{"id":15327,"date":"2021-07-12T12:03:32","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T16:03:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/?p=15327"},"modified":"2021-07-12T12:03:32","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T16:03:32","slug":"2021-draft-coverage-overview-of-top-draft-prospects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/?p=15327","title":{"rendered":"2021 Draft coverage; Overview of top Draft prospects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This is a review of the marquee names that have been in discussion for the top-end of the 1st round for the 2021 draft.\u00a0 Since (especially high schoolers) guys constantly are moving up or down draft boards, each section is divided into two areas: those 4-5 names really in talks to go 1-1 overall (&#8220;1-1&#8221; means 1st round, 1st overall) and then those who have fallen to &#8220;just&#8221; being 1st or 2nd rounders.<\/p>\n<p>First draft of this post was in July of 2018, when several 1st rounders didn&#8217;t sign and thus became 2021 eligible.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>College Upper 1st round names in the mix for 1-1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Jack Leiter<\/strong>, RHP Vanderbilt.\u00a0 Was a top 2019 prep draftee but could not be bought out of Vandy commitment (for a reported $4.5M !).\u00a0 His age puts him in the 2021 draft class.\u00a0 Son of Al Leiter.\u00a0 Top of the 1st round pedigree.\u00a0 \u00a0A little undersized, but very polished, will be a fast mover to majors.\u00a0 Opened 2021 college season on fire; his stuff is MLB ready right now.\u00a0 20 nohit innings, clearly the Ace of Vandy&#8217;s staff over Rocker.\u00a0 By mid april consensus 1-1.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kumar Rocker<\/strong>, RHP Vanderbilt.\u00a0 Lost draft stock after being projected upper 1st rounder in 2018, but quickly gained it back.\u00a0 Vanderbilt weekend starter in 2019, threw 19-K no-hitter in 2019 CWS super regionals.\u00a0 2019 Collegiate National team extended roster as Freshman.\u00a0 \u00a0Consensus 1-1 pick for much of the draft analysis season ahead of 2021 draft.\u00a0 2021 season has been dominant, but Leiter&#8217;s better.\u00a0 Still one of the best 1-2 pitching punches seen in the college game since Cole-Bauer at UCLA.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Henry Davis<\/strong>, C, Louisville.\u00a0 Fast riser with his 2021 season and the demand for top-end college catchers.<\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"color: #0000ff; font-size: inherit;\">College Candidates who have fallen out of\u00a0 1-1 contention<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Matt McLean<\/strong>: 2B\/SS UCLA.\u00a0 Failed to sign as 25th overall pick in 2018, all-star at Cape in 2019, was exploding out of the gate in 2020 before season cancelled.\u00a0 2021 struggling, costing him draft stock badly.\u00a0 Likely moving to 2B in pros, hurting his value.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gunnar Hoglund,\u00a0<\/strong>RHP Ole Miss.\u00a0 Failed to sign as supp-1st rounder in 2018.\u00a0 Started 2020 strong, 3-plus pitches.\u00a0 2021 now might be 3rd best college starter in draft and upper 1st round pedigree.\u00a0 TJ surgery, out of top 5 consideration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jud Fabian<\/strong>, OF Florida.\u00a0 Was Prep class of 2019, enrolled early and started for Florida in his age 18 season.\u00a0 Crushed in 2019 Cape despite youth.\u00a0 True CF with power, could be a big time prospect.\u00a0 Some slight issues with swing and results in 2021, dropping him slightly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adrian del Castillo<\/strong>, C Miami. Fantastic pure\u00a0 hitter with power and more walks than Ks in college<strong>.\u00a0<\/strong> Was not projecting to stay at C because of defensive concerns, but significant off-season work with Salvador Perez has improved the perception of his long-term viability behind the plate and vaulted him into the top-5 consideration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ryan Cusick,<\/strong> RHP, Wake Forest.\u00a0 Huge velocity 100mph, fast riser with 2021 performance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nander de Sedas<\/strong>, SS, Florida State.