The wait is over. In the days leading up to the MLB draft, no one was really sure who the Philadelphia Phillies might take No. 1 overall. The club finally ended that mystery Thursday, taking 18-year-old prep outfielder Mickey Moniak with the first pick in the draft.
With no clear No. 1 choice in the draft, the Phillies opted to go for a toolsy centerfielder who swings a strong bat from the left side. While some centerfield prospects have to move off the position as they age, Moniak should remain in center, and has future Gold Glove upside at the position, according to MLB.com.
Moniak obliterated his competition this season, hitting .476, with a .921 slugging percentage. He also added seven home runs and 12 triples.
Moniak has committed to UCLA, though it seems unlikely he'll attend college now. If the Phillies can come to a deal with him, Moniak will join the already impressive farm system the club has built in recent seasons.
Due to Moniak's age, he remains a few years away from the majors, but it may not be long until Phillies fans see him, J.P. Crawford, Nick Williams, Maikel Franco, Aaron Nola and Jake Thompson forming the core of the next Phillies winner.
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No. 2: The Cincinnati Reds select Tennessee third baseman Nick SenzelWith the selection, Senzel became the higher player ever drafted out of Tennessee, passing Todd Helton, who went to the Colorado Rockies with the eighth pick back in 1995. That puts him in pretty elite company. Senzel was named the MVP of the Cape Cod League last summer and posted a .352/.456/.595 slash line at Tennessee this spring.
No. 3: The Atlanta Braves select prep pitcher Ian Anderson
The 6-foot-3 righty wasn't ranked as highly as Riley Pint or Jason Groome on most pre-draft rankings, but that may have had something to do with an oblique injury that sidelined him during the spring. He already hits 95 mph with his fastball, and was projected as an early first-round pick prior to the injury, according to MLB.com.
The 6-foot-3 righty wasn't ranked as highly as Riley Pint or Jason Groome on most pre-draft rankings, but that may have had something to do with an oblique injury that sidelined him during the spring. He already hits 95 mph with his fastball, and was projected as an early first-round pick prior to the injury, according to MLB.com.
No. 4: The Colorado Rockies select prep pitcher Riley Pint
If you haven't heard of Riley Pint, then prepare to be amazed. The high schooler is armed with a ridiculous 102 mph fastball and was chronicled in Jeff Passan's "The Arm."Jeff Passan's "The Arm." The Rockies have had issues developing pitchers over the years, but elite velocity could be the cure for that. Hey, it seems to be working with Jon Gray, right?
No. 5: The Milwaukee Brewers select Louisville outfielder Corey Ray
As expected, Ray went ahead of teammate Kyle Funkhouser, setting a new record for highest draftee out of Louisville. All of Ray's tools grade out as average or above-average, according to MLB.com, which gives you an idea of why he was drafted so high. Ray has mostly played corner outfield in college, but it's believed he can transition to center in the minors.
As expected, Ray went ahead of teammate Kyle Funkhouser, setting a new record for highest draftee out of Louisville. All of Ray's tools grade out as average or above-average, according to MLB.com, which gives you an idea of why he was drafted so high. Ray has mostly played corner outfield in college, but it's believed he can transition to center in the minors.
No. 6: The Oakland Athletics select Florida pitcher A.J. Puk
Many thought Puk was in the running for the No. 1 overall pick this year, but he wound up falling to sixth-overall. MLB.com rates Puk's stuff as the best in the draft, but he's struggled with consistency throughout his college career. At 6-foot-7, the lefty has the workhorse size scouts crave.
Many thought Puk was in the running for the No. 1 overall pick this year, but he wound up falling to sixth-overall. MLB.com rates Puk's stuff as the best in the draft, but he's struggled with consistency throughout his college career. At 6-foot-7, the lefty has the workhorse size scouts crave.
No. 7: The Miami Marlins select prep pitcher Braxton Garrett
A 6-foot-3 lefty, Garrett already hits 94 mph with his fastball, and is considered to have one of the better curve balls in the draft. He has a No. 2 ceiling, according to MLB.com, and a higher floor than most high school pitchers.
A 6-foot-3 lefty, Garrett already hits 94 mph with his fastball, and is considered to have one of the better curve balls in the draft. He has a No. 2 ceiling, according to MLB.com, and a higher floor than most high school pitchers.
No. 8: The San Diego Padres select Stanford pitcher Cal Quantrill
Yep, that's the son of pitcher Paul Quantrill, who played 14 years in the majors. Paul even pitched for the Padres during 2005. Cal is coming off Tommy John surgery, but displays plenty of potential when healthy.
Yep, that's the son of pitcher Paul Quantrill, who played 14 years in the majors. Paul even pitched for the Padres during 2005. Cal is coming off Tommy John surgery, but displays plenty of potential when healthy.
No. 9: The Detroit Tigers select prep pitcher Matt Manning
The 6-foot-6 righty is the son of former NBA player Rich Manning, so he has an athletic pedigree. Manning can hit 97 mph with his fastball, according to MLB.com.
The 6-foot-6 righty is the son of former NBA player Rich Manning, so he has an athletic pedigree. Manning can hit 97 mph with his fastball, according to MLB.com.
No. 10: The Chicago White Sox select Florida catcher Zack Collins
The lefty is known for his bat, but questions about his defense remain. It's believed he'll hit enough to reach the majors, but it might not be as a catcher.
The lefty is known for his bat, but questions about his defense remain. It's believed he'll hit enough to reach the majors, but it might not be as a catcher.
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