Next Year in Cleveland's 2023 Mock MLB Draft v.3

Selections 1-30 with updated rumors, speculation, and players to watch.

The 2023 MLB Draft is a few days away. At the top of the class are teammates, Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes. The collegiate champion teammates seem locked into the top two spots in some order unless there’s some sort of finagling with the bonus pools. This mock will employ rumors, rankings, and previous draft tendencies to identify potential selections. As always, our goal is not accuracy, but to identify potential selections and identify possible targets for our respective assigned organizations.

Selections marked J were made by Next Year in Cleveland’s Draft Writer Jared Sziber. Picks marked W were selected by Willie Hood.

1. Pirates- J- Paul Skenes, RHSP LSU

Quick thoughts:  We flipped Skenes, and Crews in this version of the mock. Skenes checks all the boxes of a future ace of a rotation. With some whispers of Crews wanting $10 + mil, this seems like a likely landing spot for the LSU workhorse. Don’t be too shocked if the Pirates cut a deal with one of the prep bats for this spot. 

Last five firsts: 18 Travis Swaggerty- OF, 19 Quinn Priester- RHSP, 20 Nick Gonzalez- 2b, 21 Henry Davis- C, 22 Termarr Johnson- 2b

2. Nationals- J-  Dylan Crews, OF LSU

Quick thoughts:  Crews is one of the better overall prospects to come out of the draft in some time. He can hit, hit for power, run, and play really good defense in center. He should be up in the bigs in no time.

Last five firsts: 18 Mason Denaburg- RHSP, 19 Jackson Rutledge- RHSP, 20 Cade Cavalli- RHSP, 21 Brady House- 3b, 22 Elijah Green- OF

3. Tigers- W- Wyatt Langford- OF Florida

Quick thoughts: with a new regime in place in Detroit it's hard to say which way they will go but right now they stand the chance of getting a top-three Talent. And in this mock draft, they grab Florida Gators center fielder Langford. There's speculation Pittsburgh could go under slot at pick number one. That could push Crews or Skenes here. Langford is a talented center fielder with power in his bat. He should help the Tigers (or whoever) quickly by progressing through the system in short order.

Last five firsts: 18 Casey Mize- RHSP, 19 Riley Greene- OF, 20 Spenser Torkelson- 1b, 21 Jackson Jobe- RHSP, 22 Jace Jung- 2b

4. Rangers- W- Walker Jenkins- OF HS, NC

Quick thoughts: The Rangers reportedly covet the North Carolina prepster. Jenkins is the top high school talent in this draft class for this rider. The gifted outfielder has multiple tools and could develop into a five-tool Talent. There is speculation the Rangers could look to go under slot here because their next pick isn't until the third round.

Last five firsts: 18 Cole Winn- RHSP, 19 Josh Jung- 3b, 20 Justin Foscue- 2b, 21 Jack Leiter- RHSP, 22 Kumar Rocker- RHSP

5. Twins- W- Kyle Teel- C Virginia

Quick thoughts: The clear-cut top-catching prospect in this draft goes here. Teel has both presents at the plate and power. The soon-to-be former Cavaliers backstop has developed into a solid defender with a strong above-average or better throwing arm. Teel should move quickly toward the bigs and provide value for whichever team selects him in the first round.

Last five firsts: 18 Trevor Larnach- OF, 19 Keoni Cavaco- SS, 20 Aaron Sabato- 1b, 21 Chase Petty, 22 Brooks Lee- SS

6. Athletics- J- Max Clark- OF HS, IN

Quick thoughts:  The A’s very well could pop one of the top five prospects that falls to their lap. Clark is here in this situation. If he can develop more in-game power, Clark could be a 5 tool prospect. 

Last five firsts: 18 Kyler Murray- OF, 19 Logan Davidson, 20 Tyler Soderstrom- C, 21 Maxwell Muncy- SS, 22 Daniel Susac- C

7. Reds- J- Rhett Lowder- RHSP Wake Forest 

Quick thoughts:  Polished college arms always go early in the draft. Lowder has a good track record of high pitching performance at Wake. He may have tapped out physically, but he has a very high floor, with a solid number 2 as his ceiling.

