While the Los Angeles Dodgers only have one first round pick in the 2017 Draft, there are several options at No. 23. Some of the following players could go much higher than 23rd overall. Some could go much lower, but at least a few of them should be on the board when the Dodgers are on the clock.
For those who may not familiar with scouting grades (i.e. 60 arm, plus-plus speed), the glossary at the end of this article should clarify matters.
With that, we begin with a review of high school players whom the Dodgers, or another club, may draft this year.
Jordon Adell, OF, Ballard High School (KY) | B/T: R/R
Scouting Consensus: Excellent physical package. Listed between 6’2 and 6’3, at 195-200 lbs. Adell shows three plus- to plus-plus tools with his arm strength, speed and raw power. He has trouble making contact, too much swing-and-miss. High ceiling, low floor prospect.
Jared’s Take: Adell is one of the first players I noticed when I started looking at the 2017 class. If anybody from this draft is going to turn into Matt Kemp 2.0, it’s Adell.
Pretty good chance he won’t be there at No. 23 given the tools, but could fall based on perceived bonus demands.
Risk: High. Could top out in A-ball if the contact issues aren’t fixed.
Availability: Low. Adell could be a top-10 pick, which means he likely doesn’t get to the Dodgers. Though, again, rumored bonus demands could push him down.
Outlook: Maybe the highest ceiling of any position player in the draft. I seriously doubt he’ll be there when the Dodgers are making their selection, but a guy can hope.
Bubba Thompson, OF, McGill-Toolen High School (AL) | B/T: R/R
Scouting Consensus: Extremely athletic frame at 6’2, 180 lbs. Very fast runner, receiving 70-80 grades on his speed. Plus raw power. Raw in center field with chance to be a plus defender down the line.
Needs to improve hitting ability. Potential five tool player. Also a coveted quarterback recruit.
Jared’s Take: Love the swing, very fluid, good tempo. Projectable body, high waisted, room to add muscle. The risk lies in the bat, as Alabama isn’t a hotbed for prep baseball talent, and Thompson hasn’t proved he can hit advanced pitching.
Old for his class; turns 19 three days before the draft. Probably going to need a few years in the low Minors but the upside is worth it.
Risk: High, similar to Adell.
Availability: Medium. Seems keen to sign a pro contract and start his baseball career. Consensus has Thompson ranked around 20th. He could go higher but there’s a decent chance he’s there when the Dodgers pick.
Outlook: MLB.com, Baseball America and ESPN have all projected him to be drafted by the Dodgers. Where there’s smoke…
CONTINUE READING: Prep outfielder with ties to Triple-A Oklahoma City, scouting glossary, and more
