MLB Draft Preview For DMV Sports Fans
Finally, after weeks of chatter and inquisition, the MLB Draft has arrived. Tonight, on MLB Network, the first 78 picks of the draft will air live, which includes the first and second rounds, as well as both rounds’ supplemental and competitive balance picks. Coverage begins at 6:00 P.M ET; the actual draft kicks off at 7:00 P.M ET.
Day 2 (rd 3-10) and Day 3 (rd 11-40) can be streamed on MLB.com.
2019 MLB Draft Order (Round 1-10)
What to know:
Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles have the first overall selection in the 2019 MLB Draft and pretty much every expert is projecting them to take Adley Rutschman, a catcher from Oregon State. After leading off the event, they’ll pick again at No. 42. According to FanGraphs, they’ll take LHP Hunter Barco (Bolles HS) with that pick.
Washington Nationals: The Nats pick 17th in the first round, though it’s up in the air who they’ll take/who will be available. The Athletic has them taking Kameron Misner, an outfield prospect from Mizzou, while FanGraphs projects Baylor catcher Shea Langeliers as their 17th pick. After that, they don’t have a second-round selection. Their second pick will come at No. 94 in the third round.
Virginia: Most projections don’t have a Wahoo going in the first round, but one guy, infielder Tanner Morris, should hear his name within the first two days. Morris, per SB Nation’s True Blue, is the 187th best prospect in the draft. In 2019, he led the Cavaliers in runs scored (56) and hitting (.345 BA). Morris was also selected as the best prospect from the state of Virginia, via MLB.com.
Navy: The Midshipmen have one of the best prospects in baseball, right-handed pitcher Noah Song, but his draft position is a bit murky because of his required military service. That said, MLB.com has him as the best MLB prospect from the state of Maryland, and No. 68 overall, while SB Nation’s True Blue has him as their No. 40 overall prospect.
George Mason: It’s hard to find a rock-solid projection for GMU catcher Logan Driscoll, but in speaking with an MLB scout watching Driscoll at Spuhler Field, he should go within the first 10 rounds. Driscoll was first-team All-Atlantic 10 in 2018 and 2019, as well as a semifinalist for the Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.
Georgetown: The Hoyas have an MLB Draft prospect in Nick Morreale, a 6-foot-5 RHP with a mid-90s fastball. Morreale was MLB.com’s best prospect from Washington, D.C. and their 193rd best prospect overall.
West Virginia: RHP Alek Manoah is featured regularly in articles talking about the 2019 MLB Draft; he’s a stud in every sense of the word. Via MLB.com, he’s the No. 11 overall prospect, as well as the best prospect from West Virginia, while FanGraphs (No. 7 to Cincinnati) and The Athletic (No. 9 to Atlanta) have him going in the first round.
Quality Sources:
The Athletic 1st Round Mock Draft