2020 MLB Draft Day 1 Thread

[Andrew Thares]

Be sure to refresh this page as we will be making updates throughout the night.

 

The 2020 MLB Draft is finally here. This was supposed to be an historic draft for Major League Baseball, as it was originally scheduled to take place in Omaha, Nebraska ahead of the College World Series. However, that all changed with the outbreak of COVID-19. Now, the MLB Draft will be historic for an entirely different reason, as it will consist of just five rounds, the fewest in MLB Draft history.The first day of the 2020 MLB Draft will be available to watch on ESPN & MLB Network, and can be streamed on MLB.com beginning at 6:00 pm CT on Wednesday night, and will be covering Round 1 and Competitive Balance Round A. Rounds 2 through 5 will be held on Thursday night beginning at 4:00 pm CT, and can be viewed on ESPN 2 & MLB Network, and can also be streamed on MLB.com.

 

In total, the Minnesota Twins will have just four selections in this year’s draft, as they traded away their Competitive Balance Round B selection to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Kenta Maeda trade. Additionally, they also forfeited their third-round selection by signing Josh Donaldson, who had turned down a qualifying offer from the Atlanta Braves. Here are the Twins four picks and the slot value associated with each of those picks.

 

1st Round: 27th Overall - $2,570,100

2nd Round: 59th Overall - $1,185,500

4th Round: 128th Overall - $442,900

5th Round: 158th Overall - $330,100

 

Some of you probably haven’t had the chance to read up on the prospects that will be taken tonight. So, if you would like to read up a little bit more on these prospects, here are the links to the Twins Daily MLB Draft Prospect rankings.

 

Twins Daily 2020 MLB Draft Prospect Rankings

2020 MLB Draft Top 50 Prospect: 1-10

2020 MLB Draft Top 50 Prospect: 11-20

2020 MLB Draft Top 50 Prospect: 21-30

2020 MLB Draft Top 50 Prospect: 31-40

2020 MLB Draft Top 50 Prospect: 41-50

 

I also encourage you to take time to read Seth Stohs Minnesota Twins Draft Preview, where he gives you all the information you need to be prepared for the Twins draft, along with listing a few prospects that have a great shot at being selected by the Twins with the 27th overall pick later tonight.

 

Additionally, a few of our Twins Daily staffers have offered their own predictions for who the Twins will select with their first-round pick.

 

Andrew Thares

 

Casey Martin, SS, Arkansas

 

The Twins have shown an affinity for taking hitters, particularly college hitters, in the early stages of the draft in recent years. I expect that trend to continue again in this year’s draft. There are a number of quality college hitters the Twins could be targeting with their first-round pick, but a player that peaks my interest is University of Arkansas shortstop Casey Martin.

 

Martin had a tremendous freshman season, which helped lead Arkansas all the way to the National Championship series, where they fell short to Trevor Larnach’s Oregon State team. While Martin comes with some risk, I believe he has more potential upside than many of the other college hitters in this draft.

 

Tom Froemming

 

Daniel Cabrera, OF, LSU

 

It's possible Cabrera is taken before the Twins pick, but it wouldn't surprise me to see other teams pass on a collegiate corner outfielder who's only shown so-so in-game power. It's not a profile you can pin big dreams on, but Cabrera strikes me as among the players in this range most likely to have some sort of an MLB career.

 

This is a short draft. I'd be risk averse, given the circumstances.

 

Yep, another corner outfielder. Why not? Value is value, and you can always trade from organizational areas of strength. Derek Falvey seems to relish in plucking unheralded pitchers from the most obscure of places. The Twins haven't taken a pitcher in the first round during Falvey's first three drafts, I'm gonna bet that streak continues.

 

Cody Christie

 

Bobby Miller, RHP, Louisville

 

College players are going to be the way to go by the time the Twins pick rolls around in the first round. Miller has some upside with a fastball clocking in the mid-90s. His teammate Reid Detmers will go much higher, but Miller could be a very valuable pick for the Twins at this point in the draft.

 

Matthew Taylor

 

Ed Howard, SS, Mount Carmel HS, IL

 

I think the Twins take HS shortstop prospect, Ed Howard with the #27 pick in the draft. The Twins have a clear need up the middle, with not much depth behind Royce Lewis (and no guarantee of Lewis even playing shortstop long term). Howard projects to be a great athlete with good hands. At just 18 years old, he figures to be a project, but would be a very solid choice on draft night should he fall to the Twins.

