MLB Rumors

The New York Yankees had to rely on their depth to win in 2019.

Stars like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Severino, Miguel Andujar and others all spent extensive time on the injured list, forcing unheralded players like Gio Urshela and Luke Voit to take on key roles.

New York's collective will paid off in 2019, with the Yankees winning 103 games and reaching the American League Championship Series. However, it seems likely manager Aaron Boone would prefer less lineup juggling and more continuity going forward.

Things certainly did not begin that way this spring. Severino and left-hander James Paxton both hit the shelf. It only got worse for the Bronx Bombers when it was revealed Judge had been harboring a rib injury. Had the season started on time, the Yankees would not have been at full strength.

But the delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic have allowed many of New York's wounded to recover. 

Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported the Yankees expect Judge to be ready for "a late July Opening Day." Bowden also noted New York feels outfielder Aaron Hicks—who underwent Tommy John surgery in October—will be ready, something Hicks echoed to George A. King III of the New York Post.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Major League Baseball Players Association is expected to vote yes to essentially lock in a 60-game season starting July 24, which bodes well for Judge and the Yankees.

The 28-year-old's recovery has been kept pretty quiet. As Lindsey Adler of The Athletic noted, there has not been a solid update on Judge in the past month. But it would seem he has been making strides, otherwise a setback might have led to surgery.

DJ LeMahieu might have been the Yankees' most valuable player last season, but Judge is the team's best all-around star. 

Judge hit 27 homers and posted a .921 OPS in 102 games last season. He ranked 13th among qualified outfielders in terms of outs above average (OAA), per Baseball Savant. Judge also ranked fifth in defensive runs saved (DRS) and third in ultimate zone rating (UZR), per FanGraphs.

The Yankees know what Judge can do on the diamond. But can he stay healthy?

         

Joey Bart Not Expected to Make Opening Day Roster

   

For years, the San Francisco Giants have had a staple behind the dish in Buster Posey. But as the team gears up for a retool, fans hope top prospect Joey Bart can have a similar impact.

Bart was with the Giants during spring training, putting together a strong camp. The 23-year-old slashed .438/.526/.875 with two homers in nine games.

But Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reported that, while Bart will be in camp again, he is "likely not a candidate for opening day."

The Giants likely want the former No. 2 overall pick to get just a little more seasoning before getting the call to The Show. Bart performed well at Double-A Richmond, slashing .316/.368/.544 with four homers. However, he also played just 22 games at that level.

It should not be long before Bart gets the call. But it is unlikely he will be the Giants' starting catcher on Opening Day 2020.

      

Sandoval Cleared For Corner Infield Work

   

Baggarly also reported veteran infielder Pablo Sandoval has been cleared to play either first or third base ahead of the season. The Venezuelan had been used as a designated hitter in spring training, but can now put in work at wither of the corner spots.

Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery last August, but his throwing elbow appears to have received the green light if he is also going to play the hot corner. Given past durability issues, however, it would hardly be a surprise if the Giants split more time at first between Brandon Belt, Posey and Sandoval.

The 33-year-old experienced something of a renaissance in 2019. Sandoval slashed .268/.313/.507, hitting 14 homers and 23 doubles in under 300 plate appearances while also posting a 114 OPS+.

Sandoval was a key figure for a Giants franchise that won three World Series titles between 2010 and 2014, winning World Series MVP in 2012.

While he might be one of the old heads on the team, Sandoval is still a fan favorite in the Bay Area. 

       

All stats obtained via Baseball Reference, unless otherwise noted.

Yankees fans everywhere have probably had a similar vision running through their minds for the past six months: Gerrit Cole on the mound in a pivotal October contest, pitching for a shot at New York's 28th championship.

Cole himself might even have dreamed something along those lines.

The 2020 MLB season has yet to commence, though, with the coronavirus pandemic halting the start of play and an ongoing battle between the owners and players about how to resume. But that will not stop Cole from trying to realize a childhood fantasy.

New York's most expensive free-agent signing ever has been throwing on the bump at Yankee Stadium. No, really. Cole has posted numerous photos and videos of himself on the mound, and it appears he worked out with Yankees reliever Adam Ottovino.

Cole posted an Instagram video of himself throwing a bullpen session in Yankee Stadium to the tune of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" earlier this week. Of course, throwing in the bullpen does not generate quite the same feeling as taking the hill.

The 29-year-old was the hottest free agent in baseball this past season after a dominant 2019. Cole went 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA in his second season with the Houston Astros. He led the majors in strikeouts (326) and ERA+ (185), and he also had a dominant postseason.

As a result, Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees, the largest amount of guaranteed money for any pitcher in MLB history.

Cole had a number of suitors, but there was a certain romanticism tied to his decision to go to the Bronx. This was the same player who, even as a kid, deemed himself a Yankee fan "forever." Moreover, the Yankees seemed to be missing the kind of ace who could put them over the top in their pursuit of a World Series. Cole looked like the missing piece to the puzzle.

Of course, there is still plenty of uncertainty regarding the state of the 2020 season. But Cole is not waiting any longer to experience the feeling of pitching at Yankee Stadium.

     

Astros add Another Correa

The Astros are still hoping shortstop Carlos Correa can fulfill his superstar potential over the course of a full season. In the meantime, another Correa is joining the organization.

Houston signed Carlos' younger brother, J.C., as an undrafted free agent on Wednesday. The Astros shortstop sent congratulations out to his little brother in response.

J.C. began his collegiate career at Alvin Community College in Texas, but he eventually transferred to Lamar University in Beaumont, where he showed immense promise. 

As a 20-year-old, the younger Correa hit 10 home runs and had a .910 OPS in 53 games. J.C. struggled at the start of the 2020 campaign, slashing just .245/.317/.321 through 14 games. 

But the Astros appear to be sold on J.C.'s potential and positional versatility. Perhaps the young infielder can join his older brother in the bigs someday. 

     

All stats obtained via Baseball Reference, unless otherwise noted.

The 2017 Houston Astros unwillingly became the talk of the baseball community when the details of a sign-stealing investigation were revealed and unraveled last fall.

Similarly, players and fans alike waited with bated breath when the 2018 Boston Red Sox were accused of using technology to implement their own system.

Now, another American League powerhouse is under the microscope: the New York Yankees.

On Friday, Evan Drellich of The Athletic reported a New York judge ruled that a letter sent by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to the Bronx Bombers in 2017 be unsealed. It is said to contain details of yet another sign-stealing scandal.

Judge Jed Rakoff said the letter was not to be unsealed until June 19 so as to allow the Yankees an appeal. New York has done just that.

Drellich reported Monday that the Yankees and MLB formally submitted their appeal, adding "the public release of Manfred's 2017 letter to [general manager Brian] Cashman is unlikely to be decided until August at the earliest, according to a person with knowledge of the case."

As Drellich noted in his first report, a Yankees official said: "We're not doing this to cover up a smoking gun." Similarly, MLB officials feel revelations from the letter's contents might "undermine its ability to conduct internal investigations in the future by undermining teams' faith in their confidentiality,” as Rakoff wrote. Of course, given recent investigations, there is room for skepticism. 

The news has garnered a number of different reactions from around the league. Astros shortstop Carlos Correa seemed to take a shot at the Yankees on Instagram.

His caption is a direct copy from a previous tweet from Yankees star Aaron Judge after Mike Fiers spoke to The Athletic about Houston's sign-stealing methods.

Other Astros stars—such as Lance McCullers, Alex Bregman and Josh Reddick—also reacted on Twitter (via Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle).

The appeal gives all parties some additional time, which is imperative given the current labor war between MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Yankees president Randy Levine said Tuesday the players need to re-engage the owners in negotiations to commence the 2020 season. He argued finances are not the issue in negotiations. Rather, he cited purported differences over "health and safety protocols."

In any case, the contents of Manfred's letter to the Yankees remains sealed, for now. Come August, though, baseball might have to brace itself for yet another sign-stealing scandal.  

The New York Yankees' starting rotation already took a hit when it was announced Luis Severino needed Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow.

But while the loss of Severino might have cost the Yankees dearly in 2020, the loss of an entire season might do even more damage to the Bronx Bombers.

