These are the 10 fastest-rising Draft prospects
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MLB Pipeline just released its updated and expanded Draft Top 200 list Monday night, and the Pirates have not quite six weeks to figure out how they'll exercise the No. 1 overall pick on July 9 in Seattle. While the very best talents at the very top remain a constant -- starting with Louisiana State's dynamic duo of Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes -- there's a lot of shuffling going on behind them.
The 10 prospects with the most helium, based on comparing our Draft Top 150 in late April to our Draft Top 200 a month later are:
Joe Whitman, LHP, Kent State (unranked to No. 46)
Went from 5 2/3 innings in two seasons at Purdue to Mid-American Conference pitcher of the year and the best college southpaw in this Draft.
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Sammy Stafura, SS, Panas HS, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. (No. 119 to No. 86)
One of several prep shortstops pushing for the top two rounds, he exudes some Anthony Volpe vibes.
Quinn Mathews, LHP, Stanford (unranked to No. 119)
His savvy may stand out more than his pure stuff, but the Pacific-12 Conference pitcher of the year ranks second in NCAA Division I in strikeouts (121 in 98 1/3 innings).
Mac Horvath, 3B/OF, North Carolina (No. 125 to No. 96)
One of just five 20-20 players in D-I, he has one of the best power/speed combinations in the college ranks and the strong arm for third base or right field.
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Grant Gray, OF, Norco (Calif.) HS (unranked to No. 129)
A three-star wide receiver committed to UCLA, he's an outstanding athlete with a high ceiling and could take off if he focuses on baseball.
Blake Wolters, RHP, Mahomet-Seymour HS, Mahomet, Ill. (No. 57 to No. 35)
He opened eyes by hitting 98 mph at the Super 60 showcase in February and hasn't let up, reaching 99 this spring while nearing first-round consideration.
Brock Vradenburg, 1B, Michigan State (unranked to No. 130)
He came out of nowhere to bat .397/.488/.730 with 13 homers as a junior and has surprising speed for a 6-foot-7, 230-pounder.
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Homer Bush Jr., OF, Grand Canyon (No. 115 to No. 94)
The son of the former big leaguer has improved markedly at the plate (.370/.478/.500) and can make things happen on the bases and in center field with his quickness.
Seth Keener, RHP, Wake Forest (No. 131 to No. 110)
He has enjoyed more success as a reliever with a nasty slider for the No. 1 team in the nation, but he has the pitch mix and control to make it as a starter at the next level.
Carson Rucker, 3B, Goodpasture Christian HS, Madison, Tenn. (unranked to No. 131)
The younger brother of 2021 Twins seventh-rounder Jake Rucker, he could have average or better tools across the board, highlighted by his power.