The Twins opened the 2017 Draft by taking a California high school shortstop. Whoever gets the first choice in 2018 figures to do the same.
Minnesota made Royce Lewis, whom many scouts believe may move to center field, the No. 1 overall selection on Monday. At this point, Brice Turang is the favorite to headline the 2018 Draft. "He does everything better than Royce Lewis," one evaluator said, "except Lewis is going to hit for more power."
Here's our way-way-too-early projection for the first 10 picks next June, basing the Draft order on the big league standings through Thursday's games.
:: 2017 MLB Draft coverage ::
1. Phillies (22-43): Brice Turang, SS, Santiago HS (Corona, Calif.)
Said the evaluator of the son of former big leaguer Brian Turang: "He's like Christian Yelich, the swing is very similar, but with more speed and he can play shortstop."
2. Giants (26-42): Brady Singer, RHP, Florida
The Cape Cod League's top prospect last summer, he follows A.J. Puk and Alex Faedo as the latest Gators ace with designs on going No. 1.
3. Padres (27-40): Jarred Kelenic, OF, Waukesha (Wis.) West HS
The latest gem from Wisconsin stands out most for his advanced hitting skills but also has true five-tool ability.
4. A's (28-36): Kumar Rocker, RHP, North Oconee HS (Bogart, Ga.)
The top prep pitcher is extremely physical, already reaches the mid-90s with his fastball and flashes a nasty slider.
5. Reds (29-36): Joe Gray Jr. OF, Hattiesburg (Miss.) HS
He has the best raw power in his Draft class, as well as the speed and arm strength to play anywhere in the outfield.
6. Braves (29-36): Seth Beer, 1B, Clemson
After loading up on pitchers with recent first-round picks, Atlanta gets 2018's best college power hitter.
7. White Sox (29-36): Tristan Casas, 1B/3B, American Heritage HS (Plantation, Fla.)
Reclassified from 2019 to 2018 in January, he'd give Chicago another basher to go with 2017 first-rounder Jake Burger.
8. Marlins (29-35): Luken Baker, 1B, Texas Christian
Yet another slugger, he's missing the Horned Frogs' College World Series run with a broken arm.
9. Pirates (30-36): Konnor Pilkington, LHP, Mississippi State
2018's top southpaw has a strong frame, a fastball that reaches 95 mph and a pair of potential solid secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup.
10. Cardinals (30-35): Nick Madrigal, 2B/SS, Oregon State
The sparkplug of the 54-4 Beavers' No. 1-ranked team may be just 5-foot-7 and 161 pounds, but he hits line drives, steals bases and is a sure-handed defender.