years. His arsenal is headlined by one of the best changeups in the class, and his command and repeatable mechanics should help him overcome his middling fastball velocity.

20. New York (AL)- Kahlil Watson, SS, Wake Forest HS (NC)

Over the last few years, Brian Cashman has primarily sought after up-the-middle bats, and that trend continues here. Watson is an instant threat on the bases and has surprising power for his size. He can play either middle infield spot, and would provide further depth to a Yankees system that is already loaded with similar talent.

21. Chicago (NL)- Luca Tresh, C, North Carolina State

With Willson Contreras set to hit free agency and Miguel Amaya primed to assume starting duties, the Cubs’ farm system will soon be without any catching depth at the upper levels. One of the biggest risers so far this year, Tresh has really impressed in his first year as the Wolfpack’s starting catcher. He boasts a .938 OPS with seven homers through 22 games, and projects to be an above-average offensive catcher with a solid patience-power combination. There are slight concerns as to whether he can stick behind the plate -- his arm is an asset but his receiving skills are still raw -- but an improvement in that department could make Tresh a quick mover.

22. Chicago (AL)- Mike Vasil, RHP, Virginia

Vasil was a potential first-round pick back in 2018, but signability issues caused him to fall. Following a rough freshman campaign, the potential he flashed in high school has been on display over the last two seasons. He owns a 2.54 ERA across 38 innings with 40 strikeouts and just four walks this season, and could be a great value pick for a White Sox team that has gone pitching heavy in the past two drafts.

23. Cleveland- Jackson Jobe, RHP, Heritage Hall HS (OK)

Jobe may not have the upside of Painter or Chandler, but his ceiling is still exciting, and he has about as high of a floor as a prep arm can possibly have. He already displays solid feel for four distinct pitches, with the ability to throw quality strikes. Cleveland could be especially enamored with his athleticism and arm talent.

24. Atlanta- Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State

Cowser has very few holes in his game-- he’s displayed a well-rounded skill set and the ability to play all three outfield positions. However, the lack of a standout tool and uncertainty regarding whether or not he can be effective in center field are likely to keep him out of the top-10 conversation. The Braves have drafted four players from the state of Texas in the first five rounds over the last two years, so there’s a good chance they’ll be scouting Cowser very heavily.

25. Oakland- Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest

Cusick employs an electric heater that can touch the upper 90s, and, given his large frame, there may even be more in the tank. His secondary pitches, command and control all lag behind for now, but there is a ton of upside here. The A’s have drafted several college arms out of the state of North Carolina in recent years, and even if he develops into a reliever, Cusick could provide some spark to an otherwise lackluster crop of arms in Oakland’s system.

26. Minnesota- Steven Hajjar, LHP, Michigan

Minnesota hasn’t drafted a college arm this early since 2015, but its minor league pitching pool has grown incredibly shallow. Hajjar’s fastball only sits in the low 90s, and while he can certainly add a few ticks given his projectable, 6-foot-5 frame, his greatest strengths will always be a disappearing changeup and incredible deception from the left side. The redshirt sophomore doesn’t have an extensive track record, but he has allowed two or fewer runs in eight of his nine starts since arriving in Ann Arbor.

27. San Diego- Jonathan Cannon, RHP, Georgia

Cannon is a big, athletic righty with a projectable frame and repeatable mechanics. He has four quality pitches -- the changeup projects to be his best secondary -- and room to add some velocity to his fastball, which currently sits 93-94 mph. He’s a draft-eligible sophomore with a very short track record and consistency issues, but there’s a lot to get excited about here. San Diego has proven its dedication to drafting the available player with the most upside, and Cannon is certainly in that category.

28. Tampa Bay- Joshua Hartle, LHP, Reagan HS (NC)

The Rays have a rich history of helping players add velocity, and that is exactly what Hartle needs in order to thrive in pro ball. The 6-foot-5 lefty has a frame to dream on with above-average command and control, and a few extra ticks on his fastball -- currently in the low 90s -- would make a world of difference. Hartle would be joining a Rays system that always seems to be overflowing with pitching talent despite losing top prospects to the big leagues every year.

