MLB Pipeline posted an updated mock draft on Thursday night. They have been going back-and-forth between Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis making the selections each week. This week is Mayo’s turn.
We looked at the latest mock draft from Baseball America yesterday. That one didn’t stray from the most recent storyline for this draft class. They had the Pittsburgh Pirates taking LSU outfielder Dylan Crews with the first overall pick when the MLB draft begins on July 9th. They also reiterated that this draft class has a clear top five.
This mock draft from Mayo has more of the same. If you’ve been on the crowded Dylan Crews bandwagon all year, you’ll be happy to know that he is still in the top spot.
Mayo also mentions that the top five is still separated from the pack, with LSU pitcher Paul Skenes, Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford and prep outfielders Walker Jenkins and Max Clark going in the next four spots.
Mayo notes that “the Pirates will undoubtedly go down to the wire in making a choice and have done due diligence in scouting all of the top five.”
I think that’s to be expected from scouts, but it’s still good to see in print.
The Pirates should be focused on these five players. They don’t need to drop down a tier to save money for stocking over-slot picks later in the draft. It’s rare to get a true game changing talent in the draft, yet you have five legit potential #1 draft picks here to chose from.
Having the largest bonus pool this year guarantees that they can go well over-slot with their second pick if needed. Getting savings with the first overall pick isn’t necessary to still maximize their bonus pool.
We are now exactly one month away from seeing what they will do with the pick.
I’ll also note that both LSU and Florida each have at least two games left to their season, possibly quite a few more, so there’s no reason to settle on a pick now.
