Potential landing spots of top prospects

We are less than one week away from the 2023 MLB Draft, which is scheduled to run from July 9th to July 11th at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. A moment that will change the lives of a huge group of young baseball prospects, this year’s event in Seattle will see 614 prospects drafted over the course of 20 innings.

There have been a few top prospects entering the 2023 MLB draft that are expected to start early in the selection process, as LSU’s Dylan Crews is widely believed to have been selected with the first overall pick.

Here’s a closer look at the possible selections for the top ten.

#1 Dylan Crews to the Pittsburgh Pirates appears to be the only sure thing in the 2023 MLB Draft

LSU superstar Dylan Crews was closely associated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who earned the first overall pick. This one seems like a no-brainer for the Pirates that Crews could become the club’s next outfielder.

“Taking LSU’s money line tonight in honor of future Pirates legend Dylan Cruz” – @chasenwesty

Through 71 games with LSU this season, Dylan Crews has hit . 426 with 18 home runs and 70 RBI, while hitting base in every game throughout the year. Although there is some hype surrounding the top pick not being kits, sometimes there is no point in overthinking the obvious pick.

#2 Paul Skenes, Washington Nationals

Another member of the LSU Tigers, Paul Skenes is widely regarded as the best pitching prospect in the class, making him an ideal pick for the Washington Nationals. The 6-foot-6 brick right could be important to Citizens, who are currently in the middle of a complete rebuild.

#3 – White Langford, Detroit Tigers

Another potential star player, Wyatt Langford, could be the perfect fit for the Detroit Tigers, who are looking for a cornerstone player to build around. 373 batting average, while also hitting 42 home runs in the process.

During the 2023 Men’s World University Series, Langford hit the longest home run in the tournament’s long history. The 462-foot giant bomb could interest the Tigers as an outfielder with the third overall pick.

#4 – Max Clark, Texas Ranger

One of the best teams in the MLB this season, the Texas Rangers will make the fourth pick this year. While the Rangers have been impressive all season, they could be looking for a long-term addition to the field, which could lead to Max Clarke calling Arlington home.

“I look like Max Clark’s Texas Ranger. Am I right 😉 #StraightUpTX” -RangersFarmTalk

The 18-year-old left-handed hitter could provide the Rangers with elite athleticism, as well as true All-Star potential. While he’s committed to playing for Vanderbilt next season, the Rangers could try to entice him with a hefty signing bonus.

#5 – Walker Jenkins, Minnesota Twins

Arguably the best high school prospect in the 2023 MLB draft, Walker Jenkins is an all-around talent who could be special for the Minnesota Twins. With a strong 6-foot-3 frame, Jenkins could develop into a top left fielder for the Twins. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him picked in fifth place based on the Elite Rise.

#6 – Rhett Lauder, Oakland Athletics

Rhett Lowder comes into the draft as the second best pitching prospect in the class. The 21-year-old from Wake Forest has an elite changeup, which he set up with a fastball that hit 97mph. The Oakland Athletics pretty much need every position, but Lauder could become an exciting part of the club’s future rotation that could feature their better potential teammate, Mason Miller.

“Drafting for need is silly, but the buddies could definitely use a close arm (Rhett Lowder) or a hitting player (Jacob Gonzalez). But….473/.624/.960” – @BWH85

#7 – Kyle Teal, Cincinnati Reds

Left-handed hitting catcher Kyle Teal is the number one player at his position in the draft. Considered an elite athlete, Teel not only shone behind the plate but also spent time on the court. The Cincinnati Reds are one of the hottest teams in MLB and with no prospect in the catcher position, it could be a match made in heaven.

“Rhyt Lauder or Kyle Teal should be your only picks on the Reds draft board.” -KingZouric

#8 – Chase Dolander, Kansas City Royals

Chase Dolander is one of the most enigmatic prospects in the draft. The 6-foot-2 freshman from Tennessee has the stuff and abilities to become the best pitcher in the class, however, he’s coming off a bit of a down year in terms of control. Despite being able to reach 99 miles per hour with his fastball, Dollander struggled at times to lead it.

For the Kansas City Royals, Dolander’s upside and potential may be worth the gamble. If he could harness his formidable arm strength, it might be a steal to rebuild the royal family.

#9 – Noble Meyer, Colorado Rockies

If the Kansas City Royals do indeed pick Dolander, the Colorado Rockies could turn to 6-foot-5 pitcher Noble Meyer. With a fastball that can reach 98 mph and a slider in the mid-80s, Meyer could become a future star for the Rockies. While he has already committed to Oregon, Colorado is nowhere near contentious, so it may be in their interest to build up Meyer slowly.

“I hate that it seems like the Noble Meyer range is now somewhere between 6-9 picks, KC and the Rockies would definitely pick him if he was the best pitcher available” -miami_or_nothin

#10 – Jacob Wilson, Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins have a type, pure hitting, and baserunners (Luis Arraez’s highlight). One of the best honest hitters in the 2023 recruiting class, Jacob Wilson could be a match made in heaven for a Marlins team that has slowly built its elite hitting lineup.

His baseball IQ combined with elite hitting tools could land the Marlins a selection shortstop out of Grand Canyon. Although he’s not known for his power, it’s something he’s shown to improve, hitting 12 home runs in 2022.