The Arizona Diamondbacks select – Dansby Swanson – SS – Junior at Vanderbilt
The 2015 Draft is stocked with shortstop talent and the best of that group was Swanson, who most expected would be taken by the Diamondbacks with the first overall pick. He projects to be remain at shortstop unlike many who will be drafted who are currently playing the position simply because they are the best athlete on their current team.
2. Houston Astros – Alex Bregman – SS – Junior at LSU
Drafting based on top overall talent rather than organizational need, the Astros also took a shortstop with their first pick, the second overall. Bregman is less likely to remain at short stop due to his height (5’11”) and the fact that the Astros believe their short stop for the long term just made their debut tonight. While it is irresponsible to make predictions about when a player will make his Major League debut on the day they are drafted, there is a good chance Carlos Correa will still be in Houston five years from now.
3. Colorado Rockies – Brendon Rogers – SS – Lake Mary HS, Florida
I tried to prepare you, the Rockies took the third straight shortstop with their top pick, the first High School player taken in the draft. He is considered a huge power prospect for a short stop, but could also be a third baseman in the future if necessary. He could have higher potential than the first two picks but is a few years behind in development.
4. Texas Rangers – Dillon Tate – RHP – Junior at UC Santa Barbara
The first pitcher taken was Tate by the Rangers, a lanky right-hander who can hit 98 MPH with his fastball. He has been used as a relief pitcher, but was changed over to the rotation in the past year. This is a bit of a surprise pick as, while he was considered one of the top pitchers in the draft, Tate was not considered the top pitcher.
5. Houston Astros – Kyle Tucker – OF – H.B. Plant HS, Florida
The Astros didn’t stray very far from the past with this pick, taking another high schooler from Florida and the younger brother of Preston Tucker, an outfielder already with the organization. Preston was taken by the Astros in the 7th round in 2012 and made his Major League debut. Kyle could possibly be better than his older brother (which draft pick isn’t considered to have great potential) and should have an increased comfort level by being in the same organization as a family member.
6. Minnesota Twins – Tyler Jay – LHP – Junior from the University of Illinois
Jay has been a reliever, but by taking him so early in the draft, the Twins could prefer to use him as a starter. He already can throw 98 MPH with two plus breaking pitches. If he stays at the bullpen, he is the most likely of this group to make it to the Majors this year similar to Brandon Finnegan for the Royals last year.
7. Boston Red Sox – Andrew Benintendi – OF – Sophomore from University of Arkansas
The second outfielder taken is considered one of the best eligible college hitters. He is currently a center fielder, but if he fills out, he could be a corner outfielder as well thanks to his newly found power as a sophomore.
8. Chicago White Sox – Carson Fulmer – RHP – Junior from Vanderbilt
For the second season in a row, the White Sox took a top ranked college pitcher, although Fulmer has been primarily used as a reliever compared to Carlos Rodon who was taken in 2014. Like the others, he also has a 98 MPH fast ball and given the White Sox recent treatment of high draft picks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him move up the farm system quickly.
9. Chicago Cubs – Ian Happ – OF – Junior from Cincinnati
Happ is listed as an outfielder, but he can also play in the infield at second and it is yet to be seen where he will primarily play in the future. The switch hitter is considered an above average hitter as an infielder with some speed, some power and a great arm.
10. Philadelphia Phillies – Cornelius Randolph – SS – Griffin HS, Georgia
The fourth shortstop taken in the draft, Randolph is the least likely of the group to stay at the position as his size and strength make him more likely to become a solid third baseman in the future.
