With the 2018 MLB Draft having come and gone, let’s take a look at some notable Day 3 selections the Los Angeles Dodgers made before handing in an early verdict on this year’s class.
Stephen Kolek, RHP, Texas A&M
The brother of 2014’s No. 2 overall pick Tyler Kolek, Stephen doesn’t have the same size or stuff as the elder Kolek but still offers back of the rotation projection.
His velocity dropped this year, from the low 90s to the high 80s. Kolek’s slider should keep him competitive and he’ll also mix in a change and curveball. If the velocity comes back, he’s a viable No. 4 starter once he reaches the Majors.
Hunter Feduccia, C, LSU
Feduccia offers two-way ability behind the plate but saw his season take a few steps back after breaking both of his hands at different points in the spring. He’s more average across the board than a player with a standout tool but he could give the Dodgers yet another catching prospect in the Minors.
Dillon Paulson, 1B, USC
Paulson is a big, physical first base prospect with plenty of pop. He drew more walks than strikeouts this season for the Trojans. If he makes enough contact, he could move quickly through the ranks.
Julian Smith, LHP, Catawba Valley JC
A long, lanky lefty with an injury history (he missed the 2017 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery), Smith gets his fastball into the mid-90s and mixes in a power curve in the upper-70s. He still needs development with his changeup if he wants to remain a starter.
Trey Dillard, RHP, San Jacinto JC
Dillard has one of the best fastballs in the draft class, bumping 99 mph and sitting 92-97 mph. His low 80s curve is another plus offering. Dillard has issues throwing strikes and his fastball is fairly straight, but he should mow down low-Minors hitters.
Niko Hulsizer, OF, Morehead St
The hulking outfielder led D1 baseball with 27 home runs last year and won the 2017 College Baseball Home Run Derby. Power is his calling card, with scouts placing a 70 grade on it. He doesn’t offer a ton of other tools, as his arm and running speed limit him to left field. He also has issues making contact. He should be a lot of run to watch during batting practice.
Overall, the Dodgers’ draft class mixes a good amount of high upside arms with some bats that have a chance to contribute.
J.T. Ginn, Michael Grove and Braydon Fisher could take off with a little development. Devin Mann, Paulson and Hulsizer offer some upside at the plate. Julian Smith and Trey Dillard are mid-rounders with Major League potential.
The 2018 class hinges on the early round picks, with tons of risk and upside. Overall, the Dodgers drafted 19 pitches (13 right-handers), 13 outfielders, five infielders and three catchers. Of the 21 position players drafted, 10 are right-handed hitters, 10 are left-handed hitters and one is a switch-hitter.
Moreover, 33 were selected from the college ranks, while seven were drafted out of high school.
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