2023 MLB DRAFT SEATTLE JULY 9-11
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The draft develops in mysterious ways. Today's amateur afterthought develops into an MLB star. Tomorrow's prospect bust is right now the big man on campus.
That's the nature of an endeavor in which scouts are tasked with projecting the future ability and physicality of teenagers and collegians hitting with metal bats against uneven competition. Uncertainty comes with the territory in an industry in which nobody can consistently keep pitchers healthy and effective. And even if they can manage that in high school or college, the landscape changes in pro ball.
In the minor leagues, starters work every five days-not once a week-and relievers will be called on with greater frequency over a schedule that is more than twice as long.
At Baseball America, we embrace the chaos of the draft and everything that comes with it. So come along with us on a survey of the top amateur talent available in this year's draft.
We don't have all the answers, but we ask the right questions of scouts and industry sources. Now, we bring that insight to you.
To kicks things off, BA draft writer Carlos Collazo highlights five key things to know heading into the 2023 draft.
1 EYES ON THE TIGERS
In the 58-year history of the draft, there has never been a pair of teammates selected with the first two picks. That could change in 2023 with Louisiana State's Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes sitting atop the Baseball America draft ranking at Nos. 1 and 2.
It's been close in the past.
In 1978, Arizona State third baseman Bob Horner was selected No. 1 overall by the Braves, while his Sun Devils teammate Hubie Brooks, a shortstop, went No. 3 overall to the Mets.
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