2017 MLB Draft Division Breakdown: AL Central
WHITE SOX
The White Sox’s focused on power bats with 3B Jake Burger (1) and 1B Gavin Sheets at the top of the draft and C Evan Skoug later on. All three have plus power potential and all three have questions about their hit tools. All but one of Chicago’s picks in the first 10 rounds were collegians.
INDIANS
The lack of a first-round pick limited what Cleveland could do in this draft, but the Indians were able to go with a portfolio approach, as they drafted no bargain basement seniors, instead spreading their bonus pool around. OF Quentin Holmes (2), SS Tyler Freeman (2s) and OF Jonathan Rodriguez (3) at the top of the draft are the high-ceiling plays, as is RHP James Karinchak (9).
TIGERS
Getting RHP Alex Faedo with the 18th pick is a steal for Detroit. After that, the Tigers emphasized athletic pitchers and productive hitters who aren’t known for their gloves. 1B/OF Reynaldo Rivera has a track record as a juco masher, while highly regarded prep C Sam McMillan (5) was the only high school player Detroit picked in the first 10 rounds.
ROYALS
After not having a first-round pick last year, this is a vital draft for the Royals, who haven’t drafted this high since 2013. 1B Nick Pratto (1) and C M.J. Melendez (2) both have lengthy track records and are excellent feel for the game. LHPs Evan Steele (2s) and Daniel Tillo (3) were two of the best juco pitching prospects in the draft, but after that the Royals mixed upside plays with productive, inexpensive senior signs.
TWINS
When you pick 1-1, you should have a great draft and SS Royce Lewis (1) and OF Brent Rooker (1s) give the Twins a chance to have a great one. Lewis drew raves for his makeup and tools while Rooker is coming off of one of the best seasons in Southeastern Conference history. With RHP Landon Leach (2), RHP Blayne Enlow (3), 3B Andrew Bechtold (5) and SS Ricardo de la Torre (6) later on, there’s a lot of high-ceiling talents in Minnesota’s draft class.
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