The labor war between the owners and players seems to have no end in sight. Less than a week after telling ESPN there would "100 percent" be an MLB season, commissioner Rob Manfred suddenly changed course Monday and told SportsCenter he was not confident baseball would be played this year. 

If the two sides cannot come to a resolution, there is a real chance the Yankees will have lost their opportunity to contend for a World Series with this core. They had signed superstar right-hander Gerrit Cole in the offseason to be the anchor of their rotation, but both Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton will be free agents this winter.

There is certainly the chance the Yankees bring back both Tanaka and Paxton, but they already have over $134 million committed to just seven players in 2021, per Baseball Reference. The Yankees also have a number of young arms on the rise, such as Deivi Garcia and Jordan Montgomery. It is possible they opt to sign one of their free-agent starters.

In that case, who will the Yankees bring back? There certainly is more familiarity with Tanaka. And according to George A. King III of the New York Post, the Yankees appreciate the no-nonsense attitude with which Tanaka goes about his business.

The 31-year-old has been fairly steady for the Yankees since coming to New York in 2014. In six seasons, he has a 3.75 ERA and 113 ERA+. He has also been the team's strongest postseason starter, posting a 1.76 ERA and 0.783 WHIP across 46 innings of work.

Tanaka will be 32 in November and is unlikely to command more than the $23 million he was originally slated to make in 2020.

"He was tough to read last season," an American League scout said in May, per the New York Post's Dan Martin. "He's got a good track record even with that, so it's not like he has to prove himself like some other guys do in similar positions, but it would be interesting to find out how much of what happened to him was because of the ball."

Paxton will also be 32 in November, though King noted he is represented by Scott Boras and might demand more in the open market. The left-hander is also more of the "power pitcher" prototype many teams seem to covet, and he has a 3.28 fielding independent pitching mark in seven seasons.

The Yankees would probably prefer to re-sign both starters to keep the rotation intact. But in the event they feel obligated to choose, the familiarity with Tanaka, as well as his postseason track record, might make him the most likely candidate to remain in the Bronx.

         

Nick Bitsko Expected to Sign With Rays This Week

   

The Tampa Bay Rays took a flier on high school pitching prospect Nick Bitsko in last week's MLB draft, selecting Bisko with the 24th overall pick. 

But signing the 18-year-old does not look like it will be much of an issue.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported negotiations between Bitsko and the Rays will take place sometime this week, adding the team is "optimistic of a deal." 

Bitsko's draft slot comes with a projected signing bonus of over $2.8 million, and Topkin said the teenager will be paid "likely around $3 million."

The Pennsylvania native was initially supposed to graduate in the Class of 2021, but an advanced academic schedule allowed him to earn draft-eligibility for this summer, with a scholarship to the University of Virginia in his back pocket just in case.

Bitsko was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania. The 6'4" hurler has a full arsenal at his command, with biting breaking stuff and a fastball that can reach up to 97 mph, per Perfect Game.

The Rays have a history of cultivating a strong group of arms, and they will hope Bitsko can be the next young star in Tampa.

         

All stats obtained via Baseball Reference and all contract information via Spotrac, unless otherwise referenced.

The current labor dispute between MLB and the MLBPA rages on, with the players submitting another counter-proposal on Tuesday.

It remains to be seen whether the two sides can hash out an agreement and save the 2020 season. What is known, however, is that all 30 front offices will be making some important decisions this week.

The 2020 MLB Amateur Draft begins with Round 1 on Wednesday evening, and this year's draft will feature a new wrinkle. Teams will have to be more vigilant in hitting on their picks, as the draft will only be five rounds rather than the standard 40 rounds. 

There figures to be a certain sense of urgency in terms of picking the best or most talented player available, given the shortened nature of the draft.

While some teams might have surprises in store, the Detroit Tigers certainly do not appear to be among that crowd. The Tigers have the No. 1 overall pick, and it is widely expected they will take Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson.

Indeed, Lynn Henning of the Detroit News said the Tigers will take Torkelson "unless something bizarre occurs" in the hours leading up to the draft.

Henning also added general manager Al Avila's front office "has done nothing during these pre-draft months to dissuade those who have believed Torkelson rests just ahead of two other franchise-level talents: Austin Martin, a sublime hitter from Vanderbilt, as well as Texas A&M power left-hander Asa Lacy."