 

Twins Selection:

 

Twins Daily Top 5 Prospects Available (Live):

 

12. Jared Kelley | Refugio HS, TX | Pos: RHP

21. J.T. Ginn | Mississippi State | Pos: RHP

22. Cole Wilcox | Georgia | Pos: RHP

23. Daniel Cabrera | LSU | Pos: OF

28. Casey Martin | Arkansas | Pos: SS

 

MLB Draft 1st Round Selections (Live):

 

1st Overall – Tigers | Spencer Torkelson | Arizona State | Pos: 1B

2nd Overall – Orioles | Heston Kjerstad | Arkansas | Pos: OF

3rd Overall – Marlins | Max Meyer | Minnesota | Pos: RHP

4th Overall – Royals | Asa Lacy | Texas A&M | Pos: LHP

5th Overall – Blue Jays | Austin Martin | Vanderbilt | Pos: Utility

6th Overall – Mariners | Emerson Hancock | Georgia | Pos: RHP

7th Overall – Pirates | Nick Gonzales | New Mexico State | Pos: 2B

8th Overall – Padres | Robert Hassell | Independence HS, Thompson's Station, TN | Pos: OF

9th Overall – Rockies | Zac Veen | Spruce Creek HS, Port Orange, FL | Pos: OF

10th Overall – Angels | Reid Detmers | Louisville | Pos: LHP

11th Overall – White Sox | Garrett Crochet | Tennessee | Pos: LHP

12th Overall – Reds | Austin Hendrick | West Alleghney HS, Imperial, PA | Pos: OF

13th Overall – Giants | Patrick Bailey | North Carolina State | Pos: C

14th Overall – Rangers | Justin Foscue | Mississippi State | Pos: 2B

15th Overall – Phillies | Mick Abel | Jesuit HS, Portland, OR | Pos: RHP

16th Overall – Cubs | Ed Howard | Mount Carmel HS, IL | Pos: SS

17th Overall – Red Sox | Nick Yorke | Archbishop Mitty HS, San Jose, CA | Pos: 2B

18th Overall – Diamondbacks | Bryce Jarvis | Duke | Pos: RHP

19th Overall – Mets | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Harvark-Westlake HS, Studio City, CA | Pos: OF

20th Overall – Brewers | Garrett Mitchell | UCLA | Pos: OF

21st Overall – Cardinals | Jordan Walker | Decatur HS, GA | Pos: 3B/OF

22nd Overall – Nationals | Cade Cavalli | Oklahoma | Pos: RHP

23rd Overall – Indians | Carson Tucker | Mountain Pointe HS, Phoenix, AZ | Pos: SS

24th Overall – Rays | Nick Bitsko | Central Bucks East HS, Doylestown, PA | Pos: RHP

25th Overall – Braves | Jared Shuster | Wake Forest | Pos: LHP

26th Overall – Athletics | Tyler Soderstrom | Turlock HS, CA | Pos: C

27th Overall – Twins | Aaron Sabato | UNC | Pos: 1B

28th Overall – Yankees | Austin Wells | Arizona | Pos: C

29th Overall – Dodgers | Bobby Miller | Louisville | Pos: RHP

 

*Note the Houston Astros do not have a first or second round pick as part of their punishment from Major League Baseball for sign stealing.

 

Read up on some of the other great draft coverage on Twins Daily

 

First Round Busts: The Twins Struckout Three Consecutive Years

Reviewing Minnesota’s Recent First-Round Picks

What does MLB History Say About the 27th Pick?

Mike Trout and 3 Other Stars the Twins Passed On in the MLB Draft

How Should the Twins Strategically Approach the MLB Draft?

 

MORE FROM TWINS DAILY

— Latest Twins coverage from our writers

— Recent Twins discussion in our forums

— Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email

 

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[AlwaysinModeration]

Is it just me, or is Spencer Torkelson an unlikely name for a top prospect?

[SteelDodo]

Looking forward to tonight!

 

One interesting rumor I read is that one team was thinking about intentionally drafting a difficult sign in the first round this year. Then, low ball the draftee, so that he won't sign and the team will get another first round pick next year.

Generally, I think this would be stupid. However, with the draft most likely being much stronger next year AND the extreme lack of scouting teams were able to do this year, it does stand to reason that players drafted next year will be much safer than those drafted this year.

 

To me it seems too much like gaming the system, so I wouldn't do it, but it is an interesting idea. Thoughts?

[Andrew Thares]

 

Looking forward to tonight!

 

One interesting rumor I read is that one team was thinking about intentionally drafting a difficult sign in the first round this year. Then, low ball the draftee, so that he won't sign and the team will get another first round pick next year.

Generally, I think this would be stupid. However, with the draft most likely being much stronger next year AND the extreme lack of scouting teams were able to do this year, it does stand to reason that players drafted next year will be much safer than those drafted this year.

 

To me it seems too much like gaming the system, so I wouldn't do it, but it is an interesting idea. Thoughts?

I think this approach would definitely be gaming the system. If a team used this strategy, I think the MLB would step in and punish that team, possibly not giving them the extra draft pick next year. Hopefully no team actually stoops down to this level.

[ashbury]

My prediction is that the Twins first round pick will be someone they are shocked, shocked fell to them.

 

Hope it's a good collitch pitcher. If there's a run on that category in the earlier picks, then an up-the-middle talent should be fungible.