Last five firsts: 18 Jonathan India- 3b, 19 Nick Lodolo- LHSP, 20 Austin Hendrick- OF, 21 Matt McLain- SS, 22 Cam Collier

8. Royals- J- Blake Mitchell- C HS, TX

Quick thoughts: Mitchell is an excellent defender with power in his Bat. This might be his ceiling as a prep backstop but it would not be surprising to see him slip toward the bottom of the first round. If he were to choose to go to school he would be a sophomore eligible again in 2025.

Last five firsts: 18 Brady Singer- RHSP, 19 Bobby Witt- SS, 20 Asa Lacy- LHSP, 21 Frank Mozzicato- LHSP, 22 Gavin Cross- OF

9. Rockies- J-  Enrique Bradfield Jr- CF Vanderbilt 

Quick thoughts: Bradfield has been terrorizing opposing teams at the top of the Vandy lineup for 3 years now. He offers 80-grade speed and can utilize it to its max. There is more power in his bat than one would think, but he will never hit more than 10 home runs at the pro level. While he doesn't have a great arm, he makes up for it by playing great defense in center.

Last five firsts: 18 Ryan Rolison- LHSP, 19 Michael Toglia- 1b, 20 Zac Veen- OF, 21 Benny Montgomery- OF, 22 Gabriel Hughes- RHSP

10. Marlins- W- Arjun Nimmala- SS HS, FL

Quick thoughts: The Florida prep shortstop is one of the youngest talents in this draft class. The young shortstop has the potential for double plus power and a frame to add both healthy weight and strength as he continues to fill out. Namala should stick it shortstop long-term with a strong arm and good range. There are some swing-and-miss concerns but overall he could be the top shortstop of this draft class.

Last five firsts: 18 Conner Scott- OF, 19 JJ Bleday- OF, 20 Max Meyer- RHSP, 21 Khalil Watson- SS, 22 Jacob Berry- 3b

11. Angels- J- Chase Dollander- RHSP,  Tennessee

Quick thoughts: Coming into the season, some saw Dollander as a 1-1 candidate. He struggled this year with some performance and control. However, the pure stuff is there to be a top-of-the-rotation arm, which is what the Angels have struggled with over the years. 

  Last five firsts: 18 Jordyn Adams-OF, 19 Will Wilson- SS, 20 Reid Detmers- LHSP, 21 Sam Bachman- RHSP, 22 Zach Neto- SS

12. Diamondbacks- J- Colin Houck- SS HS, GA

Quick thoughts:  An above-average athlete, Houck has average or plus tools across the board. He should stick at shortstop long-term but could grow out of the spot as he matures. He has great bat speed and has the chance to do some damage at the plate. 

Last five firsts: 18 Matt McLain- SS (did not sign), 19a Corbin Carroll- OF, 19b Blake Walston- LHSP, 20 Bryce Jarvis- RHSP, 21 Jordan Lawlar- SS, 22 Druw Jones- CF

13. Cubs- W- Jacob Gonzalez- SS Ole Miss

Quick thoughts: the Cubs are rumored to have their eyes on a variety of players with this pic it's hard to key in on anyone. Gonzalez is a talented shortstop who could slide over to third base and provide adequate coverage there. Watch for a prep shortstop here or this could be the floor for Chase Dollander if he's available at this pick.

Last five firsts: 18 Nico Hoerner- 2b, 19 Ryan Jensen- RHSP, 20 Ed Howard- SS, 21 Jordan Wicks- LHSP, 22 Cade Horton- RHSP

14. Red Sox- W- Matt Shaw- 2b Maryland

Quick thoughts: The Red Sox love center of the diamond players and that continues with this pick. Matt Shaw could figure in at second base or third base long term with above-average pop hit tool and speed all creating a high floor for The Talented infielder.

Last five firsts: 18 Triston Casas- 1b, 19 Cameron Cannon- SS, 20 Nick Yorke- 2b, 21 Marcelo Mayer- SS, 22 Mikey Romero- SS

15. White Sox- W- Noble Meyer- RHSP HS, OR

Quick thoughts: The White Sox have not been linked to any one particular player at this point. Noble Meyer, the top prep arm in this draft class, goes here. He's an impressive right-hander in the same mold as Phillies draft picks Andrew Painter and Mick Abel. Meyer sits in the mid-upper 90s and displays an advanced pitch repertoire.

