With the MLB Amateur Draft coming up next week on June 6th, the final crunch is on. Prospect mavens are churning out their near-final mock drafts, and the draft field is abuzz with which players are rising and falling.
The Rays have been linked to a large number of players over the past few weeks, with a handful of names standing out above the rest. Here’s the full list of frequently-mentions players, compiled by Rays Prospects:
Kolten Wong (2B/COL)
Andrew Susac (C/COL)
Brandon Nimmo (OF/HS)
C.J. Cron (1B/COL)
Josh Bell (OF/HS)
Jose Fernandez (RHP/HS)
Henry Owens (LHP/HS)
Tyler Beede (RHP/HS)
Dillon Howard (RHP/HS)
Robert Stephensen (RHP/HS)
Michael Kelly (RHP/HS)
It is notoriously a crapshoot judging which players will be selected with which pick, with even the most connected and experienced analysts whiffing more than they make contact, so it’s better to view these names as merely a Wish List: players the Rays probably like, and could select with one of their multiple picks.
While Josh Bell has stated he would prefer to return to college (which is either serious, or a bid to get lots of money), Brandon Nimmo and C.J. Cron have stood out as impressive prospects. Nimmo is difficult to project, as he has less playing time than other top prospects and has only played in American Legion games, but he’s a very toolsy player – great bat, state-champion 400-meter runner, and a great overall athlete.
Meanwhile, C.J. Cron is widely considered one of the best power hitters in the draft (if not the best). He’s a first baseman and not the most athletic player, but he seems to only be drawing more and more attention as the draft gets closer. Given the Rays lack of power in the minors, he’d be a great player for them to pick, but it’s quite possible he gets selected before the Rays even have a chance at him.
For more draft coverage, check out DRaysBay and Rays Prospects.