The MLB draft of 2016 is here, and Beyond the Box Score will be offering analysis as picks come in. The draft begins at 7 p.m. ET. Follow along below. BtBS's mock draft can be found here, and a statistical look at 100 of the top draft eligible prospects can be found here. The draft order with slot dollar values can be found here.
Round 1
1. Philadelphia Phillies
Pick: Mickey Moniak, OF - La Costa Canyon HS
Analysis: Moniak was a name over the past few days that picked up steam. Philadelphia goes with the higher ceiling here, and Moniak joins the Phillies' rebuild.
2. Cincinnati Reds
Pick: Nick Senzel, 3B - Tennessee
Analysis: Cincinnati goes with the collegiate bat they wanted and the player they wanted. I thought Perez may go here until he unfortunately failed a PED test earlier this week. Senzel was a top-10 offensive player throughout the season through my statistical analysis.
3. Atlanta Braves
Pick: Ian Anderson, RHP - Shenendehowa HS
Analysis: Ian Anderson goes a lot earlier than many people had him. I thought Atlanta may go with a bat here, and I think this is a little early for Anderson, but he had a great senior season and finished the year strong. John Hart and his staff pick up another young arm, continuing to stock the Atlanta farm system.
4. Colorado Rockies
Pick: Riley Pint, RHP - St. Thomas Aquinas HS
Analysis: I love this pick for Colorado. They need to develop their own pitching playing in Coors Field, and there's none better than Pint in this draft. The Rockies get the man they wanted and needed, 100 mph throwing right-hander Riley Pint.
5. Milwaukee Brewers
Pick: Corey Ray, OF - Louisville
Analysis: Again up until two days ago there was no way Delvin Perez fell past Milwaukee. His stats may have dipped from last year, but Ray was in my top 10 from the beginning of the season, and I think with his plus speed Ray will be a top of the order hitter.
6. Oakland Athletics
Pick: A.J. Puk, LHP - Florida
Analysis: Oakland gets a player they did not think would fall down to them. Puk looked like the number one pick until the past two days, but he has been my 2nd overall pitching prospect in this draft and with some more development can turn into a number two starter for Oakland in the near future.
7. Miami Marlins
Pick: Braxton Garrett, LHP - Florence HS
Analysis: Garrett has been on the right side of my z-score analyses all season. As the season moved on, he moved up my prospect list. Garrett profiles as a top of the rotation arm. Miami gets the player they had been projected to select.
8. San Diego Padres
Pick: Cal Quantrill, RHP - Stanford
Analysis: Quantrill has been out all season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. I would have taken him later in the draft, since there is always a risk with Tommy John surgery, even though teams do not seem to be worried about it. San Diego must have had Quantrill at the top of their board to take him in the top ten while recovering from Tommy John and not run the risk of another team selecting him before their turn comes up again at 24.
9. Detroit Tigers
Pick: Matt Manning, RHP - Sheldon HS
Analysis: Manning is another power arm in this draft. His off speed pitches will take time to develop, but Manning was another player on the positive side of my z-scores this season.
10. Chicago White Sox
Pick: Zack Collins, C - Miami
Analysis: Zack Collins is the best offensive catcher in this draft. Unfortunately I think his defense may take him away from the backstop, but I love his bat. Collins is a player I've followed the past two seasons and this season he proved himself to be a top ten pick.
11. Seattle Mariners
Pick: Kyle Lewis, OF - Mercer
Analysis: Seattle gets one of the best collegiate bats in this draft and they draft a player similar to one they previously drafted in Adam Jones. I had Lewis going third overall and I think this is a steal for Seattle to get him at 11.
12. Boston Red Sox
Pick: Jason Groome, LHP - Barnegat HS
Analysis: Once thought to be the number one pick, Boston hits the jackpot here in getting Jason Groome. I thought they may go with a collegiate arm here, but instead they get the top prospect in this year's draft. Boston needs to develop young pitching and they get a fantastic arm in Groome.
13. Tampa Bay Rays
Pick: Josh Lowe, 3B - Pope HS
Analysis: Tampa goes with a high school player in Lowe who not only play third, but can pitch too. He will probably play at third at the next level with his plus bat. Tampa has a lot of potential to play with in a two way player like Josh Lowe.