Torkelson is at the top of nearly every mock draft, including that of MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo. He is a prodigious slugger, slashing .337/.463/.729 with 54 homers in 129 games as a member of the Sun Devils.

Just one first baseman (Adrian Gonzalez in 2000) has been taken with the No. 1 overall pick since the first draft in 1965.

However, the Tigers appear locked in on Torkelson as they hope to add a future slugger to the pipeline.

       

Do the Orioles Have a Surprise in Store?

Though Torkelson is widely regarded as the top pick, Vanderbilt infielder Austin Martin is considered every bit a pure hitter, if not the same kind of slugging force.

Martin hit .368 with a 1.007 OPS during his time at Vandy, and he also offers positional versatility as a guy who can play the hot corner or up the middle.

Mayo has the Baltimore Orioles selecting Martin with the No. 2 overall pick, and it seems the O's would do well to add another bat after drafting catcher Adley Rutschman with the No. 1 overall pick last year.

But Henning reported Martin-to-Orioles is not set in stone:

"Martin was expected to be picked second overall by the Orioles. But there were reports Wednesday that the Orioles were readying a surprise: a less-gaudy player who could be signed well beneath the allowance limit, which would ostensibly allow Baltimore to throw big bucks later in the draft at a player who might otherwise be off to college."

It is certainly possible the Orioles would pass on Martin so as to ensure spending flexibility for later picks. At the same time, Baltimore has the highest amount of spending money in terms of signing bonuses.

Yes, the O's must also account for the fact they have the 30th overall selection in this year's draft. However, they also need impact players who can quickly rise through the minor league system.

The Orioles might throw opposing front offices for a loop by selecting someone other than Martin. But given this year allows for less draft capital, they will be sure to do their homework before making such a decision.

     

All stats obtained via Baseball Reference, unless otherwise noted.

The New York Mets were dealt a crushing blow in the rotation when it was announced in March that right-hander Noah Syndergaard would need Tommy John surgery.

But while the Mets might be hoping to add rotational depth in some fashion, they do not appear interested in a potential reunion with Matt Harvey.

Boomer Esiason reported early Monday morning that Harvey, who remains a free agent, had reached out to the Mets, adding the team would "consider" signing its former ace.

However, Mike Puma of the New York Post reported a source "indicated the Mets aren't considering Harvey at this point."

The 31-year-old made 12 starts with the Los Angeles Angels, going 3-5 with a 7.09 ERA in 2019. Should he find a new team, Harvey will be playing for his fourth team in less than two years. His fall from the ranks of MLB's elite pitchers has been rather remarkable.

Before Jacob deGrom blossomed into one of the best pitchers in baseball, it was Harvey who looked like the future.

Harvey was a dynamo almost as soon as he set foot on the rubber in 2012. The former University of North Carolina product posted a 2.73 ERA in 10 starts during his rookie season.

Just one year later, Harvey was an All-Star after posting a 2.27 ERA in 26 starts, leading all starters with a 2.01 fielding independent pitching (FIP) mark. Unfortunately, Harvey was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery in October 2013 and would miss all of the next season.

Despite the absence, Harvey made a triumphant return in 2015. He seemed fully healthy, throwing over 189 innings in 29 starts while posting a 13-8 record and 2.71 ERA.

Harvey's excellence carried into that postseason. He dominated in his lone start during the Mets' sweep of the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS before throwing eight brilliant innings against the Kansas City Royals during Game 5 of the World Series.

With Harvey anchoring the rotation and both deGrom and Syndergaard following behind him, the Mets looked to have one of the strongest starting groups in baseball for years to come.

But Harvey flamed out in a hurry. More injuries limited the man formerly known as the Dark Knight to a combined 35 starts in 2016 and 2017. Harvey also struggled when he was healthy, posting a 5.78 ERA in over 185 innings during that stretch, per FanGraphs. 

As bad as things were going on the diamond, Harvey also became an off-field distraction.

Harvey was suspended in May 2017 for violating club rules. The next April, he was reportedly seen partying in Los Angeles the night before a game in San Diego. Harvey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds just over a week later, spending the rest of the 2018 campaign in Cincinnati before a forgettable run with the Angels.