Last five firsts: 18 Nick Madrigal- 2b, 19 Andrew Vaughn- 1b, 20 Garrett Crochet- LHRP, 21 Colson Montgomery- SS, 22 Noah Schultz- LHSP

16. Giants- W- Tommy Troy- 3b Stanford

Quick thoughts: Troy is a polished hitter and defender and should move quickly to the big leagues. He provides a high-ish ceiling and a high floor. He is an advanced sort of hitter. The California native could be a potential All-Star at some point either at second base or third base with advanced skills at the dish and sound defense at any infield position.

Last five firsts: 18 Joey Bart- C, 19 Hunter Bishop- OF, 20 Patrick Bailey- C, 21 Will Bednar- RHSP, 22 Reggie Crawford- LHRP

17. Orioles- J- Bryce Eldridge, 1B/RHSP HS, VA

Quick thoughts:  Eldridge is a very large human, who has shown the ability to play both ways at a high level. We personally like him more on the mound where he sits in the low 90’s with some average off-speed offerings. He has had a history of high exit velocity but offers more upside as a pitcher. 

Last five firsts: 18 Grayson Rodriguez- RHSP, 19 Adley Rutschman- C, 20 Heston Kjerstad- OF, 21 Colton Cowser- OF, 22 Jackson Holliday- SS

18. Brewers- J-  Jacob Wilson, SS GCU

Quick thoughts: Wilson has had some talk about going in the top 10. He doesn't have great exit velocity history, but he has great bat-to-ball skills, to give him the chance to be an above-average major league player at a prime position. 

 Last five firsts: 18 Brice Turang- SS, 19 Ethan Small- LHSP, 20 Garrett Mitchell- OF, 21 Sal Frelick- OF, 22 Eric Brown Jr.- SS

19. Rays- J-  Nolan Schanuel- 1B FAU

Quick thoughts: Even though Schanuel comes from a smaller program, there is a lot of smoke of him going high in the first round. All he has done in college is hit and hit a ton. The issue comes if teams are ok with taking a first baseman this high.

Last five firsts: 18 Matthew Liberatore- LHSP, 19 Greg Jones- SS, 20 Nick Bitsko- RHSP, 21 Carson Williams- SS, 22 Xavier Isaac- 1b

20. Blue Jays- W Hurston Waldrep- RHSP Florida

Quick thoughts: 

Last five firsts: 18 Jordan Groshans- 3b, 19 Alek Manoah- RHSP, 20 Austin Martin- SS, 21 Gunnar Hoglund- RHSP, 22 Brandon Barriera- LHSP

21. Cardinals-J - Thomas White, LHSP, HS Mass

Quick thoughts: White is the top lefty prep pitcher this year. His fastball sits in the 93-95 range and hit higher last summer. He has a curveball that has flashed plus in the past. Like many other tall prep arms, command can be an issue with White. If he can overcome this, he could be a solid MOR arm. 

Last five firsts: 18 Nolan Gorman- 3b, 19 Zack Thompson- LHSP, 20 Jordan Walker- 3b, 21 Michael McGreevy- RHSP, 22 Cooper Hjerpe- LHSP 

22. Mariners- W- Yohandy Morales- 3b Miami

Quick thoughts: The soon-to-be former Hurricanes infielder impressed with a batting line above .400 this season. He did strike out more than he walked. He's a former shortstop with arm and range defensively and potential for above-average power. The Mariners have three picks within the first 30 selections of this draft class and they will be able to set their board and Target players within those picks. Rumors have it that they'll look for a college bad or too early and blend the rest of their pics appropriately.

Last five firsts: 18 Logan Gilbert- RHSP, 19 George Kirby- RHSP, 20 Emerson Hancock- RHSP, 21 Harry Ford- C, 22 Cole Young- SS

23. Guardians- J- Brock Wilken, 3B Wake Forest 

Jared- quick thoughts: Power you want? Power you get! Wilken is young for the class, mashing third baseman. Wilken has a track record of hitting a great deal while at Wake Forest, but also in the Cape Cod league. He holds many home run records at Wake and made a lot of positive adjustments at the plate this year in terms of discipline coming in at 3rd in D1 baseball with 69 (nice) walks. While he is a below-average runner, he shows good actions and movements at third to pair with a very good arm to man the hot corner. Fans should love this addition to the Guardians prospect pipeline. 