29. Los Angeles (NL)- Alex Binelas, 1B/3B, Louisville

A prep arm is appealing here, but with the Dodgers not having another pick in the top 100, it’s imperative that they hit on this one. Not that Binelas is a sure thing, but he is exactly the type of patience-and-power bat -- in the mold of Max Muncy and Kody Hoese -- that Andrew Friedman loves. There’s a clear connection between the Dodgers and Louisville, as LA has taken three Cardinals -- Kyle Funkhouser, Will Smith and Bobby Miller -- in this range over the last decade.

Compensatory round

30. Cincinnati- Tommy Mace, RHP, Florida

An abbreviated 2020 campaign was not enough to erase a rough sophomore season at Florida, and as a result Mace went undrafted a year ago. However, he has dazzled thus far in 2021 with 54 strikeouts and just seven walks in 39 innings, pushing himself into first round conversation. Mace is an under-slot candidate who can help the Reds afford the three other players they’ll draft in the first two rounds.

Competitive Balance Round A

31. Miami- McCade Brown, RHP, Indiana

Miami has been unafraid to venture into the midwest over the last few years, so Brown should be heavily on its radar. The 6-foot-6 right-hander was essentially an unknown commodity heading into 2021, with just 6.2 innings over his first two seasons at Indiana, but he has turned heads so far this year with impressive swing-and-miss stuff and much better command and control than he was given credit for just two months ago. He could very easily sneak his way into the top 20 with continued success.

32. Detroit- Christian Franklin, OF, Arkansas

Detroit’s competitive window calls for additional college players who can contribute sooner than later, so after grabbing a high schooler third overall, the Tigers go with Franklin here. The Arkansas center fielder is a toolsy weapon who can impact the game on both sides of the ball. His hitting still needs to catch up to his other tools, but he has shown an improved approach, with 26 walks in 199 plate appearances over the last two seasons (24 walks in 229 plate appearances as a freshman).

33. Milwaukee- Wes Clarke, C/1B, South Carolina

Milwaukee, which has proven willing to overlook flaws in a player’s game in favor of one or two elite tools, continues with the power theme. Clarke has flown up draft boards over the last six weeks as a result of his 1.269 OPS and D1-leading 15 home runs. It’s unlikely he stays behind the plate at the next level, but his bat should play anywhere.

34. Tampa Bay- Alex Mooney, SS, St. Mary’s HS (MI)

Like many cold-weather prep players before him -- most notably Jarred Kelenic and Gavin Lux in recent years -- Mooney has a chance to shoot up draft boards later in the season as it warms up in Michigan. He’s an athletic middle infielder with plus speed and an advanced approach, and there could be at least average power down the line-- he just hit four homers in a doubleheader on April 6.

35. Cincinnati- Benny Montgomery, OF, Red Land HS (PA)

After saving some money with Mace, the Reds can turn back to the prep market to grab perhaps the best overall athlete in the draft. A strong center fielder with plus raw power and elite speed, Montgomery would become the third Pennsylvania prep outfielder in the last four years on whom the Reds spent an early pick, joining Mike Siani and Austin Hendrick.

36. Minnesota- Joe Mack, C, Williamsville East HS (NY)

The Twins turn back to the New York prep market to grab Mack, whose brother is already an infielder in their system. Mack has the power that Minnesota loves, and projects to be able to remain behind the plate long-term. Minnesota’s player development team has worked wonders with 2018 draft pick Ryan Jeffers’ defensive abilities, and can take its time doing the same for Mack.

Round 2

37. Pittsburgh- Chase Petty, RHP, Mainland HS (NJ)

The Pirates can really overhaul the pitching side of their farm system with Rocker and now Petty. Having the largest bonus pool allows them to snag one of the more electric arms in the class. Petty can touch triple digits with his fastball, and both his slider and changeup have the potential to be plus offerings. Concerns regarding his size and high-effort delivery should be overshadowed by his eye-popping raw stuff and athleticism.

