In this particular draft scenario, a player we all presume will go in the Top 5 will instead end up getting passed on for the top 6 teams in the draft. That player is Brendan McKay, who is both a left-handed pitcher and first baseman for the University of Louisville. While I presume the scenario is unlikely, I’d rather cover every possible outcome for the draft.
Previous Draft Scenarios
- Austin Beck available at 7
- Padres do under slot deal at 3rd overall, leaving both Kyle Wright and Royce Lewis available at 7
- Kyle Wright available at 7
Draft Scenario
- Twins: Kyle Wright, RHP, Vanderbilt
- Reds: Hunter Greene, RHP, Notre Dame HS (CA)
- Padres: Mackenzie Gore, LHP, Whiteville HS (NC)
- Rays: Austin Beck, OF, North Davidson HS (NC)
- Braves: JB Bukauskas, RHP, North Carolina
- Athletics: Royce Lewis, SS, JSerra HS (CA)
In this draft scenario, McKay does not go in the Top 6. McKay to me is somewhat of a controversial pick. I don’t think the Dbacks will draft him for his abilities as a pitcher if he’s available. Being left-handed limits him to 1B or the OF and lack of great running speed probability limits him to 1B. McKay would end up sticking at 1B and his arrival should be after whenever the Dbacks orchestrate Paul Goldschmidt’s exit. Personally, I’m not a fan of drafting 1B in the first round unless they have a special bat and defense that projects to be excellent (basically Paul Goldschmidt), which McKay certainly has.
When considering alternatives, there isn’t a player available with more potential upside and McKay as a hitter or pitcher carries little risk for being a possible middle of the order or middle of the rotation arm. As a pitcher, he doesn’t blow anyone away in terms of velocity, but advanced command makes him a tough pitcher to face. As a 1B, he has a strong arm for the position since he pitches in the low 90s as a starter and enough mobility to be a plus defender. At the plate, he projects to be a high OBP guy with potentially 30+ double and 20-25 home run power. Also, if the Dbacks want to get really creative, they could use McKay as a 2-way player where he could also provide a team an extra left-handed reliever in the bullpen if needed.