MLB: Biggest Steals of the MLB Draft
The MLB Draft is one of the biggest gambles in all sports. It’s rare you find that 20th round pick that goes on the be a star. Some teams do manage to obtain players at a very good value in rounds 1-3, however. Guys who were projected to go much earlier, just seem to fall into a team’s lap.
Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox (Pick 4, Overall Rank, 1)
Mayer, regarded as the best prospect in this draft, slipped to Boston at 4. Talk about the rich getting richer. The Sox now boast one of the best prep SS prospects in recent years to go along with a very strong prospect pool and major league roster as it is. Looking at Boston now, they are built for success and are having a lot this season. It’s crazy to think them selecting the draft’s best prospect is fair. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.
Kahlil Watson, Miami Marlins (Pick 16, OR 4)
Like Mayer, Watson was another of the elite prep SS class. Why Watson, who according to some was on a very even par with Mayer, slipped to Miami is anyone’s guess. However, that’s Miami’s gain. With Jazz Chisholm proving to be the team’s SS of the future (provided he stays healthy), Watson can develop at his pace. Miami has another blue-chip prospect at their disposal. And, if developed right, could either be a vital piece to the majors, or a major trade chip provided Jazz doesn’t leave the SS position.
Ty Madden, Detroit Tigers (Pick 32, OR 9)
Detroit has some talented arms. Grabbing Jackson Jobe at 3, a lot expected them to go offense with their next pick.
Ty Madden was regarded as one of the best pitchers in the draft class. He’s 6’3 with a fastball that touches 96 mph. Madden complements that fastball with a plus slider. At the very least, Madden is the 3rd starter in Detroit. He definitely could profile as 1 or 2, it’s just Detroit is already loaded at SP.
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Jud Fabian, Boston Red Sox (Pick 40, OR 23)
Boston does it again! Fabian was considered a top-5 pick going into 2021. His stock fell considerably after his strikeout rate soared. He was able to fix some of his issues late in the season, but not enough to get him back into the territory he was projected. Boston nabs a guy in the 2nd rnd, who if those K’s regress further, could be a top-of-the-order mainstay. Fabian has some stolen base ability as well.
Bubba Chandler, Pittsburgh Pirates (Pick 72, OR 21)
Chandler was viewed as one of the toughest guys to get in this draft. Pittsburgh did overslot him to get a deal done. They now have a very talented top-25 player in their system with a 3rd round selection. Chandler, who played catcher and pitcher in high school, will focus on pitching with Pittsburgh. Scouts believe his curveball could be a very effective pitch.
James Wood, San Diego Padres (Pick 62, Overall rank 44)
Wood was arguably my favorite high school player of the draft (outside of Will Taylor). Wood comes from a family of athletes, and that wasn’t lost on him. He’s got the power ability to hit 25-30 HR’s, all while showcasing a plus run tool. He was relatively unknown before his move to IMG Academy, which is leading many to believe he’d have been a lot higher given time with better competition. San Diego got the top-45 prospect with the 62nd pick.
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
