Phillies: MLB Draft projections point towards collegiate infielders

A trend is emerging in the Phillies MLB Draft projections

Two months sandwich the Phillies from the 2018 MLB Draft, where they hold the third-overall pick. General manager Matt Klentak has selected outfielders with both of his first round picks since joining the organization, but a new trend is emerging in their draft plans this year.

After Baseball America and Jonathan Mayo both mocked Philadelphia to draft an infielder, ESPN Insider Keith Law followed suit with a collegiate corner infielder.

Law predicts Philly to draft Wichita State third baseman Alec Bohm, the same player Baseball America projected to Philadelphia. Here’s what Law had to say about Bohm (ESPN Insider access required for full mock draft):

"I’ve heard they’re primarily interested in college bats, including Bohm and Bart — but not Nick Madrigal."

Bart is a catcher from Georgia Tech, and Madrigal is a middle infielder mocked to the Phillies by Mayo earlier this week.

That Ball’s Outta Here co-editor John Town broke down Bohm’s career with the Shockers, where he’s been a very consistent hitter in four years:

"In 36 games, he has a .353/.464/.596 line with eight home runs and 36 runs batted in. He is a career .316 hitter with a .922 OPS through his college career."

Here’s a couple plays made by Bohm against Eastern Carolina earlier this year, courtesy of FanGraphs.

Bohm has a looping swing, which may be concerning at the next level. Both Mickey Moniak and Adam Haseley were known for their ability to hit and get on-base, something Bohm certainly can do. He has even more power than Moniak or Haseley, who are developing in Clearwater this season.