Draft day has arrived for the Phillies, who own the eighth overall selection
One year after taking high school outfielder Mickey Moniak with the number one overall pick the Phillies are drafting in the top 10 once again.
Owning the eighth overall pick, Philadelphia looks to find an impact bat or a pitcher who can rise through the organization at a torrid pace.
Here’s a final collection of mock drafts predicting where the Phillies will go Monday night.
ESPN senior writer Keith Law stuck with Virginia first baseman Pavin Smith, who’s been a favorite for insiders looking for the Phillies next impact bat.
Philadelphia Phillies
Baseball America, who at one point also had the Cavaliers infielder going to Philadelphia, went with a pitcher instead. North Carolina Tar Heels starter J.B. Bukauskas was the pick, while Smith fell to San Francisco in the late-teens.
Sports Illustrated reiterated the selection of Pavin Smith in their final draft, highlighting the first baseman’s advanced approach at the plate.
Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis of MLB.com both stayed at the University of Virginia, with Mayo taking Smith and Callis going with teammate Adam Hasley.
The constant connection to Smith remains puzzling, despite the lack of official first base depth in the organization. Tommy Joseph looks to be a 20-30 home run hitter in his first 163 major league games, and Rhys Hoskins is knocking at the door in Lehigh Valley.
Besides, nearly anyone in the organization can play first base, as it takes little adjustment defensively. It’s especially true with an overflowing amount of outfielders, including Dylan Cozens and Cornelius Randolph mentioned as potential candidates to switch positions if warranted.
I’ve banged the table for another collegiate pitcher, especially since the organization has leaned towards hitters in the first round during recent drafts.
Both Mayo and Callis have pitchers Shane Baz, Alex Faedo, and Bukauskas falling past the Phils. Anyone of those three would be a welcomed pick in Philadelphia where the need for an ace is at an all-time high.
Next: Phillies failure to draft the reason behind struggles
The eighth overall pick can be seen live on MLB.com and the MLB Network Monday night.