Harvey's baseball future remans uncertain, though he appears to be keeping all options open. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported a number of teams in the Korean Baseball Organization have inquired about Harvey.

There is a chance Harvey could find a home in the KBO. But he appears to be facing an uphill battle when it comes to finding an MLB home in 2020.

        

All stats obtained via Baseball Reference, unless otherwise noted.

With the MLB draft almost upon us, all eyes are on the Detroit Tigers, who secured the first overall pick for the second time in three years. And, just as it was in 2018, their goal remains to pick the biggest talent.

There has been plenty of talk about who they will draft, with names such as Spencer Torkelson, Austin Martin and others being linked to the Tigers. 

Detroit, just like many other teams, has had to prepare for this year’s unique draft in a different way than before. Scouts lost months of visiting schools and watching prospects, and college and high school players didn’t get to show off their true potential in such a short amount of time.

However, the 2020 MLB draft will go on. It begins on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET, and its shortened five-round format will span two days.

Despite the unusual position scouts and teams have been put in, there are still plenty of rumors about which players are being targeted and what teams are looking for.

Below, we’ll break down some of the latest draft buzz surrounding the favorite to go No. 1, Spencer Torkelson, and what the Yankees and Pirates are rumored to be going after.

        

Is Spencer Torkelson a lock at No. 1?

Two years ago, Detroit used the first overall pick in the 2018 draft to select right-hander Casey Mize. This year, it will most likely be securing one of the best bats in the 2020 draft class.

While many speculate Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson will become the first overall pick, the Tigers were looking at five or six players at one point.

"We continue to talk," scouting director Scott Pleis told MLB.com. "We have five or six guys we're beating up pretty hard. We feel good about it. We just want to do everything we can to make sure we know everything we need to know."

While Pleis didn't identify any players, MLB’s Jim Callis reported that sources had narrowed down Detroit’s prospects to Torkelson, Vanderbilt third baseman Austin Martin, Texas A&M lefty Asa Lacy, Georgia right-hander Emerson Hancock and New Mexico State infielder Nick Gonzales. 

However, Callis noted "officials with other clubs would be surprised" if the Tigers didn't use their pick on Torkelson.

Since then, it seems Detroit has locked down its No. 1 pick.

ESPN draft analyst Kiley McDaniel told a conference call on June 4 that he's "98 percent sure" the Tigers will select the 20-year-old—making him only the second true first baseman to be selected first in the MLB draft since Adrian Gonzalez in 2000.

"It's hard to imagine them not taking him with what's coming from their camp, people close to that camp," McDaniel said, according to the Detroit Free Press. "It's not really an actual conversation unless something really drastic happens that I don’t foresee happening."

Dan Hubbs, the #Tigers’ new director of pitching development, was previously the coach of @USC_Baseball, where he got a good look at No. 1 #MLBDraft pick favorite Spencer Torkelson, whom Hubbs calls "a special player."

More from @beckjason: https://t.co/wSebVQUBDZ pic.twitter.com/Naf7OS8w0A

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 26, 2020

McDaniel also noted the Tigers like powerful bats and prefer players from the SEC. Torkelson's incredible power at the plate—blasting 54 homers over three years at ASU—paired with extreme plate discipline make him one of the best offensive prospects the draft has seen in a while.

It seems all but guaranteed that he will be a Tiger soon.

              

Yankees Eyeing Position Players

At the other end of the draft, the Yankees sit with the 28th overall pick.

According to MLB’s Jonathan Mayo, most talk surrounding their first-round draft pick is about position players.

"Experts believe the club will target a quality position player in the first round before seeking pitchers later," MLB's Bryan Hoch wrote in his preview of the Yankees' draft.

New York has been linked to Mount Carmel HS (Chicago) shortstop Ed Howard and Baylor shortstop Nick Loftin. Given the latter's collegiate experience at shortstop, he may be the more likely choice.

Other position players that have been connected to the Yankees are Mountain Pointe HS (Phoenix) shortstop Carson Tucker and Arizona catcher Austin Wells, while Texas Tech right-hander Clayton Beeter has also been thrown in the mix.