38. Texas- Hunter Goodman, C/OF, Memphis

Goodman is a surprisingly dynamic athlete who has experience behind the plate and in both corner outfield spots. His best tool is his raw power, but he has also shown significantly improved plate discipline- his 11 walks so far this year almost equal the 14 free passes he earned in his first two collegiate seasons combined. His versatility and offensive profile make Goodman a good fit for the rebuilding Rangers.

39. Detroit- Richard Fitts, RHP, Auburn

There are many exciting aspects of Fitts’ prospect pedigree, but production is not one of them. He owns a 5.24 ERA with just 78 strikeouts over 92.1 innings in his collegiate career (7.64 ERA in 2021), operating primarily out of the Auburn bullpen. The 6-foot-3 righty boasts three future plus pitches, above-average control and a bulldog mentality on the mound, but has been unable to find success over his three years. Not only has Detroit recently rolled the dice on another SEC arm who struggled with production in Zack Hess, but the Tigers have so much pitching talent in the pipeline that they can afford to take a risk here.

40. Boston- Robby Martin, OF, Florida State

Martin has rebounded nicely from a brutal opening month. Plate discipline is his greatest strength, but his lack of a standout tool limits his potential. Corner bats without notable home run power aren’t usually coveted early in the draft, but Martin’s track record in the ACC should get his name called in the first couple of rounds-- especially in a class weak on college bats. Boston must work to replenish its talent crop in the outfield.

41. Baltimore- Will Bednar, RHP, Mississippi State

After going college-heavy in 2020 in an effort to jumpstart its window of contention, Baltimore kicks off its 2021 draft by grabbing two more college players. Bednar has only tossed 38.1 frames in his collegiate career, but he has allowed just nine earned runs in that span, striking out a whopping 64 batters and walking just 10 in the process. The draft-eligible sophomore boasts an electric, mid-90s fastball and three solid secondary pitches, and could fly into the first round with continued success this season.

42. Arizona- Thatcher Hurd, RHP, Mira Costa HS (CA)

After drafting UCLA’s best player sixth overall, the D-backs snag its top incoming freshman. Hurd doesn’t just have the best name in the draft class-- he also has arguably the most room for growth. He’s relatively new to pitching, and as a result, incredibly raw, but the 6-foot-4 right-hander has a projectable frame, solid athleticism and impressive arm action.

43. Kansas City- Kevin Abel, RHP, Oregon State

Kansas City has drafted an Oregon State pitcher in each of the last two years, and Abel has a chance to make it three. The former College World Series hero is technically just a sophomore despite being four years removed from high school. He has flashed three plus pitches -- fastball, curveball, changeup -- and has a good feel for the zone. A 2.95 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 36.2 innings so far this season should help Abel come off the board at some point in Round 2.

44. Colorado- Chase Burns, RHP, Beech HS (TN)

Yet another in a class loaded with high-velocity prep arms, Burns has routinely thrown his fastball in the upper 90s. Unsurprisingly, his secondary stuff and control all lag behind his heater, but there is immense upside in his raw stuff. Colorado has done a better job developing pitchers of late, and there’s a lot to work with here.

45. Los Angeles (AL)- Noah Cardenas, C, UCLA

Most of Cardenas’ value comes from his defensive prowess and ability to call a game and manage a pitching staff, but his offensive potential has peaked through at times, too. The UCLA backstop has a disciplined approach with a short, compact swing and gap power that can develop into average over-the-fence power with some added weight and small mechanical adjustments. The Angels don’t currently have any legitimate catching prospects.

46. New York (NL)- Braylon Bishop, OF, Arkansas HS (AR)

The Mets have done nicely building up the pitching side of their farm system through the draft and international free agency, so adding some position player depth beyond its top four or five players should be a priority. Bishop is a toolsy, young outfielder with the range and arm strength to play all three spots. Additionally, his bat speed and raw power from the left side provide value on the offensive end, as well.