 

The pool of dollars that can be applied is too complex and depends on information unknowable to me, so I don't have a guess as to whether they might try something bold.

[DocBauer]

My prediction is that the Twins first round pick will be someone they are shocked, shocked fell to them.

 

Hope it's a good collitch pitcher. If there's a run on that category in the earlier picks, then an up-the-middle talent should be fungible.

And with the crazy state we find ourselves in, I wouldn't be surprised. All logic would dictate a college pitcher. Even at 27, it would appear the great depth this year should bring someone the Twins really like.

 

But as crazy as things are, it wouldn't surprise if a HS player slipped down that far. I forget his name right now, but there is a TOP HS SS I've read of that might be right in the Twins wheelhouse if things play just right.

[Tom Froemming]

 

Is it just me, or is Spencer Torkelson an unlikely name for a top prospect?

Ha! I just thought to myself that might be the least intimidating name of a big-time prospect I've ever heard, lol. 

[ashbury]

But as crazy as things are, it wouldn't surprise if a HS player slipped down that far. I forget his name right now, but there is a TOP HS SS I've read of that might be right in the Twins wheelhouse if things play just right.

Howard, probably? And he's exactly the guy I won't try to guess about, if he's available. If you pick him, you have to sign him, and that's a pretty big gamble, given the two draft picks we're already missing.

 

[ashbury]

Ha! I just thought to myself that might be the least intimidating name of a big-time prospect I've ever heard, lol. 

Leading by a run or two in the ninth, a guy on second and you're behind in the count, and you know TORK is on deck? Could be intimidating.

 

Post-game reaction, "uffda, he TORQUED that hanger."

 

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

Torkelson was just taken and (at least according to MLB.com) announced as a 3rd baseman.

[ashbury]

announced as a 3rd baseman.

Apparently the house analysts have a sense of humor.

 

[Seth Stohs]

Max Meyer is going #3 to the Marlins. #MarlinsRepresent

[operation mindcrime]

Congrats to Max Meyer!!!!!

[ashbury]

Looking at TD's rankings, both the Orioles and Marlins kind of reached with their top picks?

[Andrew Thares]

 

Looking at TD's rankings, both the Orioles and Marlins kind of reached with their top picks?

I think the Orioles are trying to save money with their pick, and there was a wide split on how people felt about Meyer coming into the draft, so not a total surprise that he went off the board this early. All it takes is one team to buy in on him.

[Sielk]

Well, on some lists Meyer was higher. Keith Law of the Athletic had him fourth. But Kjerstad I have never seen that high. My first thougth was: WHAT?

 

Most mocks seemed to agree that Torkelson, Martin and Lacy were the top three.

[ashbury]

All it takes is one team to buy in on him.

That could be a working definition of a "reach", of course.

 

[Tom Froemming]

I wonder what the longest a draft has gone before a C, SS or CF was drafted.

[ashbury]

I wonder what the longest a draft has gone before a C, SS or CF was drafted.

b-r.com says in 2013 SS Hunter Dozier was the 8th overall pick. There were 4 pitchers and 3(!) third basemen who went ahead of him.

 

[Tom Froemming]

 

b-r.com says in 2013 SS Hunter Dozier was the 8th overall pick. There were 4 pitchers and 3(!) third basemen who went ahead of him.
 

And the funny thing there is Dozier played all of nine games at shortstop in the minor leagues. 

[Tom Froemming]

That's the first time in draft history the first seven picks were all college guys.

[AlwaysinModeration]

The Twins guy is still available!

[Tom Froemming]

 

Ha! I just thought to myself that might be the least intimidating name of a big-time prospect I've ever heard, lol. 

Garrett Crochet also belongs in this conversation. 

[Andrew Thares]

Teams are showing that they are going risk averse in the draft so far. Mick Abel deserves to be well off the board, but as a high school right hander, with presumably a high signing bonus asking price, teams are deciding to steer away from him. 

[ashbury]

Garrett Crochet also belongs in this conversation. 

"Ohhhh! He really... uh... stitched together a great inning!" Yeah, um, no.

 

[Andrew Thares]

 

Teams are showing that they are going risk averse in the draft so far. Mick Abel deserves to be well off the board, but as a high school right hander, with presumably a high signing bonus asking price, teams are deciding to steer away from him. 

And just like that, Abel goes off the board with the very next pick.

[ashbury]

Anyone hoping for Ed Howard, SS, had their hopes dashed by the Cubs just now.

[DocBauer]

If Meyer was 2 inches taller, I wonder if he would have been the #1? Everything is seemingly there except the traditional worries about downward plane and endurance not having that "classic" build.

[DocBauer]

Anyone hoping for Ed Howard, SS, had their hopes dashed by the Cubs just now.

 

Shows teams aren't afraid to draft and sign the top HS talent available, even with the deferred money involved.

[Danchat]

According to MLB.com, the Red Sox just took their 139th ranked prospect at #17, Nick Yorke.