MLB: Who Are The Top-5 Of The 2021 MLB Draft?
Admittedly the MLB Draft isn’t my strength. I can’t give you a top-65 (which I’ve done for the NBA Draft). There’s a general consensus of the best available players. Between games, clips, scouting reports, I have gotten a good understanding of who the first 5 picks should be. These might not be what the general consensus believes, it’s just what I see happening based on my belief.
1. Pittsburgh Pirates
Jordan Lawlar (SS), Jesuit College Prep
The high school SS is a damn near-lock to be the first overall pick. This is considered to be a wide-open draft. However, in terms of high upside, Lawlar has the most of anyone in the class. What sets him apart from Marcelo Mayer (he’ll be listed later) is Lawlar has the ability to be a bigger threat on the basepaths and a higher offensive ceiling. The defense might be an issue, although, at his age, that’s something that can be worked on in the minors.
2. Texas Rangers
Jack Leiter (P), Vanderbilt
The Rangers are going to look towards an established arm. Leiter is the best collegiate pitcher in this class. His fastball flashes 70 potential on the scouting scale. His main weapon, a deadly curveball that has fooled opponents throughout his college career. Durability might be a factor, as he’s shown some signs of fatigue at certain points of the season. Still, for a team like Texas, which need to find solid pitching, Leiter is the guy who can fill a void quicker than any other prospect.
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3. Detroit Tigers
Marcelo Mayer (SS), Eastlake California
Mayer has been said to have a Corey Seager-like upside. He’s a 5-tool prospect, who like Lawlar, could easily be the first player taken in this draft. Pittsburgh will take Lawlar based on a higher ceiling. Detroit will get Mayer. And that’s not a consolation prize. The Tigers could use a top-tier SS prospect in their system. And with comp to Seager, he’s going to be very good if it all pans out.
4. Boston Red Sox
Sal Frelick (OF), Boston College
A bit of a reach here, but Boston takes a relatively local guy with this pick. Frelick has some power. He’s a threat to steal bases. There’s a comp to Andrew Benintendi, whom Boston drafted with the 7th selection in 2015. This gives them an idea of who they are drafting. The big key to Frelick is where he projects long-term. He’s only 5’9 and doesn’t have a strong arm. This leads many to think he’s not suited for a left or right field role. There is enough intrigue and established play at the collegiate level for him to be the guy Boston zeroes in on.
5. Baltimore Orioles
Brady House (SS), Winder-Barrow HS
The third prep SS to go in the top-5. House hasn’t gotten the hype of the other two, however, he’s talented in his own right. Baltimore is going to take a big shot in the dark here. Instead of going with a Kumar Rocker or Henry Davis (two guys they can get at a relatively lower slot value), they’ll nab House and let him develop in their system. It’s a move that comes with some risk. Both Rocker and Davis are closer to big-league ready. However, Davis plays catcher, and Adley Rutschman is the team’s top prospect. Rocker has some of the durability concerns of Leiter and isn’t as much of a sure thing. Baltimore will roll the dice and hope with their high slot money they can sign House.
Image Source: Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos
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