47. Washington- Max Muncy, SS, Thousand Oaks HS (CA)

Unlike the Dodgers infielder with the same name, Muncy has a small frame and projects for only average power. He doesn’t run quite as well as may be expected, but he has solid tools across the board and sound fielding skills. Washington took a chance on a prep shortstop with underwhelming tools and an uncertain defensive home last year in Sammy Infante, and may be inclined to do so again this year, seeing it as a market inefficiency. A team that is confident he can stick at shortstop may be tempted to nab Muncy even earlier.

48. Seattle- Zack Gelof, 3B, Virginia

Gelof has ample raw power that hasn’t shown up in games often enough, and his draft stock can skyrocket if he starts putting the ball over the fence more consistently. That power potential is complemented by improved plate discipline -- 34 strikeouts, 31 walks over the last two seasons -- surprising speed for his size and a strong arm that would play well either at third base or in right field. Gelof has plenty of development ahead of him, but he could be an impact bat for the Mariners long-term.

49. Philadelphia- Sean Burke, RHP, Maryland

Burke is a north/south pitcher who excels at changing eye levels with his dominant fastball/curveball one-two punch. The redshirt sophomore is relatively unproven and still struggles with consistency, but he is physically mature with repeatable mechanics and solid athleticism-- all things Dave Dombrowski has prioritized in drafting pitchers. He currently owns an unflattering 4.78 ERA and hasn’t been going deep into games this year, but his 47 strikeouts in 26.1 innings are noteworthy.

50. San Francisco- Levi Usher, OF, Louisville

The nation’s stolen base leader, Usher has put his plus-plus raw speed on display in 2021. He has the range to play center field, but he lacks experience at the spot, and his arm has proven sufficient enough to excel in right. He’s struggled at this plate this year, with a .636 OPS through 27 games, and has a ceiling of just average power -- to which he is nowhere close at the moment -- but his overall athleticism should be enough for a team to take a flier on Usher in the second round.

51. Milwaukee- Mason Black, RHP, Lehigh

Black has been one of this year’s biggest risers among college pitchers, as he’s posted a 1.78 ERA through six starts with 54 strikeouts and just 10 walks. His raw stuff compares favorably to that of Levi Stoudt, whom the Mariners selected in the third round, but he lacks Stoudt’s poise, pitchability and command. Black may end up in a big league bullpen given his less-than-smooth mechanics and control issues, but Milwaukee has had enormous success developing guys with similar builds and skill sets-- namely Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes.

52. Miami- Joe Rock, LHP, Ohio

Rock has been an intriguing prospect since arriving at Ohio in 2019, but a 5.19 ERA as a freshman and a sophomore season in which he was deemed academically ineligible understandably left teams with more questions than answers. However, the 6-foot-6 lefty has been dominant in 2021, pitching to a 0.95 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 38 innings. He currently sits in the mid-90s, likely with even more in the tank given his large frame, and employs a slider and changeup that have both flashed plus. Rock would give Miami two big, high-upside college arms early in this draft, but it’s possible that he continues to gain helium and enters late-first-round territory.

53. Cincinnati- Jaden Hill, RHP, Louisiana State

Hill was struggling mightily this season before going down with a torn UCL this past weekend. While this is obviously a big blow to his draft stock, he shouldn’t fall out of the second round-- J.T. Ginn went 52nd overall in 2020 despite still recovering from Tommy John surgery. When healthy, Hill boasts an incredibly projectable frame and some of the best raw stuff in the class. He sits comfortably in the mid-90s with his fastball and possesses quite possibly the best changeup in college baseball, but there are clear concerns regarding command, control and durability.

54. St. Louis- Max Ferguson, 2B, Tennessee

Ferguson has “St. Louis Cardinals” written all over him-- a slight, scrappy player with an advanced approach and legitimate defensive versatility. The Tennessee infielder has just one more strikeout than walk in his collegiate career, and while he may never be much of a home run hitter, his other four tools have proven to be above-average. He’s capable of handling either middle infield spot, and can serve as a super-utility player, as well.

