MLB 2020 Draft Breakdown: Top 10 Overall Drafts pt. 2
In the first article we reviewed the Padres (#10) and Nationals (#9) 6 picks in the draft and why we felt they did an excellent job. This week coming in at #8 and #7 are the Rockies and Reds
8. Rockies – 6 draft picks
The Rockies have no problem going the HS route and have a lot of high-end talent that is underperforming throughout the minors. We do have an issue with the way the Rockies develop their players, however, you cannot knock the talent they are bringing into the farm system. They have a major lack in the pitching department and easily brought in three of their better arms in this draft.
They started by taking Zac Veen with the 9th pick who we had as our highest rated HS bat. He is a major talent with his 6-4 frame and could easily be their #1 prospect when Rodgers graduates this season. They followed with Drew Romo in the CBA who has legit value behind the dish. The switch hitter could play well at Coors and offer premium defense. There is always a risk taking a back stop but this is a good system fit.
Chris McMahon fell down a lot of draft boards and we had him with a 1st round grade. We are a big fan of his track record for success and his promising pitch arsenal. His best pitch is a SL, that with a couple more ticks, can play to a LHH and RHH. He has a big horizontal break CH that plays well to a LHH. As he refines his FF, he will have more success and fight for the #1 pitching prospect in the organization. Sam Weatherly offers good value in the 3rd with a three-pitch mix. He has some control issues but can provide a lot of punchouts. He mostly was a reliever in his career but showed promise this season through four starts.
We are big fans of Case Williams in the 4th and for under slot. He has a 6-3 frame with a lot of spin on his FF. He has been up to 96 and can improve his FF as he matures. This is a great pick if they figure out how to develop a HS arm. The Rockies rounded out their draft with Jack Blomgren who is questionable given his bat but offers a winning pedigree from Michigan.
The Rockies were able to add pitching depth and two high level HS bats that they can develop over the next 3-4 years.
7. Cincinnati Reds – 6 draft picks
The Reds had what I would consider an exceedingly high risk, high reward draft class. Their Top 30 Prospects look to be built in that fashion as well. We do see great value in their picks as you can we see their big board lining up with ours. The Reds went with three HS bats and three collegiate arms.
Austin Hendrick was selected in the 1st round with the 12th pick and it would have been hard to pass on his power potential. We would have taken other routes, but our minds are at ease when looking at their arms taken later. The Reds needed to add a middle of the order bat to their farm system and Hendrick looks to be that guy. Christian Roa went in the 2nd and is someone we had an extremely high grade on throughout the pre-draft process. He has a 6-4 frame that delivers 93 mph FF on avg with good rise. He has a chance to increase both with the Reds to offer a premium FF. He has three off-speed offering with his SL and CH creating swing and misses.
Drafting HS catchers is always a risky business and there is no good time to take them. The Reds had a CBB pick and took Jackson Miller out of FL. He was the third HS catcher taken and swings it from the LHH. The Reds drafted the bat and hope that he can develop behind the plate. Bryce Bonnin was taken in the 3rd round as the Reds went back to the state of Texas. He is another pitcher that we liked because there is so much room for growth. He sits 94+ and needs to figure out the FF shape to get more rise on a consistent basis. He offers a SL and CH that get swing and misses. We think this is a good system fit and a potential for continued growth.
Mac Wainwright is a great pick in the 4th offering power potential and a great frame. He produced excellent numbers at the Super 60. He has a high leg kick and checks a lot of boxes throughout the swing. Future looks to be in RF and he will form a good duo with Hendrick climbing the farm system. The Reds reached tremendous value in the 5th with Joe Boyle. He is a hard player to evaluate with a 6-7 frame. There has been a lack of collegiate production but he threw well while at the Cape. He offers one of the best combos with his FF and CB. He sits 97+ with a hard CB. Taller athletes take longer to develop and the Reds will give him that time. At the very least they drafted a big-time reliever.
The Reds did a great job getting value in every round and going to get their guys.