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Phillies MLB Draft pick becoming clearer with latest mock draft

By George Stockburger

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 17: The Wichita State Shockers mascot performs in the second half of the game between the Wichita State Shockers and the Dayton Flyers in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 17: The Wichita State Shockers mascot performs in the second half of the game between the Wichita State Shockers and the Dayton Flyers in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Who the Phillies pick in the MLB Draft could be one of the best bats in college baseball

Next Monday night the Philadelphia Phillies will be on the clock with the third overall selection in the 2018 MLB Draft, and one player is catching a lot of eyes of late.

Nearly all mock drafts in recent weeks have pointed to the Phillies drafting a college bat, and according to some, the pick is becoming clearer.

Jim Callis of MLB.com says the top-three picks (Detroit, San Francisco, and Philadelphia) are becoming consensus around the league as evaluators finish gathering information. Three college players have stood out as the best of the class, and the Phillies are set to get one of them.

Wichita State infielder Alec Bohm is Callis’ pick for Philadelphia at number three, calling him the best bat in the draft.

"All of the teams in the top four are doing their due diligence on Bohm, the consensus best college position player in terms of hitting for both average and power. Philadelphia almost certainly will take a college performer, with Oregon State second baseman Nick Madrigal and (Florida RHP) Brady Singer the other leading candidates.More from Phillies DraftPhillies Scout Bishop Eustace Standout for 2021 MLB DraftPhillies land Mississippi RHP Gunnar Hoglund in mock draftPhillies draft: Adversity no problem for RHP Carson RagsdalePhillies 2020 Draft: Club signs 3rd-round pick Casey MartinPhillies 2020 Draft: Club inks 1st-round pick RHP Mick Abel"

Bohm’s has exploded for the Shockers this year with a .339 batting average and 16 home runs, eighth most in division one baseball. He’s listed at 6’5 with tremendous length, average speed, and a strong arm at third base. Some speculate whether he’ll move to first base down the line, but that remains to be seen.

Depth at the hot corner is weak in the farm system with no MLB Pipeline top-30 prospects designated as third basemen. Cole Stobbe was thought to be the next big third baseman in the organization when drafted out of high school in the third round of the 2016 draft. Still just 20 years old he’s coming off a poor season with Williamsport where he hit .206 with eight home runs, and an injury has limited him to seven games this year.

Next: Phillies Prospect Report: Two Trending Up/Down

Philadelphia could certainly use an impact bat, but unlike early ever major sport baseball players take years to develop in the minors. With the top prospects already in college, their rise through the farm system may be quicker than others, such as the Phillies number one overall pick two years ago Mickey Moniak who came straight out of high school.

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