14. Cleveland Indians
Pick: Will Benson, OF - The Westminster Schools
Analysis: Cleveland adds to their outfield prospect collection with Will Benson. Cleveland wanted to go with a bat here and they get a player who has plenty of potential to play at the next level. Benson's bat needs work, but his athletic ability should contribute to his development.
15. Minnesota Twins
Pick: Alex Kirilloff, OF - Plum HS
Analysis: Kirilloff is a raw player with a lot of potential. Personally I think Minnesota should've went with a pitcher here, but he has a high ceiling and if his bat develops as it can he will give Minnesota another outfield prospect to add to their farm system.
16. Los Angeles Angels
Pick: Matt Thaiss, C - Virginia
Analysis: Thaiss is another top catching prospect in this draft in a draft with plenty of catching prospects. Unlike Collins, Thaiss has more potential to stay behind the plate. He has a solid bat and his walk percentage was below the mean. His strikeout percentage may be high, but Thaiss is in my opinion the third best catching prospect behind Chris Okey of Clemson as well as Zack Collins.
17. Houston Astros
Pick: Forrest Whitley, RHP - Alamo Heights HS
Analysis: Whitley has a plus fastball and Houston gets a young Texan fireballer in their farm system. Once his off speed pitches continue to develop Whitley will be a middle to front of the rotation starter.
18. New York Yankees
Pick: Blake Ruhtherford, OF - Chaminade College Prep
Analysis: The Yankees get one of the best players in this draft. Rutherford has a plus bat, which as it develops will play extremely well at Yankee Stadium as a left-hander. Rutherford could've potentially went first overall, but the Yankees get one of the steals of the draft with Rutherford at 18.
19. New York Mets
Pick: Justin Dunn, RHP - Boston College
Analysis: The Mets surprise many here and do not take Will Craig. Instead they go with a collegiate arm in Justin Dunn who has had a fantastic junior season. Dunn had great control this season with a walk percentage below the mean. His fastball is electric and Dunn gives the Mets what they have lost over the last few seasons and that is a top pitching prospect.
20. Los Angeles Dodgers
Pick: Gavin Lux, SS - Indian Trail HS
Analysis: Lux is a player that moved up in the draft over the last few weeks. He adds to a loaded Dodgers farm system by giving them one of the most important things a team looks for and that is talent in the middle of the field.
21. Toronto Blue Jays
Pick: T.J. Zeuch, RHP - Pittsburgh
Analysis: Zeuch had a solid walk percentage this season and he can get even better once he develops his off speed pitches further. Zeuch is one of the top ten collegiate arms in this draft and he will give Toronto the young arm they need in their farm system.
22. Pittsburgh Pirates
Pick: Will Craig, 3B - Wake Forest
Analysis: Craig is the second best collegiate bat in this draft behind Kyle Lewis. I have said it numerous times over the past few months, but he was not considered a top 50 prospect going into this season. Craig had a standout year at Wake Forest, leading in almost every offensive category in my analysis among collegiate bat throughout the season. A very solid selection for the Pirates.
23. St. Louis Cardinals
Pick: Delvin Perez, SS - Puerto Rico
Analysis: The Cardinals are the team that takes a chance on Delvin Perez. The talent is there, but now there is a question about that after the failed PED test. Perez is one of the best offensive prospects in this draft and as a shortstop he gives the Cardinals more talent up the middle. However, is there a better organization to go to than the Cardinals? No one does a better job of developing their players through the organizational way than the Cardinals.
24. San Diego Padres (compensation for Justin Upton leaving)
Pick: Hudson Sanchez, SS - Carroll Senior HS
Analysis: This seems to be a little early for Hudson Sanchez to be selected - I had him going in the third round. This appears to be a strategic pick in regards to slot money. I would have went with Eric Lauer and Buddy Reed with these next two picks, but let's see what they do with their next selection.
25. San Diego Padres (compensation for Ian Kennedy leaving)
Pick: Eric Lauer, LHP - Kent State
Analysis: As I said above, Lauer was one of the players I would have selected with these two picks. Lauer was one of the leaders in terms of z-score in my analysis this season - his ERA, K% and BB% were all above average. I like this move for them and if Quantrill returns healthy, they will give San Diego a combination of solid pitching prospects.
26. Chicago White Sox (compensation for Jeff Samardzija leaving)
Pick: Zack Burdi, RHP - Lousiville
Analysis: This selection has the potential to impact the 2016 pennant race. Burdi has been exceptional as the Lousiville closer this season, hitting 100 consistently. At my last analysis, Burdi had a 50 strikeout percentage and 9.7 walk percentage.
27. Baltimore Orioles (compensation for Wei-Yin Chen leaving)
Pick: Cody Sedlock, RHP - Illinois
Analysis: Sedlock goes a little later than I thought he would. He is another pitcher who was above average according to my value system. Sedlock gives the Orioles a solid arm that should develop quickly.
28. Washington Nationals (compensation for Jordan Zimmermann leaving)
Pick: Carter Kieboom, SS - Walton HS
Analysis: Kieboom has a bat that has been raved about in advance of the draft. I thought Washington would go with a high school bat with one of these selections, but I saw Drew Mendoza going here. Kieboom is a solid pick for Washington in this slot.
29. Washington Nationals (compensation for Ian Desmond leaving)
Pick: Dane Dunning, RHP - Florida
Analysis: Dunning goes earlier than originally thought, but Washington gets a solid arm with this selection. My value system loved Dunning this season with a 38.9 strikeout percentage and 5.6 walk percentage. I have Dunning pegged as a middle to back of the rotation starter.
30. Texas Rangers (compensation for Yovani Gallardo leaving)
Pick: Cole Ragans, LHP - N.Florida Christian School
Analysis: The Rangers go with a high school arm here when I think they should have went with one of the collegiate arms available like Tyler or Hudson. Ragans may have gone a little earlier than predicted, but he gives Texas a solid base to build off of.
31. New York Mets (compensation for Daniel Murphy leaving)
Pick: Anthony Kay, LHP - UCONN
Analysis: Kay was predicted to go to the Mets in this spot in a few other mock drafts after the Mets selected him out of high school. Kay's walk percentage z-score was below the mean along with his ERA. Personally I would have went with Hudson or Tyler in this spot, but it is hard to turn down a left-hander.
32. Los Angeles Dodgers (compensation for Zack Greinke leaving)
Pick: Will Smith, C - Lousivlle
Analysis: If the Dodgers were going to go catching here, I would have preferred Chris Okey from Clemson. However, Smith is a catcher that should stay behind the backstop. The standout part of Smith's game is his plus arm, which should help him move in the Dodgers system.
33. St. Louis Cardinals (compensation for John Lackey leaving)
Pick: Dylan Carlson, OF, Elk Grove HS
Analysis: Another player taken earlier than most people thought he would go. Carlson is a switch hitter that should play in a corner outfield spot in the future.
34. St. Louis Cardinals (compensation for Jason Heyward leaving)
Pick: Dakota Hudson, RHP - Mississippi State
Analysis: Hudson is an excellent selection for the Cardinals in this spot. Hudson was a top ten arm in my value system this season and he gives St. Louis a pitcher with a plus fastball and secondary pitches that are not far off. If there is one aspect of his game I would like to see improve it is his ability to strike more batters out.
Lottery Round A
35. Cincinnati Reds
Pick: Taylor Trammell, OF - Mt. Paran Christian HS
Analysis: The Reds get a high school bat that has the tools to develop into a solid player at the next level. Trammell has the potential to play in center at the next level as well.
36. Los Angeles Dodgers (compensation for not signing #35 overall 2015 pick Kyle Funkhouser)
Pick: Jordan Sheffield, RHP - Vanderbilt
Analysis: Sheffield was an arm I had in my top ten pitching prospects, but moved him down as the season moved on. He has a power arm that may profile better as a reliever.
37. Oakland Athletics
Pick: Daulton Jefferies, RHP - California
Analysis: Excellent selection for the A's. He was injured for most of this season and before that I had him in the top 20 overall at the beginning of the year. Jefferies has plus off speed pitches and will give Oakland another collegiate arm in this year's draft. If Jefferies is fully healthy, which is expected, he will give the A's more pitching depth in their system.