\u00a0 Lost 2018 draft stock, went to school.\u00a0 Two-way player for FSU, starter at 2B\/SS and also closer on the mound.\u00a0 2021 struggling, not in 1st round conversation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Max Ferguson<\/strong>, 2B Tennessee.\u00a0 rapid riser after great fall season.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Colton Cowser<\/strong>, OF Sam Houston State.\u00a0\u00a02019 Collegiate National team extended roster as Freshman.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Alex Binelas<\/strong>, 3B, Louisville.\u00a0 14\u00a0 homers as a freshman.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jadan Hill<\/strong>, RHP LSU.\u00a0 Big hard thrower, was in LSU&#8217;s bullpen early 2020.\u00a0 Best stuff of class, upper 90s, four plus pitches.\u00a0 Lots will be driven by 2021 season.\u00a0 April 2021 blew out elbow against Vandy, TJ surgery, dropping him in the 1st round likely.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rodney Boone<\/strong>, RHP UCSB.\u00a0 3rd team NCWBA AA as freshman after going 8-0.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Doug Nikhazy<\/strong>, LHP\/OF Ole Miss.\u00a0\u00a02019 Collegiate National team extended roster as Freshman.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mason Pelio<\/strong>, RHP Boston College.\u00a0\u00a02019 Collegiate National team extended roster as Freshman.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Steven Hajjar<\/strong>, LHP Michigan.\u00a0 Missed 2019 with ACL injury, significant upside.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kier Meredith<\/strong>, OF Clemson.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adam Hackenberg<\/strong>, C Clemson by way of VA HS.\u00a0 Best ranked VA player in 2018 prep class, went to school.\u00a0 Awful 2021, likely not a draft candidate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>High School Upper 1st round names in the mix for 1-1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Jordan Lawlar<\/b>, SS Jesuit Prep College (TX).\u00a0 Polished complete player.\u00a0 Vanderbilt commit.\u00a0 Jan 2021 has jumped to the head of the line of prep prospects, nearly to 1-1 potential.\u00a0 Might not go 1-1, but may end up being best prospect in draft.\u00a0 Older HS kid, turns 19 before draft.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Marcelo Mayer<\/strong>, SS Eastlake, Chula Vista (CA); USC commit.\u00a0 Lefty at the plate, will stay at SS.\u00a0 Always solid defensively, has really improved his stock and jumped the two presumed top-end SS in the class (House and Watson) and is now considered top 5 potential as of Jan 2021.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kahlil Watson<\/strong>, SS Wake Forest HS (NC).\u00a0 helium guy late 2020, great bat speed,\u00a0 high ceiling.\u00a0 NC State commit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brady House<\/strong> 3B\/SS Winder-Barrow HS (GA).\u00a0 \u00a0Big guy, OBP machine.\u00a0 #1 ranked player in prep class mid 2020.\u00a0\u00a0Tennessee commit.\u00a0 Only 2nd team preseason AA.\u00a0 Falling?\u00a0 2021 rising up again.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>High School guys whose stock has fallen:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Braylon Bishop<\/strong>, OF Arkansas (AR) HS.\u00a0 5-tool player, long-known prospect.\u00a0 Arkansas commit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jackson Jobe<\/strong>, RHP, Oklahoma City OK: Law calls him best prep pitcher in draft.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Christian Little<\/strong>, RHP\u00a0Christian Brothers HS (St. Louis MO).\u00a0 Vanderbilt commit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Luke Leto<\/strong>, SS\/RHP\u00a0Portage (MI) Central.\u00a0 2-way player, LSU commit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tyree Reed<\/strong>, OF (corner)\u00a0American Canyon (CA) HS.\u00a0 \u00a0Oregon State commit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maddux Bruns<\/strong>, LHP UMS-Wright Prep, Mobile (AL).\u00a0 Helium guy summer 2020, Mississippi State commit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Noah Smith<\/strong>, SS Marist HS (IL).\u00a0 Louisville commit<\/li>\n<li><strong>Benny Montgomery<\/strong>, OF Red Land HS (PA).