While the Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to several pitchers — both prep and collegiate — Nolan Jones is one of multiple position players whom the club may take with one of their first three picks in the 2016 MLB Draft.
Nolan Jones, Holy Ghost Prep (Pennsylvania)
Position(s): 3B, RF
Ht/Wt: 6’3/195
B/T: Left/Right
DOB: 5/7/1998
Four years ago, the Dodgers went with a 6’4 lefty-hitting prep shortstop in the first round in Corey Seager. Jones has a similar profile, going to high school in Pennsylvania, though he’s been a consistent presence on the showcase and tournament circuit.
Jones’ calling card is his bat, as he projects as at least an above average hitter with at least average power. He has a quick, short stroke that’s geared for line drives right now but he shows some raw power in batting practice.
He tested well at Perfect Game events, recording a top exit velocity of 105 mph as well as top level bat speed and arm strength. He’s thrown 90 mph off the mound and 92 mph across the diamond.
Defensively, Jones plays shortstop in high school, but is already being projected off the position; he should be able to handle third base. He’s an average runner and should lose a step as he continues to fill out his frame.
While Josh Lowe may have more raw power and athleticism, Jones is a better bet to hit. His polished bat and chance to remain in the infield has attracted teams in front of the Dodgers, so there’s a good chance he doesn’t make it to No. 20.
If he’s there, it would be tough to pass on a potential impact bat on the left side of the infield.
CONTINUE READING: Joshua Lowe may be long-term answer at third base
Joshua Lowe, Pope High School (Georgia)
Position(s): 3B, RF, CF
Ht/Wt: 6’3/190
B/T: Left/Right
DOB: 2/2/1998
One of the best overall prospects in the class, Lowe hails from the Atlanta area, which features a number of top prep and college prospects for the 2016 draft.
Lowe is one of the true two-way players in this draft. On the mound, he features a fastball that sits 91-94 mph as well as a promising breaking ball. But he’ll be drafted as a position player thanks to an impressive stable of tools.
He starts by displaying plus-plus raw power in batting practice. He creates a lot of leverage in his swing, using his lower half well. At 6’4 and 190 lbs., he certainly has a power hitter’s frame with plenty of room to fill out.
Because of his pitching acumen, Lowe also features a very strong arm in the field, being clocked as high as 95 mph from third base. With the glove, he moves well enough to stick at third but could easily move to right field with his arm strength.
Surprisingly, Lowe is also at least a plus runner, posting a 6.5 time in the 60-yard dash, which is another plus-plus grade. That type of speed could persuade teams to try him in center field.
All of that being said, he’s not without his warts. Lowe has some swing-and-miss in him. Since his power is generated more by leverage than pure bat speed, his swing can get long at times.
He’s not a gold glover defensively, but shouldn’t be a liability. And while he tested well in terms of run speed, he’s better under way than out of the box.
There’s a chance a team ahead of the Dodgers falls in love with the tools and selects Lowe before the Dodgers have a shot at landing him. However, if he’s available for one of the Dodgers’ first three picks, they’d have to consider him.
It’s certainly been a while since the Dodgers had a power-hitting third baseman in the system.
CONTINUE READING: Young shortstop who has evaluators split
Gavin Lux, Indian Trail Academy (Wisconsin)
Position(s): SS, 2B
Ht/Wt: 6’2/175
B/T: Left/Right
DOB: 11/23/1997
Generally, Wisconsin isn’t thought of as a baseball hotbed. However, Midwest scouts have had at least one player to watch this spring as Lux is one of the biggest late-risers this year.
Finding a guy who projects as a shortstop isn’t easy, especially among high schoolers. But Lux is one of the few prep players who already displays shortstop actions, hands and range. His arm isn’t seen as a plus but scouts who like him believe he has enough arm strength to stick.
Lux’s speed is average to a tick above. At the plate, he sprays line drives but has a very busy bat before he launches, and doesn’t project for a ton of power.
Scouts who like Lux believe he’s a shortstop who will hit and can develop fringe average power. Critics see him moving off short due to his lack of elite arm strength and question the ultimate upside with his bat.
That’s quite a gulf, but the Dodgers have been connected with him in the first round, while other teams may see him as a top-20 selection or falling out of the first round altogether. If the Dodgers pass on him at No. 20, there’s a good chance he doesn’t get to No. 32.
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