Top Minnesota 2019 MLB Draft Prospects

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State List Talent Ranking: ??????
(Stars are listed on a 1 to 5 scale relative to what the state typically produces, with 1 being the weakest)

1. Brett Schulze, RHP, Minnesota (BA RANK: 331)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 180 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

Schulze moved from starting to relieving as a sophomore for Minnesota and quickly showed he was a good fit for using his velocity in shorter stints. He was especially effective against UCLA in the 2018 NCAA regionals, as he struck out five in three scoreless innings. Schulze’s velocity has picked up, turning an average fastball into a plus heater. He now sits 93-96 mph and touches 97-98 mph with late hop at the plate. He has above-average control. Schulze will likely need to improve his slurvy, 74-76 mph fringe-average curveball. It is more of a change-of-pace offering than a swing-and-miss pitch. Schulze has a relatively thin frame, but he has present velocity, which makes him a solid late Day 2, early Day 3 pick as a reliever.

2. Eli Wilson, C, Minnesota (BA RANK: 385)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 190 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Mariners ’16 (37)

Wilson is the son of long-time major league catcher Dan Wilson. The younger Wilson didn’t start out aiming to follow in dad’s footsteps. He was a high school shortstop and cross country runner, but after coming to Minnesota he agreed to move to catcher and he’s quickly taken to the position. He understandably is still a work in progress defensively, but he’s shown an aptitude for receiving and he has an average arm. At the plate, he led Minnesota with a .295 average while posting a .384 on-base percentage and a .457 slugging percentage. Wilson is still filling out and could develop average power down the road.

3. Will Frisch, RHP, Stillwater (Minn.) HS (BA RANK: 451)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 215 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Oregon State

Frisch is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound prep righthander with a strong lower half and little physical projection remaining. Frisch’s fastball has gotten up to 95 mph at his best and he has the strength to tick that up into the upper-90s in the future, with a slider that projects as average and an above-average changeup. What holds Frisch back is his control, which is well below-average at the moment and will need to improve if he wants a chance to start. Frisch is an Oregon State commit.

4. Jake Stevenson, RHP, Minnesota
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 225 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

5. Drew Gilbert, LHP/OF, Stillwater (Minn.) HS
Source: HS • Ht: 5-10 • Wt: 170 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Oregon State

 

6. Nick Lackney, LHP, Minnesota
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 210 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

7. Louie Varland, RHP, Concordia (Minn.)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 210 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

8. Ryan Sleeper, LHP, Lakeville (Minn.) North HS
Source: HS • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 200 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: North Carolina

 

9. Eric Rinzel, C, Holy Family Catholis HS, Victoria, Minn.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 200 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Missouri

 

10. Jordan Kozicky, INF, Minnesota
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 180 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

11. Ben Mezzenga, OF, Minnesota
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 180 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted