2018 MLB Draft: First round review, spots 21-30

Kris Dunn has been writing up reviews of the 2018 MLB draft classes and where the top prospects fit onto each team’s MLB Pipeline prospect list.

As a companion series to Kris’ fine work, here’s a quick summary of the players drafted in the first round this year and how they are doing so far, plus an educated guess about where they will begin 2019. We’ll divide this into four articles for space reasons.

Click here for Part One, spots 1-10

Click here for Part Two, spots 11-20

21) Brice Turang, SS, Milwaukee Brewers: Prep infielder from Corona, California hit .319/.421/.362 in 47 at-bats in Arizona Rookie League, then .268/.385/.348 in 112 at-bats in Pioneer League; stole 14 bases in 16 attempts, drew 31 walks against 34 strikeouts; need defensive polish and power development remains uncertain but speed/walks combo projects well at top of order, should open 2019 in Low-A.

22) Ryan Rolison, LHP, Colorado Rockies: University of Mississippi lefty posted 1.86 ERA in 29 innings in Pioneer League, 34/8 K/BB, just 15 hits; strong debut, will probably open 2019 in High-A and could move quickly.

23) Anthony Seigler, C, New York Yankees: High school catcher from Cartersville, Georgia, hit .333/.429/.472 in 36 at-bats in Gulf Coast League then .209/.340/.233 in 40 at-bats in Appalachian League, drew 14 walks against 12 strikeouts overall; could open 2019 in extended spring with June assignment to New York-Penn League but at least some chance he could open in Low-A.

24) Nico Hoerner, SS, Chicago Cubs: Stanford infielder got off to a good start hitting .327/.450/.571 in 49 at-bats between rookie ball, Northwest League, and low-A until season ended early with elbow injury; should open 2019 in High-A depending on health status.

25) Matt McLain, INF, Arizona Diamondbacks: High school shortstop from Irvine, California; did not sign and will instead attend UCLA.

26) Triston Casas, 3B, Boston Red Sox: High school power bat from Plantation, Florida; went 0-for-4 in Gulf Coast League then tore a thumb ligament; assignment for 2019 will depend on how recovery goes, doesn’t turn 19 until January so extended spring then NY-P may be the path.

27) Mason Denaburg, RHP, Washington Nationals: Prep right-hander from Merritt Island, Florida; suffered some biceps tendinitis in the spring and did not pitch in pro ball after signing; 2019 assignment will depend on health outlook.

28) Seth Beer, 1B-OF, Houston Astros: Clemson slugger continued to rip in pro ball, hitting combined .304/.389/.496 with 12 homers, 25 walks, 49 strikeouts in 260 at-bats between NY-P, Low-A, and High-A; probably returns to High-A to open 2019 with promotion to Double-A on tap quickly if he keeps hitting well, may not be challenged fully until such a promotion.

29) Bo Naylor, C, Cleveland Indians: High school catcher from Ontario hit .274/.381/.402 in rookie ball with 21/28 BB/K in 117 at-bats and 29% of runners caught; like Casas, he could begin in extended spring then move up to NY-P in June, doesn’t turn 19 until February.

30) J. T. Ginn, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers: Hard-thrower from high school in Brandon, Mississippi, eschewed pro ball and will pitch for Mississippi State University.