The White Sox appeared to do well with their strategy during the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft. The organization prioritized upside and focused on premium talent under the guidance of new Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Shirley.
Garrett Crochet burst onto the scene in a big way after being taken with the 11th overall pick in June. Second-round pick Jared Kelley was regarded as a top 20 draft prospect by the majority of publications.
This came after the franchise employed a dramatic philosophical shift in 2019 as well. The White Sox used second and third round selections on prep right-handers Matthew Thompson and Andrew Dalquist. They added six more prep players later in the draft.
This year, Chicago is picking 22nd overall and all options are probably on the table. The organization hasn’t taken a high school player in the first round since 2012 when they grabbed outfielder Courtney Hawkins out of Texas. The club has been more open-minded to prep players recently though. While they haven’t pulled the trigger in the first round, the bonus amounts allotted are close to what’s expected in the back third of round one. It appeared more likely that the team goes with their preferred college route instead and big media will likely project the club to do so until they actually change. Adding teenage prospects to the pipeline should be a priority and the franchise’s amateur scouts have been heavily linked to multiple options this spring.
The 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft will take place from July 11-13. The draft will be in Denver during All-Star weekend for the first time. After some speculation, it was determined that the draft order will in fact be based on the reverse order of the 2020 standings. The draft will be 20 rounds. Bonus pools are slated to stay the same and slot values won’t be increasing. The draft order is set.
The White Sox are also scheduled to choose at pick No. 57 in Round 2 and No. 94 in Round 3. Their entire bonus pool is $6,618,600.
Here is my third attempt at a 2021 mock draft. It’s way too early to be completely accurate but speculation has started and the college season is winding down. Many of the prep players have been seen a ton already as well. Mock Draft 2.0 came out in March.
1. Pittsburgh Pirates: Henry Davis, C, Louisville
The Pirates have a comp round selection as well and choose to save a bit of cash and go with the best college hitter in the draft class. Davis is having a monster season in the ACC and possesses a significant offensive ceiling for a catcher. He makes lots of hard contact and his calling card is his plus-plus arm strength. The Louisville product shows great footwork and accuracy as well and he can really hit. Ben Cherington could go with a college pitcher with two SEC talents expected to go in the top ten with prep shortstops being another potential option.
2. Texas Rangers: Jordan Lawlar, SS, Jesuit Prep HS (TX)
The Rangers are right in Lawlar’s backyard and he could be the pick if Pittsburgh goes a different direction. Marcelo Mayer and the Vandy starters should be options for the Rangers as well. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Texan is a no-doubt shortstop and possesses five-tool talent. Lawlar shows a polished swing with premium bat speed and a chance to reach solid power. He’s drawn comparisons to Bobby Witt Jr.
3. Detroit Tigers: Marcelo Mayer, SS, Eastlake High School (CA)
It’s not a year deep in college bats and the college hitters generally rise to the top of the board. This is the year of the prep shortstop, however, and Detroit gets in on the action early. Mayer displays average or better tools in every area and will definitely stay at the position long-term. He possesses a feel to hit from the left-handed side and displays an advanced approach as well. Marcelo is an above-average runner with raw power as well. He could go higher than this.
4. Boston Red Sox: Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
Leiter honored his commitment to Vanderbilt instead of going pro in 2018 and it’ll pay off for him with a bigger bonus in the end. This redshirt sophomore doesn’t have a huge track record, but possesses obvious physical bloodlines. The 6-foot righty comes with that stigma attached, but his fastball sat in the 95-98 mph range recently to go along with a plus curveball. He has been tremendous for the Commodores so far this spring. He should go higher than this, but the big market Red Sox should appeal to him. It’s a 70-grade fastball with a 60-grade curveball and a slider that flashes plus as well.
5. Baltimore Orioles: Brady House, SS, Winder-Barrow HS (GA)
The Orioles continue to draft hitters and House was the consensus top prep prospect in the class last summer. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder was tremendous this spring and has a history of wood bat success. House possesses well above-average power to all fields and he has a plus arm, but will likely move to third base as a professional.
6. Arizona Diamondbacks: Jackson Jobe, RHP, Heritage Hall HS (OK)
Prep righties are a risky demographic, but Jobe is one of the best players in the draft class and he should come off the board in this range. The two-way prospect has more upside on the mound and he’s a very advanced high school arm. The Oklahoma product has a quick arm, repeats his delivery and displays premium athleticism. Elite spin on the fastball and slider is present and there’s makings of a plus change as well. Arizona leaves Rocker on the board in favor of upside with this selection.