\u00a0 UVA commit<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cody Schrier<\/strong>, OF JSierra, San Clemente (CA).\u00a0 UCLA commit<\/li>\n<li><strong>Izaac Pacheco<\/strong> SS\/3B Friendswood (TX).\u00a0 Texas A&amp;M commit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Sources used to create this list<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fangraphs &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/scoutboard.aspx?draft=2021mlb&amp;type=0&amp;pos=all&amp;team=all\">the Board&#8221; or 2021 class<\/a><\/li>\n<li>NCBWA 2019\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sportswriters.net\/ncbwa\/news\/2019\/allamerica190612.pdf\">all-americans<\/a>, looking for freshmen<\/li>\n<li>2019\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.collegebaseballdaily.com\/2019\/06\/26\/2019-collegiate-national-team-training-roster-released\/\">Collegiate National team rosters<\/a>\u00a0looking for freshmen<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseballamerica.com\/rankings\/top-2021-high-school-mlb-draft-prospects\/?utm_source=BAPR&amp;utm_medium=email\">Baseball America 2021 preview<\/a> in sept 2019.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseballamerica.com\/rankings\/top-2021-college-mlb-draft-prospects\/?utm_source=Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email\">top 100 college 2021 prospects<\/a> from BA as well.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseballamerica.com\/stories\/2021-mlb-mock-draft-way-too-early-top-10-picks\/?utm_source=Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email\">Way too early Mock 2021 draft<\/a> from BA just after 2020 draft<\/li>\n<li>20\/80 <a href=\"https:\/\/2080baseball.com\/2020\/06\/21-names-to-know-for-the-2021-mlb-draft\/\">names to know for 2021 draft<\/a> June 2020<\/li>\n<li>Prospects 365 <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1MrXLOukRj_7ft2OALM8np4HemcIB9IyJ40yP4bfXXcY\/edit#gid=1329984182\">2021 Draft War Room xls<\/a> (ongoing updates)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseballamerica.com\/rankings\/top-2021-college-mlb-draft-prospects\/?utm_source=Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email\">BA top 100 college prospects<\/a> for 2021 draft July 2020<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseballamerica.com\/rankings\/top-2021-high-school-mlb-draft-prospects\/?utm_source=Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email\">BA top prep prospects<\/a> for 2021 draft July 2020<\/li>\n<li>Prospects 365 <a href=\"https:\/\/prospects365.com\/2020\/07\/26\/2021-mlb-draft-mason-mcraes-top-50\/?utm_source=feedly&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=2021-mlb-draft-mason-mcraes-top-50&amp;utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=2021-mlb-draft-mason-mcraes-top-50\">July 2020 top 50<\/a><\/li>\n<li>D1Baseball <a href=\"https:\/\/d1baseball.com\/prospects\/2021-college-top-150-prospect-rankings\/\">top 150 prospect<\/a>s for 2021 draft Aug 2020<\/li>\n<li>mlbpipeline <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/news\/top-2021-mlb-draft-prospects\">top 2021 prospects<\/a> 9\/2\/2020<\/li>\n<li>Fangraphs top 50 Dec 2020<\/li>\n<li>MLBpipeline top 2021 draft prospects 12\/15\/20<\/li>\n<li>Baseball America <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseballamerica.com\/stories\/2021-high-school-baseball-preseason-all-americans\/?utm_source=Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email\">2021 pre-season highschool All Americans<\/a> 2\/8\/21<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This is a review of the marquee names that have been in discussion for the top-end of the 1st round for the 2021 draft.\u00a0 Since (especially high schoolers) guys constantly are moving up or down draft boards, each section is divided into two areas: those 4-5 names really in talks to go 1-1 overall (&#8220;1-1&#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-draft"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15327"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17192,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15327\/revisions\/17192"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalsarmrace.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}