2021 South Dakota Top MLB Draft Prospects

Today, Baseball America rolls out its state-by-state rankings for the 2021 MLB Draft. Additionally, you can find our:

500 Draft Rankings | 2021 MLB Mock Draft | MLB Draft Tracker

1. Chase Mason, OF, Viborg (S.D.) Hurley HS (BA RANK: 192)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 215 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Nebraska

Mason might be the most tooled-up player in the draft class, though the 6-foot-4, 215-pound outfielder is also one of the most unpolished baseball players on the list. The incredibly exciting toolset includes at least 70 raw power that some scouts have called 80 raw power, to go along with a plus run tool and a plus arm, both reviewed as potential 70 grades. The Nebraska commit is only just starting to have a chance to put those tools into action this season, getting a late start after tearing his ACL in an early September football game. The workhorse was diligent with his rehab, and he returned to the track earlier this year and immediately began setting meet and state records, to go along with his all-state football and basketball honors. The hit tool is raw and he hasn’t been battle-tested against tough competition. The four-sport star has shown good leverage and loft to the pull side, with impressive pull-side pop in batting practice. He’s been up to 94 mph from the outfield, though his arm action could use some work. He’s athletic at his position but his setup in the outfield can be a little stiff at times and his defense also needs refining. The raw tools are as good as anyone on the list, but his development needs work, leaving some question marks for South Dakota’s top prospect.

2. Bransen Kuehl, RHP/OF, Stevens HS, Rapid City, S.D. (BA RANK: 255)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 180 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Utah

Kuehl is an impressive athlete and a solid two-way player, though scouts continue to like his upside on the mound more than in the outfield. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound righthander has thrown his fastball in the low 90s and gotten it up to 95 mph, and with his good arm and exceptional athleticism, there’s a strong belief that he will end up throwing harder at some point and become a solid pitcher. The Utah commit has flashed a plus slider and shown feel to spin his breaking ball. He showed more command early but the strikes have been very scattered, which evaluators have credited to his inexperience. Kuehl has interesting traits and has shown some starter potential, but could also end up a solid bullpen arm. His stuff is good enough to get high school hitters out but he often battles himself and will need to clean up his game to find success at the next level. He has loose and easy actions, with a lot to like and more to dream on.