38. Colorado Rockies
Pick: Robert Tyler, RHP - Georgia
Analysis: The Rockies get another power arm in this draft. Tyler has an overpowering fastball that needs to improve his off speed pitches. Tyler will need to work on lowering his walk percentage, especially if he turns into a reliever at the next level.
39. Arizona Diamondbacks
Pick: Anfernee Grier, OF - Auburn
Analysis: Grier goes a little earlier than I expected, but Arizona starts their draft with a player with room to further develop. Grier will need to cut down on his strikeouts at the next level to continue the success he started with this year.
40. Atlanta Braves (via trade with Marlins)
Pick: Joey Wentz, LHP - Shawnee Mission East HS
Analysis: Wentz is committed to Virginia, but he should sign out of the 40th spot. Wentz probably should have went higher than 40th, but Atlanta adds two high ceiling high school arms tonight.
41. Pittsburgh Pirates
Pick: Nick Lodolo, LHP - Damien HS
Analysis: Lodolo joins a long list of players selected earlier than many thought tonight. However, Lodolo has the potential to develop as a middle to back end of the rotation starter. Unfortunately Lodolo was one of the HS player whose stats were unavailable in my value system.
Second Round
42. Philadelphia Phillies
Pick: Kevin Gowdy, RHP - Santa Barbara HS
Analysis: The Phillies get a high school pitcher with a high ceiling that has first round talent. Gowdy profiles as a middle to front of the rotation starter. His strikeout and walk percentage were 42.1 and 2.3 respectively.
43. Cincinnati Reds
Pick: Chris Okey, C - Clemson
Analysis: As I stated earlier, Okey is the second overall catching prospect behind Collins, in my opinion. He should stay behind the plate long-term with a solid bat. Okey adds to an impressive draft class thus far for Cincinnati.
44. Atlanta Braves
Pick: Kyle Muller, LHP - Jesuit Dallas Prep
Analysis: The Braves continue their run on high school pitching prospects and Muller may be one of the top ones. Muller has first round talent, but Atlanta gets a steal with him at 44.
45. Colorado Rockies
Pick: Ben Bowden, LHP - Vanderbilt
Analysis: Bowden was solid out of the bullpen for Vanderbilt this season. Colorado has the choice to develop him as a starter and further develop his off speed pitches, which may be the best option before using him out of the bullpen.
46. Milwaukee Brewers
Pick: Lucas Erceg, 3B - Menlo
Analysis: Erceg hits for power with a low strikeout percentage. He played for D-II, which probably scared some teams off. I think Milwaukee should have went with Connor Jones here.
Pick: Logan Shore, RHP - Florida
Analysis: Logan Shore joins his teammate A.J. Puk in Oakland. Shore profiles as a middle of the rotation arm, who I was very high on this season. Oakland has had one of the best nights through round two so far.
Pick: Buddy Reed, OF- Florida
Analysis: Great pick for San Diego here. Reed was at the top of the draft in the preseason, but he had a disappointing season in 2016. Despite that I still think he should have went higher than 48th. If Reed develops into the player he was projected to be before this season, San Diego may have found a steal at 48.
Pick: Joe Rizzo, 3B - Oakton High
Analysis: Rizzo has a solid bat with a high leg kick in his swing. His bat is ahead of his glove, but he has a high ceiling that should give Seattle value at 50.
Pick: C.J. Chatham, SS - Florida Atlantic
Analysis: Chatham was on the positive side of my value system in regards to strikeout and walk percentage. Chatham should stay at short at the next level, but he adds to the Red Sox talent up the middle.
Pick: Andrew Yerzy, C - York Mills Collegiate Institute
Analysis: Yerzy is committed to Notre Dame with a power bat. Arizona goes with a pick with more potential than a more further developed catcher like Logan Ice of Oregon State.
Pick: Ryan Boldt, OF - Nebraska
Analysis: Boldt is a patient hitter who had one of the best walk percentages in my value system. He profiles as a left fielder at the next level.
Pick: Keegan Akin, LHP - Western Michigan
Analysis: Akin should stay as a starter at the next level with three well developed pitches already.
