Busch Stadium | St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium | St. Louis Cardinals
With the MLB Draft just over a week away, teams are keeping their strategies close to the vest. The Washington Nationals, holding the No. 1 overall pick, have not disclosed their choice and are considering up to eight candidates. This includes top high school shortstops Ethan Holliday and Eli Willits, college pitchers Kade Anderson, Jamie Arnold, Liam Doyle, Kyson Witherspoon, high school pitcher Seth Hernandez, and college position player Aiva Arquette.
Most industry sources anticipate that the decision will likely come down to Holliday versus Anderson. In this year's first-round projection, six prep shortstops and Hernandez are expected to be among the top 15 picks. This is a significant increase from previous years.
For the Nationals' first pick, "Anderson fills a greater need and will get to Washington quicker than Holliday," with estimates suggesting Anderson has a 45 percent chance of being selected compared to Holliday's 40 percent.
The Los Angeles Angels at No. 2 are focused on expediting players to the majors quickly and could choose any of the top college southpaws including Anderson or Doyle. Rumors suggest Auburn outfielder/catcher Ike Irish might negotiate a discount deal within the top five selections.
The Seattle Mariners at No. 3 find themselves intrigued by Hernandez but may opt for another college arm or Arquette if they decide against him.
Ethan Holliday is considered almost certain for selection by the Colorado Rockies at No. 4 if he remains available. The St. Louis Cardinals at No. 5 face decisions between Irish or dipping into the pool of prep shortstops like Parker or Willits.
Further down in projections include:
- The Miami Marlins covet Eli Willits.
- The Toronto Blue Jays show interest in Jamie Arnold.
- The Cincinnati Reds consider Billy Carlson as one of their options.
- The Chicago White Sox seem set on JoJo Parker among other high school shortstops.
The article notes several other prospects who may feature prominently in team considerations as draft day approaches.
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