New Mexico’s Top MLB Draft Prospects

1. Kyle Bradish, RHP, New Mexico State (BA Rank: 129)
4YR • Jr. • 6-4 • 190 • R-R • Never Drafted
Part of a huge 35-man recruiting class New Mexico State coach Brian Green brought to Las Cruses in 2016, Bradish quickly separated himself from the rest of the pack, solidifying a weekend rotation role that he’s maintained all three seasons. Bradish opened eyes in the Cape Cod League last summer, starting on a temporary contract and earning an all-star nod. Bradish earned mixed reports earlier this spring with lower velocity than he showed in the Cape, but he’s picked it back up since then, working 91-93 mph and touching 96 mph. He creates great angle with his over-the-top arm slot, especially with his 12-to-6 curveball, which has excellent depth and has taken a jump forward this season. It’s a swing-and-miss pitch with plus potential. Bradish still needs to work on a third pitch, and he needs to limit his walks—he has 104 strikeouts to 47 walks through 74.2 innings this season. But his combination of present stuff and his projectable 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame give him starter’s upside. Bradish should be off the board by the third or fourth round.

2. Mitchell Parker, LHP, Manzano HS, Albuquerque (BA Rank: 281)
HS •  6-3 • 195 • L-L • Tennessee
Despite an inconsistent spring in 2018, scouts agree that Parker’s size and lefthandedness will have the New Mexico prep product going off the board somewhere in the top 10 rounds. Parker certainly intrigued scouts during last fall’s WWBA World Championships in Jupiter, Fla., when he struck out 15 batters in five innings. Parker gets swings and misses on an 86-92 mph fastball and he should be able to add velocity as he matures, although his command of the pitch has been inconsistent. His 12-to-6 curveball has good shape and spin to it, but the 73-74 mph pitch could be more effective at a higher velocity. Both his breaking ball and changeup were graded as below-average pitches this spring. Parker uses a rough but deceptive delivery with a stab in the back and an inconsistent release point. Parker will be a project for whichever team drafts him and won’t be a fast mover. He is committed to Tennessee.

3. Christian Tripp, RHP, New Mexico (BA Rank: 460)
4YR • Jr. • 6-7 • 216 • R-R • Never Drafted
Tripp served as New Mexico’s primary closer in 2018, saving eight games with an impressive 2.44 ERA this spring. At 6-foot-7, 200 pounds, he has the size organizations desire, but a rough delivery and inconsistent stuff may keep Tripp out of the top 10 rounds. He steps across the mound and throws uphill, although the delivery gives his pitches interesting angle and provides deception. His fastball, which ranges from 88-94 mph, has hard cut and good life as it increases in speed. The movement on his fastball is inconsistent, however. His 83-84 mph slider runs in on lefthanded batters, while his delivery makes for tough at-bats for righthanders.

4. Tristan Carranza, OF, New Mexico State (BA Rank: )
4YR • Jr. • 5-11 • 210 • R-R • Never Drafted

5. Chase Silseth, RHP, Piedra Vista HS, Farmington, N.M. (BA Rank: )
HS • Tennessee

6. Tristin Lively, RHP, Las Cruces (N.M.) HS (BA Rank: )
HS • New Mexico

7. Jared Mang, OF, New Mexico (BA Rank: )
4YR • Jr. • 5-9 • 210 • R-R • Never Drafted