55. Cleveland Indians
Pick: Nolan Jones, 3B - Holy Ghost Prep
Analysis: Nolan Jones has first round talent, but slid into the second round, possibly because of his commitment to Virginia. Jones has a great approach at the plate and if Cleveland can sign him, this will solidify an already strong draft.
Pick: Ben Rortvedt, C - Verona Area HS
Analysis: The Twins go with the best high school catching prospect in this draft. He has an above average arm and the Twins will surely hope his bat develops the power potential he has.
Pick: J.B. Woodman, OF - Ole Miss
Analysis: Woodman was the top power hitter in the SEC this year. He has a plus arm which will help him potentially play in right field at the next level.
Pick: Sheldon Neuse, 3B - Oklahoma
Analysis: Neuse is average defensively at third, but his bat was strong for Oklahoma in 2016. He has a solid approach and got on base this season.
Pick: Bryan Reynolds, OF - Vanderbilt
Analysis: Solid pick for the Giants here. Reynolds was projected to go in the first round, but had a far fall in the draft. Reynolds should stay in center long-term for San Francisco.
Pick: Brandon Marsh, OF - Buford HS
Analysis: Marsh has a solid build which should profile has a corner outfielder. The Angels get a high school bat with a high ceiling here.
Pick: Ronnie Dawson, OF - Ohio State
Analysis: Dawson has plus speed, but he needs to cut down on his strikeout percentage. He profiles has a potential bench player at the next level.
Pick: Nick Solak, 2B - Louisville
Analysis: Solak adds to an impressive start to the draft for the Yankees. Solak goes earlier than originally thought and gives the Yankees talent in the middle of the field.
Pick: Alex Speas, RHP - McEachern HS
Analysis: Speas goes a little later than I originally had him. Speas is 6 foot 7 with a plus fastball and given the proper time to develop will give Texas another power arm in their farm system.
Pick: Peter Alonso, 1B - Florida
Analysis: Alonso has raw power with a right handed bat that should achieve success at the next level. This is a good selection since deciding not to take Craig in the first round to fill a need of a power hitter.
Pick: Mitchell White, RHP - Santa Clara
Analysis: White goes earlier than most thought and is a player I did not have in my first three rounds.
Pick: Bo Bichette, SS - Lakewood HS
Analysis: The Blue Jays select the son of former Rockies outfielder Dante Bichette. Bo has the potential to hit for power at the next level and gives Toronto something they need in their farm system of talent up the middle.
Pick: A.J. Puckett, RHP - Pepperdine
Analysis: Puckett has the potential to be a middle to back end of the rotation starter. His fastball is ahead of his off speed pitches.
Pick: Travis MacGregor, RHP - East Lake HS
Analysis: Again the Pirates take a high school arm that has a high ceiling. He is committed to Clemson.
Pick: Matthias Dietz, RHP - John A. Logan CC
Analysis: Dietz profiles as a late inning reliever instead of a starter for me. He has good control with high upside.
Pick: Connor Jones, RHP - Virginia
Analysis: The Cardinals get one of the better collegiate arms in the draft at a much later time than projected. He was in my top ten pitchers this year and gives the Cardinals great value at this slot.
Lottery Round B
Pick: Reggie Lawson, RHP - Victor Valley HS
Analysis: Lawson has a high ceiling, which can give the Padres great value here if he develops right.
Pick: Logan Ice, C - Oregon State
Analysis: Ice is a top-five catcher in this draft. The Indians did not get the catcher they wanted in Collins in the first round; instead they wind up with Logan Ice.
Pick: Jose Miranda, SS - Puerto Rico
Analysis: Miranda is a player I did not have in my top 100, so he goes earlier than I thought he would go.
Pick: Akil Badoo, OF - Salem HS
Analysis: Badoo has a ceiling with potential to be a top of the order bat. The Twins continue to add to their outfield farm system depth.
Pick: Mario Feliciano, C - Puerto Rico
Analysis: Similar to Miranda, I did not have Feliciano in my top 100.
Pick: Brett Cumberland, C - California
Analysis: Cumberland's strength is his power, but he may need to move to first in the long-term.
Pick: Jake Fraley, OF - LSU
Analysis: Fraley has plus speed and hits for contact. He has a good approach at the plate and projects to be a center fielder at the next level with the floor of a fourth outfielder.
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