Willie- quick thoughts: Brock Wilken displays impressive power with double-plus potential. There is swing-and-miss concern in his profile as evidenced by prior seasons. However, he changed his profile this year walking more than he struck out but appearing passive at times at the dish. 31 home runs later though the balance of passivity and power could be worth a pick for Cleveland, an organization in need of power potential. Wilken also has some concerns defensively; he's an average athlete at third base and could slow with time progressing to first base as a right-right power bat.

Others to watch: Brock Wilken, Nolan Schaunel, Charlee Soto, Matt Shaw, Tommy Troy, Bryce Eldridge, Joe Whitman, George Lombard Jr, Blake Mitchell, Ralphy Velazquez, Hurston Waldrep, Brayden Taylor, Thomas White, Colt Emerson.

Last five firsts: 18 Bo Naylor- C, 19 Daniel Espino- RHSP, 20 Carson Tucker-SS, 21 Gavin Williams- RHSP, 22 Chase DeLauter- OF

24. Braves- W Joe Whitman- LHSP Kent State

Quick thoughts: Whitman is an underdeveloped Lefty with a low mid-90s fastball potential for two above-average offspeed offerings in his change-up and his slider. The soon-to-be former Flames ace has only logged 86 college innings over his career. Continued refinement is needed, but the talent is evident when he's on the mound.

Last five firsts: 18 Carter Stewart (did not sign), 19a Shea Langeliers- C (compensation for not signing Carter Stewart), 19b Braden Shewmake, 20 Jared Shuster- LHSP, 21 Ryan Cusick- RHSP, 22 Owen Murphy- RHSP

25. Padres- W Colt Emerson- SS HS, OH

Quick thoughts: The Talented Ohio native displays mid-80s contact rates in and outside of the zone. There's the average speed with an above-average arm and then an above-average hit tool with a similar power potential in his stick. Shortstop may not be his long-term position but he should fit nicely as an offensive-oriented second baseman or a sound third baseman.

Last five firsts: 18 Ryan Weathers- LHSP, 19 CJ Abrams- SS, 20 Robert Hassell- OF, 21 Jackson Merrill- SS, 22 Dylan Lesko- RHSP

26. Yankees- W- Sammy Stafura- SS HS, NY

Quick thoughts: the New York native has climbed draft boards with plenty of healing and impressive interviews at the recent scouting combine. He's a high IQ player with an advanced skill set at the dish and in the dirt. Stafura could surprise many and go higher than this selection.

Last five firsts: 18 Anthony Seigler- C, 19 Anthony Volpe- SS, 20 Austin Wells- C, 21 Trey Sweeney- SS, 22 Spencer Jones- OF

27. Phillies- J- Charlee Soto RHSP, HS, FL

Quick thoughts: Soto is a power righty with some solid secondary offerings. He is relatively new to pitching so there is much more growth upside, especially since he will still be 17 at draft time. The fastball sits in the mid 90’s, and he has shown the ability to have multiple future plus secondary pitches, with his slider, and change-up. 

Last five firsts: 18 Alec Bohm- 3b, 19 Bryson Stott- SS, 20 Mick Abel- RHSP, 21 Andrew Painter- RHSP, 22 Justin Crawford- OF

28. Astros- J- George Lombard JR, SS HS

Quick thoughts: Lombard is a big physical prepster, who has shown the ability to hit for a lot of power in-game and out. There are some swing-and-miss concerns with him, but if teams think they can calm that down, there is the ability to be an all-star-level third baseman in the future. Lombard has the bloodlines that teams love to see, as his father played 16 seasons professionally. All of this adds up to him being an intriguing prospect for 2023.

Last five firsts: 18 Seth Beer- 1b, 19 Korey Lee- C, (No first-round picks in 20 and 21 for the penalty for cheating), 22 Drew Gilbert- OF 

29. Mariners- W- Chase Davis- OF Arizona

30. Mariners*- W- Kevin McGonigle- SS PA, HS

Quick thoughts: the Mariners have two back-to-pack pics here. With the first of the two picks, the M's selected Chase Davis, a left-handed hitting outfielder with a swing reminiscent of that of Carlos Gonzalez. With their second pick, they grab Pennsylvania shortstop Kevin McGonigle. The Pennsylvania prepster is said to be a hard commit but could be signable within this range. Watch for the Mariners to potentially "float" a player that they like to one of these selections.