55. New York (AL)- Christian MacLeod, LHP, Mississippi State

MacLeod is a high-floor lefty with a big frame and plus command, control and pitchability. The redshirt sophomore gets the most out of his unspectacular-but-improving stuff -- which includes a low-90s fastball and a big curveball with a ton of depth -- allowing just 11 earned runs with 87 strikeouts and 16 walks across 51.1 collegiate innings. MacLeod’s skill set would complement all of the high-upside arms currently in the Yankees’ system.

56. Chicago (NL)- Landon Marceaux, LHP, Louisiana State

Marceaux has a small frame and only sits in the low-90s with his fastball, but he has excellent feel for all four of his offerings. He displays some of the best command and control in this year’s class, and his pitchability has helped him develop into one of the more effective arms in the SEC since the start of the 2020 season. Marceaux has the ceiling of a third or fourth starter, but can be a quick mover in a Cubs organization that is relatively shallow in terms of pitching prospects.

57. Chicago (AL)- Jose Torres, SS, North Carolina State

Torres is a glove-first shortstop whose range, instincts and arm leave no doubts about his future defensive home. The draft-eligible sophomore has had little opportunity to showcase what he can do at the plate, though, and as a result will likely give teams pause about selecting him too early. He may never hit for much power, but improvements in his plate discipline -- he’s walked just six times in 36 career games -- could make Torres the heir apparent to Tim Anderson down the road.

58. Cleveland- Andrew Abbott, LHP, Virginia

Cleveland hasn’t shied away from spending early picks on undersized college arms, and Abbott is a worthy one. He has a strong, four-year track record of success in the ACC, and he throws harder than one would expect for his frame, touching 95 at times. His fastball-curveball combination is particularly effective against lefties, and he has a bright future as a heavy-usage reliever.

59. Atlanta- Eric Cerantola RHP, Mississippi State

Cerantola is about as high-risk, high-reward as a three-year SEC pitcher can be. The 6-foot-5 right-hander possesses some of the most electric raw stuff in the class, with a high-90s heater and a high-spin curveball, but comes with a lot of red flags. He has struggled to consistently find the strike zone, his track record is unimpressive (4.69 ERA in 44.1 innings over three seasons) and his mechanics aren’t particularly clean. Cerantola offers a significant amount of upside, but the likelihood of him developing into a late-inning reliever is quite high. Atlanta has enough young talent in the majors and upper minors to take a flier.

60. Oakland- Malakhi Knight, OF, Marysville-Getchell HS (WA)

While he is likely to lose a step or two as he fills out his frame, Knight currently boasts extremely loud tools that are sure to grab the attention of the A’s, who are notorious for prioritizing athleticism when drafting position players. The 18-year-old is quite raw in his approach, but his untapped potential is incredibly appealing this late in the second round.

61. Minnesota- Justice Thompson, OF, North Carolina

For the second year in a row, Minnesota grabs the top draft-eligible Tar Heel bat. Thompson is a physically gifted player with loud tools and substantial upside on both sides of the ball. The 6-foot-4 JuCo transfer has proven that he can stick in center field, with good range, instincts and arm strength-- plus a handful of highlight reel plays. He has plus speed for his size, and has flashed massive raw power. A strong second half to the season could solidify his draft stock in the second or third round.

62. San Diego- Edwin Arroyo, SS, Arecibo Baseball Academy (PR)

Arroyo is one of the more intriguing prospects in the entire 2021 class. He’ll be just 17 years old on draft day, and is both a switch-hitter and a switch-thrower. Scouts consider him to be glove-first at the moment, but his athleticism and bat speed point to considerable offensive potential. With Fernando Tatis Jr headlining a deep crop of middle infielders in the San Diego organization, the Padres can take their time developing Arroyo.

63. Tampa Bay- Bryce Miller, RHP, Texas A&M

Miller has dazzled in his first taste of being a starting pitcher for Texas A&M, posting a 2.49 ERA with 38 strikeouts and just 10 walks over 25.1 innings. As a result, his name has catapulted into the second-round conversation. He displays a mid-90s fastball, decent feel for three improving secondary pitches and impressive command of the zone. There are certainly still adjustments to be made as he continues to transition from the bullpen, but all signs point to Miller being able to be a big league starter. If any team can help him get there, it’s the Rays.

