For only the second time in the past 14 years, the Los Angeles Dodgers used their top pick in the Major League Baseball Draft to select a shortstop. In 2012, the club drafted Corey Seager No. 18 overall. In the 2016 MLB Draft, the Dodgers selected Gavin Lux at No. 20.
The pick took some by surprise given Seager’s presence though heading into the Draft, Dodgers scouting director Billy Gasparino said the club was focused on the ‘big-picture view’ and would focus on taking the best talent available at each of their selections.
Lux was rated the No. 33 overall draft prospect on the Baseball America Top 500, and ranked 36 on the MLB Pipeline top 200. He may have benefitted from fellow shortstop draft prospect Delvin Perez reportedly testing positive for performance enhancing-drugs.
While he was scouted by the Dodgers, the 18-year-old Lux expressed some surprise over being selected with their top pick in the draft, according to Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider:
“Honestly, yeah a little bit (surprised). I knew they were interested. I didn’t know the level of interest. But I’m happy as I can be and blessed that they took me where they did.”
Currently committed to Arizona State University, Lux openly stated his desire to begin his professional career:
“Right now I’m definitely, I want to play professional baseball. I’m kind of set on doing that. For me right now I just want to get out there and get going as soon as possible. I’m pumped up to start my career right now.”
The No. 20 pick has an allotted slot value of $2,316,300. The Dodgers reportedly went over slot to sign third-round selection Dustin May. They can exceed their bonus pool up to 4.99 percent and only need to pay an overage tax.
Lux has been projected by many as having the tools to remain at shortstop throughout his career. He’s a predominantly line-drive hitter but has shown an uptick in power recently by adding weight to his frame.
