Whether you are a Yankees fan, a Mets fan, or a fan of some other team, this year, the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft is going to be a little bit different and it will affect your favorite team.
How Does the New MLB Draft Lottery Work?
When the draft is held in July, the order of draft picks will be chosen in a whole new way. Back in December of 2022, a draft lottery was held in San Diego, California to decide part of the draft order. The first six picks were determined through the lottery.
The first six picks will go to:
- 1- Pittsburgh Pirates
- 2- Washington Nationals
- 3- Detroit Tigers
- 4- Texas Rangers
- 5- Minnesota Twins
- 6- Oakland Athletics
The remaining teams in the lottery got their picks in the opposite order of how well they did in the regular season. In the first round, the Yankees will get the 26th pick and the Mets will get the 32nd pick.
Who Will Be the First Pick in the MLB Draft 2023?
Like any draft, with the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft there is no guarantee of who will be the first pick, but there is always plenty of speculation. There are tons of talented players out there to choose from. Here is a look at five of the best hitters coming out of college that you may see in the MLB soon:
- Dylan Crews, OF — LSU: Crews is a standout player with exceptional skills. Despite limited scouting opportunities in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he is considered a top talent. He possesses impressive power, makes solid contact, and shows discipline at the plate. Defensively, he may shift from centerfield to a corner position, utilizing his speed and strong throwing arm. Crews is highly regarded, drawing comparisons to Bryce Harper as a promising college bat.
- Wyatt Langford, OF — Florida: Known for his impressive power and hitting skills, he hit 25 home runs and established himself as one of the most influential players in college baseball. Langford’s ability to make solid contact and cover different types of pitches is unmatched by his peers. He is also a skilled runner, capable of playing centerfield or left field at a high level. Langford’s fielding is polished, having not recorded any errors throughout his three-year career with the Gators. Although his throwing arm may be slightly below average, he has the potential to join the 25-25 club and provide a strong on-base presence at the next level.
- Paul Skenes, RHP — LSU: Paul Skenes has had a remarkable year since transferring to Baton Rouge from the Air Force Academy. His pitching abilities have flourished under coach Wes Johnson, leading to him being considered the best college pitching prospect in two decades. Skenes’ fastball consistently hits high speeds of 97-99 mph, occasionally reaching triple digits. His slider is a dominant strikeout pitch, while his changeup remains unused. With impressive intangibles and two high-grade offerings, Skenes could potentially join the Major Leagues by the end of the 2024 season.
- Walker Jenkins, OF — South Brunswick: Jenkins is a physically impressive player in the 2023 class, with potential for a strong hit tool and game power. Alongside Max Clark, he’s highly regarded in this spot. Despite a limited spring performance, Jenkins stands out for his athleticism, particularly in the corners, and his strong throwing arm. Off the field, he is praised for his exceptional character and humble demeanor, with a unique approach to professional development. Jenkins has the potential for 30 home runs, making him a highly sought-after prospect.
- Max Clark, OF — Franklin Community: Clark has the potential to be a 5-tool player at the next level, with a standout hit tool and speed. His strong arm and centerfield skills make him an asset defensively. He made a swing adjustment to add more power, and his bat speed is impressive. While his raw power is yet to fully manifest in games, his potential is there. Clark’s hunger for greatness and chip on his shoulder set him apart in the 2023 class.
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