The Colorado Rockies selected Santa Ana Mater Dei high school third baseman Ryan McMahon with the No. 42 overall pick in the second round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft on Thursday.
McMahon, an 18 year-old senior, was selected as the 2013 Trinity League MVP and is also the quarterback of his local high school football team. He's ranked No. 83 on Baseball America's draft board and bats from the left side plate.
Why the Rockies took him: After taking Gray in round one, the Rockies were likely looking for both cost control and upside in round two. McMahon may have carried a third round grade, but money here should buy him out of his college commitment. This provides Colorado nice balance next to the Gray pick.
Why you should be excited: McMahon has 50 grade tools across the board, but plus makeup and upside potential. He has a 6'3" frame capable of holding 215-220 lbs. (he's listed at 195 lbs right now), and he could grow into 60 pop. He could also reach 60 grades on defense and should have no problem staying at third base. McMahon's swing is balanced from the left side and has natural loft, so line drive/power potential is evident here.
Why you should be worried: This may be a round high for McMahon, and he could stand to show more barrel control. Much of McMahon's profile is betting on what's to come, so you need to see across the board improvement for him to become a real impact player.
What needs to happen for McMahon to reach the majors: This could be a level by level guy. McMahon needs to add muscle to his frame and refine his hit tool to get through the low minors, and then needs the power to arrive by double A. Has all the tools to succeed as a complete third baseman, but each of them need refinement along the way.
Realistic best case scenario: Hard to say with a high school pick this far away from the big leagues, but McMahon has average tools across the board and could become a starting third baseman in the majors someday. Realistic best case is probably a .280 hitter with 20 HR's and above average defense, but he plays the game aggressively and shows the mentality to be a favorite of both fans and teammates.
Final word: The Rockies like McMahon's makeup and character and believe he gives them a broad tool base, but he is more projection than present right now.