7. Kansas City Royals: Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt
The Royals will be ecstatic if this comes true on draft day. They’ve taken lots of college pitchers of late and they jump at the opportunity to add Rocker here. The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder came into the year as the likely No. 1 pick, but he hasn’t dominated as expected. Rocker’s fastball gets into the high 90s consistently and he possesses a plus-plus wipeout slider. He has the ability to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, but he does struggle with command too often.
8. Colorado Rockies: Khalil Watson, SS, Wake Forest HS (NC)
Watson is a 5-foot-9, 180-pound North Carolina prep product who should stay at shortstop as a professional. He has solid or better tools across the board and was very effective on the showcase circuit last summer. Watson has a great left-handed swing with premium bat speed. He displays an aggressive power over hit approach however, but has plus speed to go with it. The Rockies haven’t been afraid to tab prep athletes early in the draft.
9. Los Angeles Angels: Bubba Chandler, RHP/SS, North Oconee HS (GA)
The first draft under new General Manager Perry Minasian should be an interesting one. The Angels haven’t been afraid to select prep players in the past and they go that route again in 2021 with this two-way phenom from Georgia. Chandler is a Clemson football recruit and could play quarterback for the Tigers, but he appears to be signable regardless. He has first round potential as a right-handed pitcher and his 97 mph fastball, athleticism and clean arm action are contributing factors. He’s also a switch-hitting shortstop with bat speed and Los Angeles could prefer that route.
10. New York Mets: Ty Madden, RHP, Texas
Madden’s stuff and command have improved this summer and he’s been really good overall. His fastball touches 99 mph and he shows a plus slider as well. His added strength could actually get him selected higher than this. Alderson likes college pitchers and he could move quickly in the Mets system.
11. Washington Nationals: Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest
The Nationals go back to the college pitching well and they go to the Wake Forest program. Cusick is a 6-foot-6, 225-pound righty that displays a high spin rate fastball. He struck out 43 batters in 22 1/3 innings last spring, but his secondary offerings need some work. Cusick shows a low effort delivery. There is some reliever risk, but he could be dominant in that role if it’s deemed necessary down the road.
12. Seattle Mariners: Matt McLain, SS, UCLA
McLain went in the first round in 2018, but turned down the Diamondbacks in favor of UCLA. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder has added more strength as a Bruin and it’s helped him show more power potential than expected. McLain has good bat to ball skills and he’s a plus runner that should stay up the middle as a professional. The Mariners love college players and this is solid value.
13. Philadelphia Phillies: Sal Frelick, CF, Boston College
Frelick is a no doubt center fielder and there’s a dearth of outfielders in the Phillies’ system. The 5-foot-9, 175-pounder hits left-handed and projects as a leadoff hitter. The Boston College outfielder makes lots of contact and shows plus bat speed. He should get to average power in the future. This is the first pick of the Dave Dombrowski era in Philadelphia.
14. San Francisco Giants: Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State
The Giants love their college bats under Farhan Zaidi and Cowser fits the bill. He has a great left-handed stroke and shows patience at the plate with the look of a player that will know how to get on base frequently. He’s a plus hitter and should stay in center field, but has the offensive profile for a corner if necessary. Milwaukee goes back to college for an outfielder for the second straight year.
15. Milwaukee Brewers: Jud Fabian, CF, Florida
The Brewers also love their college bats and Fabian fits the bill. He was seen as one of the best players in the class coming into the year, but struck out over 40% of the time early on. Swing and approach changes have helped and he’s torn up the SEC of late. Fabian has the unorthodox profile of throwing right-handed and batting left-handed. He’s a great athlete with plus-plus power. He had lots of success in the Cape Cod League and while strikeouts will always be part of his game, he’s earned George Springer comps.
16. Miami Marlins: Harry Ford, C, North Cobb HS (GA)
Ford is young for the class and currently plays catcher in Georgia. The low hit rate on prep catchers is a real concern, but this athlete could move to second base, third base or any of the outfield spots in the future. He might possess the best bat speed in the 2021 prep class. Ford also has plus speed and makes consistent loud contact in games. Miami has been all over the prep class in the predraft process.
