2017 MLB Draft Division Breakdown: AL East
ORIOLES
LHP D.L. Hall (1) could end up being the best pitcher to come out of this year’s draft if he reaches his lofty ceiling. RHPs Jack Conlon (4) and Michael Baumann (3) and OF Lamar Sparks (5) are aggressive picks as well as high-ceiling players who have a long way to go to reach those ceilings.
RED SOX
RHP Tanner Houck’s (1) long track record of success makes him a pretty safe pick, which works well because after him Boston added a pair of risky but intriguing power arms with RHPs Jake Thompson (4) and Alex Scherff (5). OF Cole Brannen (2) gives Boston a toolsy young outfielder as well.
YANKEES
The Yankees have confidence in their ability to draft and develop pitchers. First-round RHP Clarke Schmidt (1) is pretty refined already but he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery and high-upside RHP Matt Sauer (2) likely will be an over-slot deal. After that, college RHPs Trevor Stephan (3), Glenn Otto (5) and Dalton Higgins (7) and LHP Dalton Lehnen (6) all have at least one swing-and-miss offering.
RAYS
LHP/1B Brendan McKay (1) could have easily gone 1-1, so the Rays have to be thrilled to get him with the fourth pick. RHPs Drew Rasmussen (1s) and Michael Mercado (2) are talented arms with power. Tampa Bay loaded up on pitching overall, especially if McKay, who plans to hit and pitch this year, ends up on the mound full time.
BLUE JAYS
The Blue Jays doubled up on their up-the-middle picks to find safety in numbers .In a draft that lacked college shortstops, Toronto landed two of the best. SS Logan Warmoth (1) should hit enough to be a big leaguer while playing an adequate shortstop. SS Kevin Smith (4) should be a solid defender at short, but he’ll have to improve his hitting to be a big leaguer. Toronto also doubled up on catchers with prep Hagen Danner (2) and collegian Riley Adams (3).
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