Competitive Balance Round B

64. Pittsburgh- CJ Rodriguez, C, Vanderbilt

Pittsburgh has the largest bonus pool in the draft, but Rocker and Petty will not come cheap. Rodriguez, Rocker’s battery mate at Vanderbilt, excels at controlling the game from behind the plate, and while his bat offers little upside, he should be a quality under-slot candidate who can become a solid backup catcher sooner rather than later.

65. Baltimore- Maddux Bruns, RHP, UM-Wright HS (AL)

Bruns has shown three pitches that project to be plus at the next level. His size and control issues likely point to a future in a big league bullpen, but the pure stuff could tempt a team to grab him before the end of the second round. After selecting a couple of floor-over-ceiling college prospects, Baltimore can take a chance on a higher-upside guy.

66. Kansas City- John Rhodes, OF, Kentucky

Rhodes is a high-floor player with average tools across the board and decent positional versatility, having played all three outfield spots as well as third base in his career. His lack of standout power isn’t ideal for a corner bat, but his value would skyrocket if he proves that he can be a center fielder long term. With Kyle Isbel set to graduate soon, Rhodes would join 18-year-old Erick Pena as the only outfielders in the Royals’ system with a real chance to make an impact in the big leagues.

67. Arizona- Ethan Wilson, OF, South Alabama

After a slow start to the season, Wilson has come on strong of late, pushing his season OPS over 1.000. He showed massive power with 17 HR as a freshman in 2019, but has hit just eight in 43 games over the last two seasons. Just an average athlete who will likely be limited to left field in pro ball, Wilson will need to prove that the power potential is real in order to garner heavy interest from teams on draft day. 

68. Colorado- Mason Pelio, RHP, Boston College

Once considered a potential first-rounder, Pelio has seen his stock plummet as he has struggled through the 2021 season-- 6.06 ERA over 35.2 innings with 31 strikeouts and 25 walks. There’s a good chance he slips well beyond the second round if he doesn’t right the ship, but it’s still possible a team views his sturdy frame, quick arm action and clean mechanics as a solid enough baseline to pull the trigger.

69. Cleveland- Doug Nikhazy, LHP, Mississippi

Much like Abbott, Nikhazy is an undersized lefty with an intriguing track record and a future as a high-floor reliever. He has good feel for three average-or-better offerings, makes good use of the outer edges of the zone and displays elite competitiveness. The Indians double down here in order to prevent first-round pick Jackson Jobe from replacing Nikhazy at Ole Miss.

70. St. Louis- Brant Hurter, LHP, Georgia Tech

The Cardinals have cornered the market on draft prospects from the state of Georgia over the last few years. Hurter has a big frame with deceptive arm action and a potentially plus slider, but the difficulty he has repeating his mechanics and the lack of a third quality likely point to a future in the bullpen.

71. San Diego-- James Peyton Smith, RHP, East Robertson HS (TN)

Smith is certainly a project, but San Diego has been aggressive on high-upside prep arms. The Tennessee high schooler has a strong frame and an electric fastball, but his secondary pitches are unrefined and his command and control need a lot of work if he is to be a starter long-term. Smith would likely honor his commitment to Vanderbilt if he fell out of the second round.

Top-50 High School Players Unlikely to Sign

Bubba Chandler, RHP, North Oconee HS (GA)- Committed to Clemson

Tyree Reed, OF, American Canyon HS (CA)- Committed to Oregon State

Braden Montgomery, OF/RHP, Madison Central HS (MS)- Committed to Stanford

College Players to Keep an Eye On

Seth Lonsway, LHP, Ohio State

Jack Perkins, RHP, Louisville

Michael McGreevy, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

Niko Kavadas, 1B, Notre Dame

Jamal O’Guinn, 3B, Southern California

Isaiah Thomas, OF, Vanderbilt