17. Cincinnati Reds: Sam Bachman, RHP, Miami (OH)
Bachman fits what the Reds are trying to do under Kyle Boddy. He offers premium velocity with a fastball that touches 100 mph and also shows a consistent plus slider. His changeup is a very solid third offering. The Miami of Ohio product doesn’t pitch against the best competition in the MAC, but he’s improved his conditioning and athleticism this past summer. He has the stigma of being a “short right-hander” (6-foot-1), but the premium stuff should get him drafted in this range anyway.
18. St. Louis Cardinals: Chase Petty, RHP, Mainland HS (NJ)
The Cardinals have taken lots of prep players of late and they’ve been linked to Petty. The New Jersey prep touches triple digits consistently with his 70-grade fastball and may have two other plus offerings as well. His stuff is awesome and he displays a fearless demeanor on the mound. There are some size and delivery questions with some reliever risk, however.
19. Toronto Blue Jays: Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State
Wicks is the top southpaw in the class and he should move quickly through the system along with last year’s first-rounder Austin Martin. The lefty compiled 52 strikeouts over 34 2/3 innings this summer and uses a plus-plus changeup as a wipeout pitch. The fastball also sits in the mid 90s. Wicks is 6-foot-3, 220 pounds and shows a low effort, easily repeatable delivery.
20. New York Yankees: Benny Montgomery, OF, Red Land HS (PA)
Montgomery has firmly put himself in the 10-20 range in July. The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder is a premium athlete who plays plus defense in the outfield with raw power at the dish. He’s a raw toolshed, but had a really good summer against quality competition last year. He’s a fast twitch that should hit and remain in center field.
21. Chicago Cubs: Will Taylor, CF, Dutch Fork HS (SC)
The 6-foot, 175-pounder is a three-sport star at Dutch Fork High School. The prep quarterback is committed to Clemson to play wide receiver and he’s also won state wrestling championships as well. The center fielder has plus-plus speed and should stay at the position as a professional. He shows a loose right handed swing and made consistent contact on the high school circuit last summer. Taylor is more advanced than other multi-sport baseball guys and he could really take off once concentrating on the sport full time. Another upside play in Dan Kantrovitz’s first full year on the job in Chicago.
22. Chicago White Sox: Colson Montgomery, SS, Southridge HS (IN)
The White Sox haven’t selected a prep position player in the first round since drafting Courtney Hawkins in 2012, but they’ve been all over the prep class. The left side of the infield appears to be the scouting focus for the club. Montgomery is 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds. The left-handed hitter is committed to play baseball at Indiana and there’s a spot on the basketball team waiting for him. He has a strong history with wood bats and is a very physical athlete. His body has drawn comps to Corey Seager at the same stage of development. Montgomery has the potential to hit for average and power. He’s a present shortstop that likely transitions to third base in the future. He’s 19 years old already, which will be an issue for some clubs. The White Sox have had a heavy presence in attendance for Montgomery and he seems like a definite possibility at this pick.
23. Cleveland Indians: Michael McGreevy, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
McGreevy has drawn some comparisons to former UCSB hurler Shane Bieber, but he throws a bit harder than the Indians’ ace. The 6-foot-4 righty has improved his stuff and pitchability this spring and he doesn’t turn 21 years old until July. His fastball gets up to 96 mph and the strike thrower can really pitch while also displaying a curveball and slider. McGreevy has pristine control and command and is exactly what Cleveland looks for in amateur pitchers.
24. Atlanta Braves: Tommy Mace, RHP, Florida
Alex Anthopoulos goes back to the college pitching well for a second straight year. The 22-year-old Mace thought he was getting taken in the 2020 Draft, but he’s improved his stock so far this season. The Gator has been a consistent college starter with a four-pitch mix, but his repertoire has changed to employ a high spin rate four seamer more often. Mace has made some physical gains as well while still displaying his sinking two seamer with an increased strikeout rate.
25. Oakland Athletics: Adrian Del Castillo, C, Miami
Del Castillo was thought to be a top 10 pick coming into the year, but defensive questions persist for the Miami backstop. He has a pretty, left-handed swing, but doesn’t always get to power in games despite possessing solid raw grades. Adrian barrels the baseball and knows how to hit with a great approach. He’s had some struggles with wood bats and the defensive questions could push him to first base or left field in the future. He fits in Oakland’s model due to his strike zone control, but improvements will be necessary in other aspects of his game.
