2021 MLB Draft Prep – Top 10 College Position Players
The 2021 MLB Draft is taking place a little later in the calendar year than usual due to COVID impacts on… life. It’s unclear what COVID and the pause in development means for prospects both in and out of professional baseball, but everyone is facing the same unprecedented obstacles. The Draft is slated for July 11th with these should be the first college pitchers taken.
#1 Matt McLain, SS, UCLA
McLain was drafted in the First round in 2018 but didn’t sign and went to UCLA where he improved his ability across the board. He’s one of the best college hitters in the draft class with the chance to develop into a plus hitter with plus speed and a chance for average home run power but should be able to produce plenty of extra base hits. McLain also offers plenty of defensive versatility with the chance to play all over the field. Bats: R
#2 Henry Davis, C, Louisville
Davis is considered by many to be the consensus #1 college hitter in this year’s draft class. He has a chance to stick at catcher thanks to a double plus arm that helps him to control the running game (he still needs work on his blocking/receiving). Davis has a chance to develop into an above average or better hitter with above average or better power, which could make him a top 10 catcher someday if he can stick behind the plate.
#3 Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College
Frelick is one of the best college hitters in this year’s draft class. He has good athleticism that plays up well on the base paths thanks to double plus speed and good instincts. He has the talent to develop into a plus hitter with average power that should be able to stick in centerfield. Frelick was named the ACC defensive player of the year. Bats: L
#4 Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State
Cowser is one of the top college hitters in this year’s draft class. He has a chance to develop into a plus hitter with plus speed that might be able to develop 20-25 home run power. There’s a good chance he could stick in centerfield with an arm that’s strong enough to play right field if needed. Bats: L
#5 Jud Fabian, OF, Florida
Fabian is one of the youngest college players available in this year’s draft class. He has some of the best power in this year’s class and he also has above average speed and plays well defensively in center field. There are some questions about his bat as he strikes out a lot, but there’s a lot of talent here and he has a chance for plus power. He was among the NCAA home run leaders this season. Bats: R
#6 Adrian Del Castillo, C, Miami
An advanced college hitter that was considered to be one of the best in this year’s draft class in the preseason. His stock has fallen some but the bat is still very good and there’s an outside chance he stays a catcher. Bats: L
#7 Ethan Wilson, OF, South Alabama
Wilson is considered to be one of the best college hitters in this year’s draft class. His approach has changed to one where he makes plenty of contact with the chance for plus power. Bats: L
#8 Spencer Schwellenbach, SS/RHP, Nebraska
Schwellenbach is the premier 2-way player in this year’s draft class. On the mound he has a chance to develop into a mid-rotation starter with a chance for 3 above average or better pitches. As a hitter, he puts up big exit velocities and has plus speed with the defensive versatility to play all over the infield. Bats: R, 3-pitch Mix: FB T99, SL, CH
#9 Tyler Black, 2B, Wright State
One of the top left handed hitters in this year’s draft class. He has a great feel for the strike zone and has a chance to be an above average or better hitter. Black has a good chance to stick at 2nd base with a chance to be an average or better defender. Bats: L
#10 Matheu Nelson, C, Florida State
Nelson was among the division 1 home run leaders this spring and he has a chance to stick behind the plate thanks to a strong arm. He will need to improve his defense behind the plate in order to stay there or make an impact at the Major League level. Bats: R
-James Weisser
