On the first day of the 2016 MLB draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers showed clear preferences. With their first two picks, they chose up-the-middle guys who can play solid defense and make contact. With their final two picks, they nabbed power arms who’ve undergone Tommy John surgery.
The order of their picks was: Gavin Lux (No. 20 overall), Will Smith (No. 32), Jordan Sheffield (No. 36) and Mitchell White (No. 65, second round).
The first three picks were predicted by several experts, while the Dodgers’ final selection on Thursday seemingly came out of left field. Let’s take a look at the players who should become the newest prospects on the Dodgers’ farm.
The Dodgers had been attached to Lux nearly a month, with ESPN’s Keith Law noting the club’s interest in his first mock draft in the middle of May. Lux is one of the true shortstops in the draft, with natural actions, plenty of range and enough arm to stick at the position as a pro.
He also has potential with the bat, though a hitch in his swing will likely be eliminated to ensure his development. Lux’s speed is average and could drop a tick as he continues to mature physically, which in turn may increase his below-average power.
While Lux may not have been the biggest name on the board, he provides enough upside to justify being selected over players who fell on draft day due to signability or off-the-field concerns. His high floor makes him an attractive pick, as he’s likely to reach the Majors as a shortstop who can hit.
Lux didn’t face the stiffest of competition in Wisconsin this spring, so he won’t rocket through the system, but he could be the player to eventually push Corey Seager to third base.
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