2018 MLB Draft: First round review, spots 11-20

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 three articles for space reasons.

Click here for Part One, spots 1-10

11) Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Baltimore Orioles: High school pitcher from Nacogdoches, Texas; pro debut was successful with 1.40 ERA in 19 innings in Gulf Coast rookie league, 20/ K/BB and positive scouting reports, probably opens 2019 in New York-Penn League although some chance he could start in Low-A.

12) Jordan Groshans, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays: High school infielder from Magnolia, Texas, ripped up GCL at .331/.390/.500 in 142 at-bats, moved up to Appalachian League and less effective in 44 at-bats, .182/.229/.273; glove will fit well at third; may open 2019 in Low-A, reports look good right now.

13) Connor Scott, OF, Miami Marlins: High school outfielder from Tampa, Florida; pushed very quickly, hit .223/.319/.311 in 103 at-bats in GCL, promoted to Low-A and hit .211/.295/.276 in 76 at-bats; scouts love him but he did not hit well at either level, should return to Low-A in ‘19.

14) Logan Gilbert, RHP, Seattle Mariners: Stetson University ace came down with mononucleosis shortly after the draft and ended up being hospitalized; did not pitch in pro ball as a result, probably opens ‘19 in Low-A but polished enough to move quite quickly once established.

15) Cole Winn, RHP, Texas Rangers: Prep arm from Orange, California, did not pitch after signing as part of Rangers orientation program for high school arms, unclear where/when he opens 219, could be Low-A in April, Low-A after extended spring training, or short-season ball.

16) Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays: Big lefty from Glendale, Arizona; posted 1.38 ERA in 33 innings in rookie ball, 37/13 K/BB, quite successful, could open in either Low-A or short-season in ‘19, Rays are usually conservative with young arms.

17) Jordyn Adams, OF, Los Angeles Angels: High school outfielder from Cary, North Carolina; hit .243/.354/.329 in 70 at-bats in Arizona Rookie League then .314/.375/.486 in 35 at-bats in Pioneer League, was heating up when he broke his jaw in early August and missed rest of season, likely opens 2019 in Low-A.

18) Brady Singer, RHP, Kansas City Royals: University of Florida ace did not pitch after signing due to long college season, probably begins 2019 in High-A with Double-A promotion fairly rapid if he performs as expected.

19) Nolan Gorman, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals: High school slugger from Phoenix, Arizona, destroyed Appy League at .350/.443/.664 in 143 at-bats, promoted to Low-A and hit .202/.280/.426 in 94 at-bats against older competition; huge power and has a chance to stick at third, probably opens ‘19 in Low-A.

20) Trevor Larnach, OF, Minnesota Twins: Oregon State mainstay hit .311/.413/.492 in 61 at-bats in Appy League, moved up to Low-A and hit .297/.373/.505 in 91 at-bats, impressive debut with quick adaptation to pro pitching, should begin 2019 in High-A.