Now that the Luis Robert hype has finally started to settle, fans will be turning their attention to the next phase of the White Sox rebuild: the 2017 MLB Draft. Everyone already seems to be looking ahead to the 2018 Draft, when Seth Beer will be in play. That’s fine and all, but the 2017 MLB Draft is going to produce many stars in its own right. RHP/SS Hunter Greene, LHP/1B Brendan McKay, and RHP Kyle Wright are the “Big 3” this year, but there is still plenty talent to be had. Today, I see three perfect fits for the White Sox at no. 11. Whether or not they will be there is a different story. That being said, here are the three prospects the White Sox could be in play for come Monday.
1) 1B Pavin Smith- Junior, Virginia
Pavin Smith has been regarded as having one of the best bats in the country. Standing at 6’2, 210 lb, he has the build to become a legit slugger in the MLB. And with Jose Abreu not getting any younger, there is eventually going to be a need for a first baseman. Perhaps the most incredible trait Smith possesses is his plate discipline. Through 43 games this season he has 10 home runs, compared to just 6 (!) strikeouts. There is no doubt amongst anyone that he is one of, if not the toughest out in college baseball.
The combination of power, high on-base percentage, and a future need at first base all factor into this pick. If Smith is available at no. 11, don’t be shocked if the White Sox pounce.
2) OF Austin Beck- Prep Senior
Beck tore his ACL last season, causing him to miss all of last summer’s showcase circuit. However, this season he has shown everyone why he is still very much worthy of a top-10 pick. A 5-tool player, Beck uses his elite bat speed to generate most of his power. He also uses 60 grade speed both in the field and on the base paths. Some scouts worry about his swing and how he will handle a wooden bat once he goes pro, but if he can adjust, he could be a 25-25 threat and should blossom into a star.
1) OF Jeren Kendall- Junior, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt has a proven track history of producing studs, and Jeren Kendall is just another example of that. The most “toolsy” player in this draft, there were talks of him going no. 1 overall early last year. Standing at just 5’10 180 lb, Kendall possesses a decent amount of strength which comes from his short, simple swing. The best aspect of his game though is definitely his elite speed. Grading out at 70, he uses it both in the field and on the base paths, and can stretch a double into a triple with relative ease. Pair all of this with his cannon of an arm, and we are looking at one of the top talents in the draft. So, why would he be in play for the White Sox outside of the top 10?
Strikeout rate.
Last season his strikeout rate was already high at 21%. This year it has actually gotten worse as it is hovering around 25%, causing some teams to shy away in fear that he won’t tap into his offensive ceiling. Scouts compare his overall game to Jacoby Ellsbury but with a much stronger arm. If he is available at 11, he will undoubtedly be selected by Rick Hahn. Kendall and Luis Robert would eventually form 2/3 of the fastest outfield in all of baseball, and that has to sound enticing to the entire front office.
Earlier today, the 312 Podcast spoke with MLB.com’s Jim Callis on the potential of Kendall dropping to the White Sox. You can check out the full episode above, or skip to 5:10 to hear about the White Sox.
