Five Thoughts On Draft’s Third Round

The third round saw plenty of projectable high school arms come off the board, as well as a solid run of college performers. Here’s a quick take on some of the picks.

Cincinnati Reds: Nick Hanson (No. 83 in the BA 500)

Hanson had helium this spring, with his fastball reaching into the mid-90s. The Reds add a quality, high-upside arm to complement their earlier picks of Nick Senzel, Taylor Trammell and Chris Okey.

San Diego Padres: Mason Thompson (No. 105 in the BA 500)

The Padres took a shot on Thompson here based on the huge potential he showed as an underclassmen. Thompson was a star for Team USA’s 15U National Team, and his fastball previously worked in the low 90s. He was thought to be a potential first-round talent before he needed Tommy John surgery. Thompson appeared in one game (out of the bullpen) in a return to the mound this spring. He’s an upside pick.

Red Sox: Shaun Anderson (No. 151 in the BA 500)

Anderson has worked as the Gators’ closer this season, but he has the raw arsenal and body to potentially transition to a starting role. We ranked him a little lower than he went because of the uncertainty of whether he could start. There’s some upside with this pick.

Washington Nationals: Jesus Luzardo (No. 50 in the BA 500)

Luzardo was off to a hot start this spring, but needed Tommy John surgery after a UCL injury. He’s lefthanded and he can pitch comfortably in the low 90s. He has a plus changeup and throws two variations of a quality breaking ball. If he had stayed healthy, Luzardo could have been a first-round talent. It looks like the Nationals are going to spread out their bonus pool, having previously taken Carter Kieboom, Dane Dunning and Sheldon Neuse.

Angels: Nolan Williams (No. 106 in the BA 500)

The Halos took Matt Thaiss with their first pick, and it’s possible that they’ll save some bonus pool money with that pick. Williams is one of the more athletic players in the class, and the Angels already added Brandon Marsh. The Angels have quickly bolstered their farm system.