After making a pair of surprising picks on Day One of the 2018 MLB Draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers settled in to a more conventional approach on Day Two while mixing in some upside with some safer selections.
John Rooney, LHP, Hofstra
While the first two picks the Dodgers made were all about upside, Rooney’s floor is his major appeal. The physical lefty can get his fastball up to 93 mph but sits lower, though he throws downhill which allows it to play up.
His slider flashes plus and he’ll show an average changeup. He throws strikes and got big results in his junior campaign, posting a minuscule 1.23 ERA with 108 strikeouts in 95 innings. Rooney should move quickly through the Minors and could settle into the back of a rotation in short order.
Braydon Fisher, RHP, TX HS
The Dodgers quickly pivoted back to upside with Fisher, a projectable righty who’s been into the mid 90s this spring. He sits 92-96 mph with a slurve and a changeup. He’s not as polished as first-round selection J.T. Ginn but offers plenty of projection. He should start the year in the Arizona League.
Devin Mann, SS, Louisville
A teammate of 2016 Dodgers’ first-rounder Will Smith, Mann offers an advanced approach at the plate and gap power. While he was drafted as a shortstop, he played second base in college and may have to move to third or even left field as a pro.
Bryan Warzek, LHP, New Orleans
Warzek was dominant for New Orleans this spring, striking out nearly 12 batters per nine innings. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s and he’ll flash a good breaking ball. However, Warzek is just six feet tall and doesn’t have premium command, which leads some to believe he’ll end up in the bullpen.
James Outman, OF, Sacramento State
A physical presence at 6’2, 210 lbs., Outman’s calling card is his raw power. He hit 11 home runs in both his sophomore and junior seasons, though he also struck out more than 20 percent of the time in each of those seasons.
The rest of his tools are average, so if he doesn’t make more consistent contact, Outman will struggle to advance through the Dodgers farm system.
Luke Heyer, 2B, Kentucky
Heyer didn’t play baseball in 2016, then was primarily a backup in 2017. After finally stepping into a starting role this season, he clubbed 18 home runs for the Wildcats. He’s not incredibly athletic and may not stick on the infield.
Like Outman, his ability to make contact will dictate how far he gets in his professional career.
Josh McClain, OF, North Carolina State
After failing to sign him as a 14th-rounder last year, the Dodgers again took McClain this year and should get him into the organization. The speedy center fielder earns near elite grades for his run tool and his defense isn’t far behind.
At the plate, he’s an aggressive hitter who makes a lot of contact and can affect the game on the basepaths. However, McClain doesn’t draw many walks or hit for power and his arm limits him to center and left field, so his ultimate ceiling may be as a fourth outfielder.
Deacon Liput, 2B, Florida
The early frontrunner for ‘Best Name in the Class,’ Liput broke out as a junior after struggling on offense in his sophomore year. He batted .301 with seven home runs and an .876 on-base plus slugging percentage. He offers plus speed and solid defense at second, but there isn’t much power projection and there are some off-the-field concerns.
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