26. Minnesota Twins: Joe Mack, C, Williamsville East HS (NY)
The Twins drafted Mack’s brother a few years ago and paid him an over-slot bonus. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder stood out on the showcase circuit and has a chance to be a difference maker behind the plate and at the dish. He’s an above-average hitter with an advanced approach and he will stay behind the plate long-term if allowed. He’s committed to Clemson.
27. San Diego Padres: Anthony Solometo, LHP, Bishop Eustace HS (NJ)
AJ Preller loves prep players and the Padres nab another funky southpaw here. Solometo is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound lefty that throws his fastball in the 90-94 mph range. He employs a high leg kick and three-quarter delivery with plus command of his improving stuff. The New Jersey prep has a chance for three above-average offerings.
28. Tampa Bay Rays: Peyton Stovall, 2B, Haughton HS (LA)
The defensive home is a question, but Stovall can really hit. The 18-year-old had a strong summer and he’s been even better this spring. He has one of the best swings in the midwest and he barrels baseballs routinely with an all fields approach. Stovall has 20-homer potential. He’s a current shortstop, but likely moves to left field if he can’t stay on the infield dirt. He’ll get drafted for his bat regardless.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers: Gunnar Hoglund, RHP, Mississippi
The Dodgers get a top 10 talent in Hoglund and likely use up most of their allotted bonus pool to do so. After undergoing Tommy John surgery recently, the Ole Miss righty will still be looking to get paid while he rehabs with a big league club. Hoglund has an easy delivery and a history of throwing strikes. His stuff ticked up this year and he was one of the best pitchers in the country.
30. Cincinnati Reds (Compensation for Trevor Bauer): Andrew Painter, RHP, Calvary Christian HS (FL)
The Reds make great use out of their increased bonus pool and take one of the best prep pitchers in the entire class. Painter is a 6-foot-6 righty with big raw stuff and a feel to pitch. He’s a power pitcher, but commands well. He’s very athletic and repeats his delivery while offering power stuff and a four-pitch mix. He could end up going much higher than this or report to Gainesville to pitch at Florida in 2022.
Competitive Balance A
31. Miami Marlins: Joshua Baez, OF, Dexter Southfield HS (MA)
The Marlins are all over this prep class and Baez has some of the biggest power in the class.
32. Detroit Tigers: Alex Mooney, SS, St. Mary’s Prep (MI)
Mooney is right in the Tigers’ backyard with a quick compact right handed swing and a feel to hit.
33. Milwaukee Brewers: Ethan Wilson, OF, South Alabama
The outfielder struggled during the abbreviated 2020 season, but he did hit 17 homers for South Alabama in 2019. He hits left-handed and draws walks, but probably will need some swing alterations to tap into his power more consistently. He likely only has a throwing arm for left field, but he profiles there offensively as well.
34. Tampa Bay Rays: Jaden Hill, RHP, LSU
The Rays take the plunge with their big bonus pool and over-slot an SEC performer that was expected to go in the top 10 range prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery.
35. Cincinnati Reds: James Wood, OF, IMG Academy (FL)
The Reds continue to add talent with this massive outfielder from the prep ranks.
36. Minnesota Twins: Matt Mikulski, LHP, Fordham
22-year-old southpaw has dominated this spring with his fastball/slider combo.
White Sox Round 2 and Round 3
2nd Round: Sean Burke, RHP, Maryland
This would be a dream scenario for the White Sox as they’ve been linked to Burke in the early going. The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder has a premium fastball that touches the high 90s with movement. He has Tommy John surgery as a freshman and has improved his stuff this year with the Terps. He walks too many guys and his secondary offerings are inconsistent, but his spin rates are stellar and he could go much higher than this in July.
3rd Round: Andrew Abbott, LHP, Virginia
Abbott has had lots of success on the Cape and at Virginia pitching out of the bullpen, but he’s starting in 2021. The 6-foot, 175-pounder has good stuff and a fiery, competitive demeanor on the mound. Lauded for outstanding makeup, he also has a plus curveball with a developing changeup that could also be plus in the future. Could move quickly in a relief role but should be given the chance to start.
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Would love Colson Montgomery for the Sox in the 1st round, but I like Joe Mack a lot too. And drafting Owen Miller in the 1st round would probably be a reach, but any chance he lasts to where the Sox pick in the 2nd round? Miller is intriguing too.