Yes, it’s early, but it’s time to begin speculating about the Rockies and the 2021 MLB Draft, which will be held in Denver in July with the All-Star Game.
This will also be the Rockies’ first post-Bridich draft, so it will be interesting to see how interim general manager Bill Schmidt handles this process.
Here is the Rockies’ draft order:
- First Round: 8th pick
- Second Round: 44th pick
- Competitive Balance Round B: 68th pick
- Third Round: 79th pick
- Fourth Round: 109th pick
Let’s see what the experts are projecting in their early mock drafts.
Tyler Madden, RHP, University of Texas (Bleacher Report & MLB.com)
The Rockies always need pitching, so it makes sense that Madden might be a fit for them. Some consider him the third-best college pitcher in this draft.
He’s had a solid career at the University of Texas with a career ERA of 2.50 in 136 2⁄3 innings. He’s given up 102 hits for 47 runs with 38 earned. Madden has walked 53 batters and struck out 147.
According to the scouting grades assigned by MLB Pipeline, Madden receives the following scores:
- Fastball: 60
- Curveball: 50
- Slider: 50
- Chageup: 55
- Control: 55
- Overall: 55
Here’s Tyler Madden in action:
Adrian Del Castillo, C, University of Miami (Baseball America)
According to Baseball America, the Rockies have had scouts watching Del Castillo, who can hit. He has had a solid career at the University of Miami. Del Castillo has slashed a career .325/.422/.526 for an OPS of .949, striking out 55 times and walking 66 times. Defensively, he has a fielding percentage of .996 and has committed only three errors in 122 games.
It’s also worth considering the Rockies reuniting catcher Del Castillo with 2020 draft pick and University of Miami pitcher Chris McMahon.
According to the scouting grades assigned by MLB Pipeline, Del Castillo receives the following scores:
- Hit: 60
- Power: 50
- Run: 30
- Arm: 50
- Field: 45
- Overall: 55
See for yourself:
If you’re interested, there’s a nice interview with Del Castillo here.
Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College (MLB Pipeline)
Jonathan Mayo has suggested Frelick would be a good fit for the Rockies. In addition to his skill as a fielder, he has an advanced approach to hitting and plus speed. In his career at Boston College, Frelick has a career slashline of .345/.433/.518. He’s walked 56 times and stuck out 46.
According to the scouting grades assigned by MLB Pipeline, Frelick receives the following scores:
- Hit: 60
- Power: 45
- Run: 65
- Arm: 50
- Field: 55
- Overall: 55
Meet Sal Frelick:
Matt McLain, SS, UCLA (ESPN)
McLain suffered a broken thumb, but ESPN does not believe it will affect his draft status. At UCLA, McLain slashed a career .273/.354/.471. He walked 50 times while striking out 103 times.
According to the scouting grades assigned by MLB Pipeline, McLain receives the following scores:
- Hit: 60
- Power: 50
- Run: 60
- Arm: 60
- Field: 50
- Overall: 55
Take a look:
Watch an interview with McClain here.
Kahlil Watson, Shortstop, Wake Forest High School (Prospects Live)
Watson isn’t a big guy at 5’11’, 170 lbs, but he has bat speed and can hit for power. The lefty “has some of the most powerful bat-to-ball skills in this class.” He could play either shortstop or second base. According to Baseball America, Watson has a career batting average of .480 in 226 plate appearances. He’s hit 19 doubles, eight triples, and 11 home runs.
According to the scouting grades assigned by MLB Pipeline, Watson receives the following scores:
- Hit: 50
- Power: 50
- Run: 60
- Arm: 55
- Field: 55
- Overall: 55
Here is Watson on the field:
★ ★ ★
So that’s the early speculation, and we’ll keep following the projections in the coming weeks.
Now it’s your turn. What should the Rockies be looking for as they begin what appears to be a soft rebuild, and do you think the Rockies will select one of these players or perhaps someone else?
Let us know in the comments.
Poll
Who will the Rockies select in the 2021 MLB Draft?
This poll is closed
-
50%
Tyler Madden
-
31%
Adrian Del Castillo
-
8%
Sal Frelick
-
1%
Matt McLain
-
6%
Khalil Watson
-
0%
Other (let us know in the comments)