We’re through 10 rounds of the 2015 MLB draft, but there are still solid prospects available heading into the third day. We must remember Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Ryne Sandberg and others were all taken after the 10th round.
You never know when a team might find the next diamond in the rough. Here are three players with tremendous upside who are still on the board.
Justin Hooper, LHP, 6’7″ 225 pounds, De La Salle High School, California
According to MLB.com, Hooper “is the hardest-throwing and most intimidating pitcher in the 2015 high school class.” At 6’7″, he can hit 96 mph with his fastball, and his huge frame gives him a difficult angle for hitters to pick up.
The fact that he’s left-handed only makes him potentially tougher to hit. He hasn’t fully developed his secondary pitches; thus, he might wind up as a reliever. However, if he can land with a team with strong coaching for young pitchers, he might become a starter later in his career.
Even if he is a reliever, he could have a career as a nasty lefty specialist. The only issue is this tweet from Hooper on June 6:
He is committed to UCLA, and with that definitive statement, teams may not use a 10th-round pick on him.
Al Jones, SS, 5’9″ 197 pounds, Columbus High School, Georgia
Speedy leadoff men who embrace their identity are so underrated. That’s exactly who Al Jones can be. While he’s smallish, Jones has the type of speed that will get him 20-25 infield hits per season and make him a terror on the bases.
Per MLB.com, Jones has drawn comparisons to Billy Hamilton, but he also has a little bit of pop in his bat as well. To make Jones’ overall talent profile even more impressive, he’s a switch-hitter who might prove himself to be platoon-proof.
The team that gets Jones will be getting one of the better late-round picks in the draft.
Marquise Doherty, OF, 6’1″ 193 pounds, Winnetonka High School, Missouri
Two-sport stars are always intriguing prospects in baseball because you know you’re looking at a rare athlete for the diamond. Marquise Doherty is no exception. The 6’1″, 193-pounder is a running back and outfielder who has plus power.
Here’s what MLB.com said about Doherty:
“With his bat speed and strength, he’s a threat to hit for power as well as average. Doherty’s instincts aren’t as refined on defense, where he’s shaky in center field despite his plus speed. He has improved his arm strength from weak to fringy in the last year.”
He’s committed to the University of Missouri to play football and baseball. An 11th-round selection might not be enough incentive for him to shun the college game.
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