The Yankees have forfeited their second- and fifth-round picks as a result of signing Gerrit Cole during free agency, leaving them with just three total picks to add depth to their roster.

           

Pirates Looking to College

With the No. 7 overall pick in the draft, it appears the Pirates may be looking toward the college route, with MLB's Adam Berry saying, "The Pirates are said to be targeting college position players with their first pick."

In his mock draft, Mayo noted Louisville left-handed pitcher Reid Detmers or Arkansas outfielder Heston Kjerstad are all on the table—and even reported the Pirates are "definitely discussing" Detmers.

He even said Spruce Creek HS outfielder Zac Veen might be considered, as the top high school position player in the draft class. 

Callis and McDaniel also linked Pittsburgh to Kjerstad and threw two new names in the mix—UCLA outfielder Garrett Mitchell and N.C. State catcher Patrick Bailey.

Bailey is the top backstop in the draft class, a position that is a clear hole in the Pirates’ system and one of their biggest draft needs.

However, the real standout here seems to be Kjerstad, as the top left-handed power hitter in the draft class. The Arkansas outfielder may be one of the better bats available at No. 7.

The New York Yankees could be seeking a shortstop of the future with their first-round pick in the 2020 MLB draft.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, "experts believe the club will target a quality position player in the first round before seeking pitchers later."

Hoch also noted the connection to Baylor shortstop Nick Loftin, who was picked by New York in the latest mock draft by MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo.

"Loftin's ability to stick at shortstop as a college performer would put him high on the Yankees' list," Mayo wrote.

Jim Callis of MLB.com also reported the team is looking for a position player in the first round, but he linked high school shortstops Ed Howard and Carson Tucker as potential options.

The Yankees are certainly loaded with hitters at the major league level, but the organization is light on options coming out of the minors. According to MLB.com, seven of the team's top 11 prospects are pitchers.

New York could use a high-upside position player to fill out the organizational depth, especially in a draft that won't have too many opportunities. Changes made because of the coronavirus pandemic have limited the draft to only five rounds (instead of the usual 40), while the Yankees forfeited their second- and fifth-round picks after signing Gerrit Cole.

If the Yankees miss on their first pick—No. 28 overall—the entire draft could be a loss.

Loftin could be a reliable option as a proven hitter through parts of three seasons at the college level. The 21-year-old produced a .316 average across 121 games at Baylor, showcasing an incredible eye with 42 walks and just 48 strikeouts in his career.

T5 | 👀 this RBI double from @Nick_Loftin2 and some @rickyjm_11 wheels as he comes around to score from first

BU 2, ARK 0#SicEm | #ShrinersCollegeClassic pic.twitter.com/41sAEIW42f

— Baylor Baseball (@BaylorBaseball) March 2, 2020

With the ability to line up at multiple spots defensively, he's a safe bet to at least reach the majors as a bench piece.

Howard has more potential as an above-average fielder with good hitting tools, not to mention his sky-high confidence.

"I want to go down as one of the best shortstops to ever play," the 18-year-old told NBC Chicago. "I want to be a great player on the field, and I also want to go down in history as a great person off the field. I want to be a winner too. I want to win many World Series, and that's just kind of my goals for my career."

It gives the Yankees multiple options as they head into a high-stakes draft.

The 2020 Major League Baseball draft is three days away, with a slew of rumors and speculation about what will happen in the first round. 

Given the circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic, this draft will be unlike any other one that MLB has conducted. The five-round format has already impacted the talent that teams have to choose from. 

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel reported three high school players—Dylan Crews, Kyle Teel, Brandon Fields—officially withdrew from the draft, and Florida State outfielder Reese Albert intends to return to school next year for his senior season. 

None of those players were likely to be taken on the first day, but it does impact the overall depth in the class not having them available. 

As for what might end up happening in the draft, here are the latest rumors and speculation leading up to the first round on Wednesday. 

       

Orioles Getting Creative at No. 2?

The Detroit Tigers appear set on Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson with the first overall pick. Assuming that comes to pass, the real drama will start at No. 2 with the Baltimore Orioles. 

