MLB: Draft Picks 1-5 Analysis
No. 1 Mickey Moniak (Phillies - CF - High School): The 18 year old, high school phenom was taken first overall by the Philadelphia Phillies, who desperately need help in their outfield. Moniak could be the guy to come in and produce. He is still a couple years away from being a major league player, but looking far ahead, him and Herrera could form a formidable outfield in the City of Brotherly Love. Moniak is only 18 years old and will need time to develop, but he is already the best hitting prospect in the 2016 draft. He will almost certainly stay in center field, but is able to play all three outfield positions. Moniak has the potential to be a very good player.
No. 2 Nick Senzel (Reds - SS - Tennessee): The former Volunteer infielder had a solid senior season, batting .386, and hitting five home runs, to go along with 42 runs batted in. He was awarded as an All-SEC member, as well as the Cape Cod MVP winner. He will be either a shortstop or third baseman in the majors. Senzel will be an everyday player once he gets to the MLB, which could be sooner rather than later. As Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto are quickly aging, the Tennessee shortstop will be a big part of the Reds organization going forward.
No. 3 Ian Anderson (Braves - P - High School): The high school prep pitcher from New York was drafted by Atlanta. Anderson signed with Vanderbilt and is likely to play college ball before going to the majors, but the Braves get a good pitcher now. Whenever Anderson decides to go to the MLB, he will be a big help. The Atlanta Braves currently have the worst record in the league, so they could use the help anywhere they can get it. Even though Anderson is a high profile player, this pick came as a bit of a surprise. He was projected as a mid-first round pick, No. 14 overall by Bleacher Report. Anderson will likely be a top level starter when he hits his prime.
No. 4 Riley Pint (Rockies - P - High School): The right handed pitcher is one of the safest picks in the draft. He clocked in at 102 MPH with his fastball last Spring, and consistently throws in the mid-90's. Pint has had control issues in the past, but he will likely be able to get that under control once he gets in the Colorado organization. Pint is one of the better pitchers in the country, and the Rockies got a potential first or second starter. If the flamethrower can continue to mature his game, he will become a household name.
No. 5 Corey Ray (Brewers - OF - Louisville): The Cardinals outfielder had a great junior season last year, hitting .319 with 16 doubles, 15 home runs, 60 runs batted in, 55 runs, and stealing 44/52 steals. He earned Second Team All-American honors, and has some of the best speed in this draft. Ray slipped a little more than anticipated as he was projected No. 2 overall by Bleacher Report. The Brewers get a potential MLB All-Star. Ray's speed, to go along with his ability to get on base, already has big time major league capability. If he can improve his overall power and defensive skills, Ray could be the best player from this draft.
1. Philadelphia Phillies - Mickey Moniak (CF)
2. Cincinnati Reds - Nick Senzel (SS)
3. Atlanta Braves - Ian Anderson (P)
4. Colorado Rockies - Riley Pint (P)
5. Milwaukee Brewers - Corey Ray (OF)
6. Oakland Athletics - A.J. Puk (P)
7. Miami Marlins - Braxton Garrett (P)
8. San Diego Padres - Cal Quantrill (P)
9. Detroit Tigers - Matt Manning (P)
10. Chicago White Sox - Zack Collins (C)
Photo Credit: MLBDailyDish.com.