SNAFU
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2011
- Messages
- 683
- Likes
- 2,395
18. Cincinnati Reds — Jordan Beck, OF, Tennessee
Last year, the Reds were picking in the same general area and picked the best college bat available in UCLA SS Matt McLain. With the bulk of their prospect depth concentrated in High A and in the infield, Beck makes a lot of sense to drop into the mix as a more advanced college bat that can play all three outfield spots. — C. Trent Rosecrans
28. Houston Astros — Blade Tidwell, RHP, Tennessee
The Astros returned to picking in the first round for the first time since 2019, before their sign-stealing scheme came to light, and they decided to go with a college power arm in Tidwell. The right-hander was thought of as one of the best college arms in the class before the season started, then a shoulder injury kept him off the mound for the first month and a half of the season. Upon his return, Tidwell flashed plus stuff that includes a mid-to-high 90s heater and slider. But he only pitched beyond the fifth inning once this season. Though there may be some lingering doubt about his health, Tidwell’s floor is high enough to take a chance on him here. — Maria Torres
30. San Francisco Giants — Drew Gilbert, OF, Tennessee
Gilbert combines a high-contact, patient approach with strong centerfield defense and above-average speed. That’s the description of a player who should make the majors in some capacity, and when you’re picking at the back of the first round, it’s not a bad idea to go for someone with a high floor like that. But Gilbert’s ceiling is plenty high, too, as his bat is super-quick and he posted some of the highest exit velocities in college baseball. The Giants might feel comfortable getting some skills that are hard (or even impossible) to teach — like pitch recognition, speed and good reads in the outfield — and hoping that they can add power later. — Grant Brisbee
The Athletic
Last year, the Reds were picking in the same general area and picked the best college bat available in UCLA SS Matt McLain. With the bulk of their prospect depth concentrated in High A and in the infield, Beck makes a lot of sense to drop into the mix as a more advanced college bat that can play all three outfield spots. — C. Trent Rosecrans
28. Houston Astros — Blade Tidwell, RHP, Tennessee
The Astros returned to picking in the first round for the first time since 2019, before their sign-stealing scheme came to light, and they decided to go with a college power arm in Tidwell. The right-hander was thought of as one of the best college arms in the class before the season started, then a shoulder injury kept him off the mound for the first month and a half of the season. Upon his return, Tidwell flashed plus stuff that includes a mid-to-high 90s heater and slider. But he only pitched beyond the fifth inning once this season. Though there may be some lingering doubt about his health, Tidwell’s floor is high enough to take a chance on him here. — Maria Torres
30. San Francisco Giants — Drew Gilbert, OF, Tennessee
Gilbert combines a high-contact, patient approach with strong centerfield defense and above-average speed. That’s the description of a player who should make the majors in some capacity, and when you’re picking at the back of the first round, it’s not a bad idea to go for someone with a high floor like that. But Gilbert’s ceiling is plenty high, too, as his bat is super-quick and he posted some of the highest exit velocities in college baseball. The Giants might feel comfortable getting some skills that are hard (or even impossible) to teach — like pitch recognition, speed and good reads in the outfield — and hoping that they can add power later. — Grant Brisbee
The Athletic