The Athletic's Keith Law has the Orioles going with Vanderbilt's Austin Martin, but added he's heard they could try to do an under-slot deal with Arkansas outfielder Heston Kjerstad and use the savings to select high-end talent with lucrative price tags at No. 30 and 39. 

MLB.com has Kjerstad ranked as the 10th-best prospect, noting he has the best left-handed power in the 2020 class. 

Martin is widely regarded as the No. 2 player, behind Torkelson, in this year's draft. MLB.com notes he's the best pure hitter available and could end up playing center field in pro ball. 

Per MLB.com's Jim Callis, slot value for the second pick is $7,789,900. No. 30 and 39 are worth a combined $4.272 million. 

During their rebuild, one thing the Orioles have been good at is not overthinking things early in the draft. They took Adley Rutschman with the top pick last year, and he's their best prospect on the fast track to the big leagues. 

Even though Martin will likely cost more than Kjerstad, he's a superior talent and is a strong enough hitter to move through the system quickly. 

      

Royals Targeting Hitters

Even though there remains debate over the name the Kansas City Royals will select at No. 4 overall, the consensus is it will be a position player. 

Law noted the rumor that "won't go away" for the Royals is Florida high school outfielder Zac Veen, suggesting it's "in part because there's a clear top three in the draft and then a gap before the next tier of talent." 

MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo has the Royals taking New Mexico State second baseman Nick Gonzales "narrowly over Veen."

Unlike the Orioles with Martin or Kjerstad, there's not nearly as much separation between Veen and Gonzales in draft rankings. 

In his top 100 big board, Law has Veen at No. 5 and Gonzales at No. 7: "Veen is an athletic and still very projectable 18-year-old center fielder who has one of the best swings in the class. He's a left-handed hitter with a smooth swing, accelerating his hands quickly to produce hard contact and huge power."

Gonzales has been a terrific hitter throughout his amateur career. The 21-year-old put up a .392/.484/.690 slash line with 25 home runs in 112 games from 2018-19. He was named MVP of the Cape Cod League last summer after finishing second in average (.351), first in slugging (.630) and on-base percentage (.451). 

The offensive profile is more than strong enough to carry Gonzales through the minors, though he's also a solid second baseman who can play average defense. 

Kansas City is coming off consecutive 100-loss seasons, so there's no wrong direction for the team to go with this pick. There's more certainty with Gonzales because of his performance in college, but Veen's upside would make him an appealing option for the franchise. 

      

Pirates Poised to Be a Wild Card

Even as most teams keep their options open to be prepared in case one of their players gets taken, the Pittsburgh Pirates appear to be all over the map when they make their first pick at No. 7. 

Per CBS Sports' Mike Axisa and MLB.com's Mayo, the Pirates have been linked to college hitters throughout the predraft process. 

Axisa had the Pirates selecting Gonzales in his mock, while Mayo had Kjerstad going to them. 

One potential late entrant in the mix, according to Law, is Oregon high school pitcher Mick Abel: "The Pirates have supposedly spent 'a lot of time' on Abel, which doesn’t mean they’ll take him, but they’re serious about the possibility, and I also heard they didn’t want to go too safe."

CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson ranked Abel as the seventh-best prospect in the class, noting scouts are high on the right-hander's potential as a future starter:

"Based on their past observations, Abel has a chance to be a high-quality big-league starter. He has a tall, lean frame that ought to support muscle gain over the coming years; he's a good athlete who can repeat his delivery, boding well for his command and control; and his arsenal includes three flowering pitches: a lively fastball that can bump the upper-90s and a slider and a changeup."

One issue for teams in this draft, especially with high school players, is the pandemic cut off the amateur season very early.

Teams had scouting notes from showcase events in past summers, but things can change drastically⁠—positively or negatively⁠—based on what happens in the final weeks before the draft.

Abel only made one start for Jesuit High School before play was halted. The 18-year-old has enough upside to be worth the investment for Pittsburgh at No. 7, but the increased risk makes it logical the team would have multiple college hitters on its radar. 

Baseball fans do not have a whole lot to be optimistic about these days.

While the NBA and NHL are headed towards restarts in their respective leagues, Major League Baseball remains at a standstill. 

Owners and players continue to jockey for leverage in terms of a plan for the 2020 season, with MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark issuing a statement saying players "resoundingly rejected" overtures for fewer games and more pay cuts.

