My Thoughts on the 2017 MLB Draft

The MLB draft is tonight and while most individuals could care less I will be watching all three rounds. Most scouts would say the talent is not as good as previous years draft (see 2011) but I still am interested on where certain players will end up. This draft has a few two way players that I have been watching closely. Hopefully all the kids drafted sign sooner than later so an adequate sample size can be logged before Bowman Draft is released in December.

Taylor Trammell - Cincinatti Reds (OF) - Strong Buy

After a slow start to the season Taylor Trammell has started heat up. He currently has 11 doubles, 7 triples and 3 home runs on the season. The most impressive stat is that Trammell has 28 walks so far. For a two sport player that is a very good sign. The tools are there and I expect him to continue his success. I strongly recommend prospectors invest in a few auto's. He is a speedster with the power potential to hit 15-20 Hr's.

Taylor Trammell Stats

2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects You Should Buy

It has been over a month since the release of Bowman 2017 and prices have settled on the market. Here are a couple of prospects to consider.


Blake Rutherford - Nice prospect but prices are inflated due to him being a Yankee. Blake has some nice tools but he's a little too high for me.

Eloy Jimenez - Another Chicago Cub top prospect. Very talented player with some good tools and a great bat.

Nick Senzel - Senzel is an impressive prospect but I believe his auto cost is a little overvalued. I am watching closely to see if a price dip happens. A spike in power numbers will be a key thing to monitor.


The prospects above are considered high end talents and are well known to the prospecting community. Prices are pretty high so please keep your budget in mind and invest wisely.

TJ Friedl - STRONG BUY (Bargain Bin) - TJ was not drafted by any teams but he has my attention. He is putting together a solid season in A ball. I don't understand why auto's are under $10 for a player with 15 doubles, 4 triples and 4 homers. The investment is worth the risk based off the cost alone.

Triston McKenzie - I spoke about Triston in a previous post. He is a STRONG BUY. Triston will be brought through the system slowly and has a strong chance to remain a starter. One of the few pitching prospects I love.

Prospect to keep an eye on:

Yu-Cheng Chang - Chang has power potential but the K rate is too high to touch right now. Auto's are under $10. Keep a strong eye on him. Cleveland does a good job developing hitters.

Triston McKenzie - Cleveland Indians RHP - Strong Buy

Before I release my full breakdown of 2017 Bowman, I think it is crucial to mention Triston McKenzie as a pitching prospect to invest in. On May 10, 2017 he struck out 14 batters over 6 shutout innings. His wiry frame reminds me of CJ Edwards, a past favorite of the site. What makes me excited about this kid is that I think he will not move to the bullpen and has the stuff to be a No 2 starter. I rarely recommend pitchers but the talent and upside is too good to overlook. A base auto is selling for $15 and refactors are going for $30. I rate McKenzie as a STRONG BUY.

Triston McKenzie Stats

My Thoughts on The MILB Season So Far

The MILB season is underway and even though its early there are a few observations that I think will help everyone with their prospecting. Check out these quick hits.

Vladimir Guerrrero Jr. - Currently has more walks than strikeouts. He's pretty much his dad with bat control. Let that sink in.

Anthony Alford - Nice prospect that battled injuries and is finally coming around. His cards have already flown off Ebay.

Lewis Brinson - On fire in Triple A but the Milwaukee market always scares me. If he was still with the Rangers his prices would be insane.

AJ Puk - Off to a great start this season. Small sample size but I love the talent.


Ryan Mountcastle - Having a nice season so far with 4Hr and a decent BB/K ratio.

Alex Verdugo - Currently lighting up Triple A at age 21. My only concern is can he hit for power. I'm willing to wait and see. The payoff could be huge.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr Scouting Report - Toronto Blue Jays 3B,OF

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Profile:

Position: Third Baseman
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6' 1", Weight: 200lb.
Draft: Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays March 12, 2015
Born: 3/16/1999

Scouting Report:

Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 70. Speed: 50. Defense: 45. Arm: 55.
2016 Stats (Rookie Ball): .271 AVG/.359 OBP/.808 OPS,8 HR, 46 RBI, 32 Runs, 12 Doubles

The son of a future HOF, Guerrero Jr. has the hitting and power potential that makes you an instant fan immediately after you watch him at the plate. The top international prospect in 2015 had a very nice debut in rookie ball and looks to continue his development as one of the youngest rising stars in the top 100. His hitting ability and strike zone judgement has impressed scouts so far and there is no doubt the bat will play anywhere. Some worry about his defensive profile and his size being an issue but in prospecting offensive production drives prices. Reports have stated that the Blue Jays are putting all of their resources into developing Vladimir physically and mentally on and off the field.

I predict that when 2018 lists are released Guerrero Jr will be the top hitting prospect in the minors. He has trained with his uncle Wilton growing up in the Dominican Republic and we all know who his old man is. It's common for me to shy away from speaking about higher end prospects but I think Guerrero Jr will be special. The ability to hit for average and power can't be ignored and he has a strong support system fully backing him.

MILB.com Prospect Primers

MILB.com has provided full prospect primers for all 30 teams. These highly recommend and fun to read. I have learned some things and actually found a few new prospects to add to my list. Enjoy!


MLB Prospect Primers from MILB.Com