Predicting draft picks is a lot easier when you have the second overall pick. Predicting anything above pick 10 is just pure speculation and fun. But I love to make predictions and rarely do they ever come true.
“However, I did propose a trade this winter that had Lance Lynn to the White Sox for Dane Dunning straight up. How was I know that Chicago would add pitcher Avery Weems to deal? (My guess is Chicago would have rather dealt with me than Rangers GM Chris Young and President of Baseball Operations Jon Daniel.”
2021 Major League Draft is Sunday, here are my predictions for the first three rounds for Texas.
FIRST ROUND: 2nd overall
My Pick
Photo: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images (Jack Leiter)
RHP Jack Leiter, Vanderbilt University Most mocks have Marcelo Mayer going to Pittsburg at one. If the Pirates didn’t pick Mayer, the Rangers would likely go with him. He seems to be the consensus number one overall talent.
(Others to watch) SS Jordan Lawler, SS Kahlil Watson, C Henry Davis, RHP Jackson Jobe
SECOND ROUND 38th Overall
My Pick
SS Peyton Stovall, Haughton, LA HS The Arkansas commit is considered by some to have the best hit tool in the draft, amongst high school shortstops. Baseball America has him ranked 33rd and MLB Pipeline has him 29th. Him sliding to 38 may be a stretch. But if he did, this is a great pickup in the athletic high school SS market.
(Others to watch) RHP Gavin Williams, LHP Joshua Hartle, SS Carson Williams
Note: RHP/SS Bubba Chandler was left off the last BA first round mock draft even though he is a top 20 talent. This is most likely because he is committed in both football and baseball at Clemson. If he was to fall to 38, the Rangers might could whip him with money to forgo his chance to play QB for Dabo Swinney.
THIRD ROUND 73rd Overall
My Pick
Photo: Twitter (Tyler Whitaker)
OF Tyler Whitaker, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas NV If Whitaker were to fall to 73 this would be a big get for Texas. He had a really good senior year and is committed to Arizona. His run tool is his best tool. He also pitched. Standing at 6’4 usually means he is a corner outfielder, although some think he can play CF at the next level. His worst tool is his hit tool, according to scouting reports. But he has power and an arm.
(Others to watch) C/OF Hunter Goodman, SS Alex Mooney, 2B/3B Cooper Kinney
Note: If the second round were to produce a over slot guy that falls to the Rangers, then they my start taking some lower leverage college guys they know will sign for less in rounds 3 thru 10.
Who’s ready for the draft?
Nerd Out!
Featured Image: Max Preps (Peyton Stovall)