The fate of the 2020 season remains unknown. But despite the absence of games, all 30 clubs have been making preparations for the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft.

All 30 teams are hoping to make consequential additions to their current prospect pools. Some teams have more urgency in drafting prospects they believe can make it to the big leagues quicker. Contending squads are more content to let their talent develop.

But for some teams, there has to be something of a balance between looking to make a splash on an impact prospect while also hoping to build for the future.

Here are the latest rumors on a pair of National League West clubs hoping to set themselves up to overcome the Los Angeles Dodgers' stranglehold on the division, as well as a possible fringe playoff team in the Texas Rangers.

     

Giants Might Draft Local Catcher

The San Francisco Giants were among the most successful franchises of the 2010s, capturing three World Series titles and putting a pretty consistent winner on the diamond.

But while the Giants hoped for one last hurrah in 2019, they have clearly entered a transition period. Longtime manager Bruce Bochy retired, and left-handed ace Madison Bumgarner signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency.

A new crop of Giants players will lead the franchise into this next decade. While unheralded guys like Mike Yastrzemski and Donovan Solano put up good numbers in 2019, San Francisco clearly needs to build its farm back up.

Keith Law of The Athletic reported the link between the Giants and high school catcher Tyler Soderstrom has been mentioned "again and again." Soderstrom has spent his prep years playing at Turlock High School in the northern San Joaquin Valley, so it makes sense the Giants have a feel for the hometown kid.

However, San Francisco's top prospect, Joey Bart, is also a catcher. Bart is ranked 14th in the MLB.com Top 100 rankings, and there is a real chance he could be in the bigs as soon as this year.

Soderstrom said he loves catching, per MLB.com's David Adler, though he also said he would play "anywhere" on the field so long as he sees consistent at-bats.

It certainly would not be unheard of for the Giants to convert Soderstrom. The Chicago Cubs have done as much with Kyle Schwarber, who was a catcher at Indiana University before becoming the team's primary left fielder.

The Giants might feel Soderstrom's hit tool is too much to pass up if he falls to them at No. 13.

      

Will Diamondbacks Draft For "Upside" Again?

Law said the Diamondbacks and Mike Hazen have had their "biggest successes" drafting high school players in the last few years.

As such, Law projects the Diamondbacks will select Ed Howard, a shortstop from Mount Carmel High School in the Chicago area.

Howard played for the Jackie Robinson West squad that captured the U.S. championship during the 2014 Little League World Series, and he has since developed into one of the best shortstop prospects in baseball.

Law reported a number of executives picking in the 20s said they hope Howard falls to them, though—given the "upside" notion—it is easy to see why the Diamondbacks would take him at the No. 18 spot.

Howard has garnered a reputation as one of the smoothest defensive players in the draft. Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin even nicknamed him "Silk."

Although Howard has not projected much as a power hitter, he has a decent hit tool and good speed. Still, it is his defensive abilities that make him so highly coveted.

The Diamondbacks just signed current big-league shortstop Nick Ahmed to a four-year extension and also have Geraldo Perdomo in their system. But, as recent precedent dictates, they might still buy high on Howard.

      

Rangers Hoping to Add Young Pitching

Texas Rangers executive Jon Daniels understood the team's need for more rotational depth when he went out and acquired former Cleveland Indians right-hander Corey Kluber this winter.

It would appear the Rangers are also looking to add arms in their farm system.

Law reported Texas is among the teams taking a long look at Pennsylvania high schooler Nick Bitsko, a guy who might offer two-way potential.

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com noted Bitsko has "Justin Verlander-type potential" on the hill, though he has also told The Intelligencer (h/t Manny Randhawa of MLB.com) he has a clear desire to keep hitting once he joins the professional ranks.

Two-way players have become more prevalent as of late. Los Angeles Angeles star Shohei Ohtani has shown proficiency both at the dish and on the mound, and the Tampa Bay Rays have shown a willingness to give left-hander Brendan McKay some at-bats.

Regardless, the Rangers have a relative shortage in pitching prospects. Bitsko might be an upside guy who they could develop on the mound while also affording him some extra plate appearances.