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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THE SERVICE TIME CONUNDRUM
MLB’s byzantine service time rules cloud rookie status and now PPI eligibility
LUIS TIANT WAS MLB'S MOST SUCCESSFUL CUBAN PITCHER
On a scouting trip to Cuba in 1957, Bobby Avila discovered 16-year-old righthander Luis Tiant on the island's Juvenile League all-star team.
ORGANIZATION REPORT
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad's career has been unique, to say the least.
TOP 10 NL EAST
From the moment Thomas White stepped on a high school mound, he was viewed as the top lefthander available in the 2023 draft.
PREPARATION PAYS OFF
lowa politician J.D. Scholten makes a surprising return to pro ball at age 44
MAKING THE GRADE
Assessing the future value of graduated National League prospects
TOP 10 NL WEST
Even in high school, Bryce Eldridge could hit the ball a mile. The 6-foot-7 righthander could also touch 96 mph off the mound.
Wood Has Towering Upside- Nationals rookie James Wood also stands 6-foot-7 and also has game-changing power.
Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz are 6-foot7 sluggers who stand out for their power in this year’s MLB Best Tools voting. Wood spent half of this season with Triple-A Rochester before making his MLB debut on July 1. While he was in the International League, he captured managers’ attention. Wood unanimously won Best Power Prospect and also claimed Most Exciting Player in a survey of league skippers. Wood hit .353/.463/.595 with 10 home runs in 52 games for Rochester. His .242 isolated slugging was the best for a player 21 or younger at Triple-A this season.
ROAD BLOCK?
Scholarship expansion puts mid-majors at a major disadvantage on the road to Omaha
ROYALS REVIVAL
A revamped and rejuvenated farm system has Kansas City ready to rebound
