The 2023 MLB Draft was filled with anticipation and excitement as teams searched for the next generation of baseball stars. With so much talent available, it was inevitable that there would be some hidden gems and bargains found in the later rounds. On a recent episode of the Pipeline Podcast, writers Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo highlighted their choices for the best value picks in each round.
In the first round, the Philadelphia Phillies made a great selection by picking Aidan Miller, a shortstop from J.W. Mitchell High School in Florida. Despite being ranked at number 13, Miller slipped to the 27th pick, giving the Phillies a steal. Mayo praised Miller’s hitting ability and power. While he may transition to third base, Miller still possesses immense talent and could have been a top-10 pick.
Moving to the second round, the San Francisco Giants made a smart move by selecting Walker Martin, a shortstop from Eaton High School in Colorado. Martin, a former quarterback, is an athletic player with a powerful profile. Callis was surprised that Martin fell to the 52nd pick, as he had garnered interest in the first round.
The Milwaukee Brewers made a strong choice in the third round by selecting Eric Bitonti, a left-handed-hitting infielder from Aquinas High School in California. Standing at six-foot-four, Bitonti possesses raw power and athleticism. Mayo believes he will likely move to third base but gives credit to the Brewers for their selection of high-end high school players.
In the fourth round, the Cincinnati Reds made a surprising pick with Cole Schoenwetter, a right-handed pitcher from San Marcos High School in California. Callis was taken aback by the selection, as high school players who are not picked on the first day typically go early on the second day. Schoenwetter offers high upside and potential, making him a great pick for the Reds.
The fifth round saw the Kansas City Royals choose Spencer Nivens, an outfielder from Missouri State University. Mayo highlighted Nivens’ hitting ability and contact skills, as he rarely strikes out. With a chance to develop average power, Nivens could prove to be an interesting player with a promising bat.
In the sixth round, the Brewers struck gold again with Cooper Pratt, a shortstop from Magnolia Heights High School in Mississippi. Both Callis and Mayo expressed their excitement for Pratt, comparing him to Gunnar Henderson. With an advanced bat, Pratt could be a steal for the Brewers and could find himself in the Futures Game in just a few years.
The Chicago White Sox made a solid pick in the seventh round by selecting George Wolkow, an outfielder from Downers Grove North High School in Illinois. Wolkow brings a big left-handed power bat, although he may need to work on his swing and decision-making. With his athleticism and strong arm, Wolkow has the potential to be a valuable asset in right field.
In the eighth round, the Texas Rangers made a steal by choosing Julian Brock, a catcher from Louisiana Lafayette. Callis praised the Rangers for their selection, as the college catching pool was not very strong this year. Brock offers power and strength, and he showed improvement in his hitting ability this season. With solid defensive skills and a quick release, Brock has the potential to become a well-rounded catcher.
In the ninth round, the White Sox made another excellent choice by picking Jake Peppers, a right-handed pitcher from Jacksonville State. Peppers has experience as both a starter and a reliever, but Mayo believes he should be given a chance to start at the next level. With three effective pitches, including a slider that misses bats, Peppers has the potential to make a significant impact.
Finally, in the tenth round, the Minnesota Twins selected Ross Dunn, a left-handed pitcher from Arizona State University. Dunn possesses a deceptive low-90s fastball, as well as a strong slider and changeup. While he needs to work on his command, Dunn’s three-pitch arsenal and build make him an intriguing prospect. With improvements, he could potentially be a number four starter.
Overall, the 2023 MLB Draft showcased a deep crop of talent, and teams were able to find value picks in the later rounds. From high school standouts to college stars, these players have the potential to make a significant impact on the future of baseball.