Ask BA: Which Draft Picks Become Their Teams’ Top Prospect?
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Q: Which 2018 draft picks immediately become their organizations’ No. 1 overall prospect once they sign?
— J.P Schwartz, Springfield, Ill.
A: As usual, few 2018 draft picks will immediately ascend to No. 1 on our Top 10 prospects rankings.
The top two picks in the draft — Auburn righthander Casey Mize and Georgia Tech catcher Joey Bart — represent the best bets to go straight to No. 1, but three other organizations might have new top prospects.
TIGERS: Righthanders Franklin Perez, Alex Faedo and Matt Manning headed into the preseason ranking, but Mize’s combination of command, a devastating splitter and perceived proximity to Detroit make him a strong challenger.
GIANTS: Bart’s combination of power, physicality and defensive prowess help him move past Heliot Ramos to become San Francisco’s new No. 1 prospect.
METS: Wisconsin high school outfielder Jarred Kelenic went sixth overall and might edge out shortstop Andres Gimenez to become the Mets’ new top prospect.
ROYALS: The Royals picked Florida righthander Brady Singer with the 18th pick, though it’s not clear he has surpassed outfielder Khalil Lee for the top spot.
RED SOX: Florida high school third baseman Triston Casas, the 26th overall pick, could benefit from turmoil at the top of Boston’s rankings. Lefthander Jay Groome is sidelined with Tommy John surgery and third baseman Michael Chavis is suspended for performance-enhancing drugs.
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