Our 5 favorite Draft prospects outside the Top 200
A total of 200 players might seem like a lot. And we feel our Top 200 Draft prospects list is pretty thorough and a solid representation of the best players in the Class of 2019. If the Draft was solely based only on talent, and things like signability and bonus pools weren’t the large variables they are, that list of players should get drafted over the first six rounds (Pick No. 200 comes three selections into Round 7).
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of other good players all over North America to consider. After all, there will be over 1,200 players selected over the three days of the Draft, June 3-5. And in our conversations with scouts, there are definitely some we find intriguing, even if they didn’t quite make the final cut of the Top 200. Here are five non-Top 200 names Jim Callis and I think are worth keeping an eye on:
Will Childers, RHP, Lakeside HS (Evans, Ga.): At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, he’s got the kind of athletic pitcher’s frame you love from a high school arm. The University of Georgia commit has been up to 94 mph with good angle, will flash an above-average breaking ball and show feel for a changeup.
Michael Curialle, SS, JSerra Catholic HS (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.): JSerra’s had a nice string of shortstops, starting with Chase Strumpf (now the second baseman at top-ranked UCLA) and followed by former No. 1 overall pick Royce Lewis. Now it’s Curialle’s turn. He’s bit and athletic and has the chance to hit for power. He runs better than you might think, with some thinking he has the chance to stay at shortstop. If not, he might be able to handle center field or have the power profile to third. His commitment to follow in Strumpf’s footsteps to UCLA might make him a tough sign.
Grant McCray, OF, Lakewood Ranch HS (Bradenton, Fla.): McCray’s father Rodney played pro ball for a decade and is perhaps known most for crashing through a Minor League outfield fence in 1991. His son, committed to Florida State, is a plus runner who can really play center field. He needs to add strength, but he has some bat whip, allowing scouts to dream that he could eventually become a true center fielder who can drive the ball.
John McMillon, RHP, Texas Tech: McMillon began his college career as a two-way player with huge raw power, both at the plate and the mound. Huge swing and miss issues led to him becoming a pitcher only. The right-hander was touching 100 mph as a freshman, but came out of the gate this spring with a huge dip in his velocity. It’s back up now, and he complements it with an inconsistent slider that’s been better of late.
Ken Waldichuk, LHP, St. Mary’s: Lefties who are 6-foot-4 are always going to get some interest, though Waldichuk has been a bit inconsistent this year after a really good sophomore season. The southpaw will sit around 90-91, but can touch 93-94 mph and will show flashes of a slider, curve and changeup. He misses a ton of bats with a lower slot delivery. While some think he might be a reliever (where his stuff would play up), he does have the repertoire to start.