2016 State Draft Report: Oklahoma

CROP RATING
	Not up to Par
Rating compares this year’s group to what a state typically produces, not to other states

Number of players drafted in 2015: 34.

From 2011-2013 there were seven first-round picks from Oklahoma. In the two drafts since, there have been none. Alec Hansen is unlikely to change that trend this year, although he should hear his name called on the first day of the draft. But like it was last year, this is a year where Oklahoma is more notable for depth of draftable talent then top-end guys.

As has been the case recently, the college class in Oklahoma is significantly deeper than the high school talent.

NATIONAL TOP 500 PROSPECTS

BA 500 Scouting Reports

1. Alec Hansen, rhp, Oklahoma (National Rank: 37)
2. Sheldon Neuse, 3b/rhp, Oklahoma (National Rank: 129)
3. Thomas Hatch, rhp, Oklahoma State (National Rank: 178)
4. Donnie Walton, ss, Oklahoma State (National Rank: 302)
5. Trey Cobb, rhp, Oklahoma State (National Rank: 335)
6. Cade Cabbiness, of, Bixby (Okla.) HS (National Rank: 366)
7. Garrett Williams, lhp, Oklahoma State (National Rank: 411)
8. Jake Elliott, rhp, Oklahoma (National Rank: 478)

OTHER PROSPECTS OF NOTE

2016 Draft Map

9. Tyler Buffet, rhp, Oklahoma State
10. Cody Thomas, of, Oklahoma
11. J.R. Davis, 2b, Oklahoma State
12. Michael Mertz, rhp, Oklahoma State
13. Dalton Reed, 3b, Roff (Okla.) HS
14. Remey Reed, rhp, Oklahoma State
15. Connor Costello, rhp/of, Oklahoma State

ADDITIONAL SCOUTING REPORTS

Tyler Buffet, rhp, Oklahoma State – Buffet has been a valued member of the Cowboys’ bullpen with an 89-91 mph fastball and an 11-to-5 curveball with above-average bite and usable cutter.

Cody Thomas, of, Oklahoma – Thomas skipped the 2015 season to focus on playing football for the Sooners but after playing in only three games as a reserve quarterback, he returned to baseball and showed surprising power to go with the athleticism you would expect.

J.R. Davis, 2b, Oklahoma State – Davis didn’t even get to play last year as he worked out for Seminole State (Okla.) JC but was ineligible because of the length of time since his junior college career began. He still showed enough tools to sign with Oklahoma State. He’s still raw at second base but he can hit (.360/.441/.457) and he has plus speed.

Michael Mertz, rhp, Oklahoma State – Mertz has plenty of stuff with an especially good changeup, but control troubles have also dogged him.

Dalton Reed, 3b, Roff (Okla.) HS– Reed has plenty of strength although he has little experience facing top-level velocity and his swing may need some work to adjust to better velo. He’s committed to Arkansas-Little Rock.

Remey Reed, rhp, Oklahoma State – Reed’s fastball/slider combo has been effective for the Cowboys and his 44 strikeouts in 35 innings will intrigue analytics departments.

Connor Costello – Costello’s age (23) works against him but he will probably get picked as a pitcher with enough velocity (90-94 mph) to pitch in pro ball. He hit well enough this year to also have an option as a hitter.