Alright, let's dive into the whirlwind of Major League Baseball's amateur draft. Picture this: the excitement kicked off Sunday night when the Cleveland Guardians snagged Oregon State's star second baseman, Travis Bazzana, with the No. 1 pick. The draft hustle carried on Monday, wrapping up rounds three through ten. But don’t worry, the action isn't over yet. We’re picking back up on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET to cruise through rounds eleven to twenty.
Now, if you’ve been glued to CBS Sports like I have, you know we've been all over this draft for months. So, why stop now? Let’s break down five of the most notable Day Two picks, presented with a twist of superlatives. Buckle up because it's going to be a ride through potential steals, interesting picks, and those names that spark a bit of nostalgia.
The Biggest Potential Position Player Steal: Dakota Jordan, OF, San Francisco Giants
Meet Dakota Jordan. The San Francisco Giants called his name at pick No. 116, way lower than expected. Just a few months back, I had him pegged at No. 28 in my top 30 rankings. I figured his explosive potential would have some team overlook his flaws, but I guess I was wrong. Jordan’s got this powerhouse build, sending balls flying with crazy exit velocity and burning up the basepaths. He’s the kind of guy who, on his best day, looks like a future superstar.
But here’s the catch: his loud tools sometimes struggle to translate into real-game usability. He struck out 31% of the time during conference play, a stat that doesn’t spell success. Historically, only one player with such a high strikeout rate has made it in the big leagues: Edouard Julien of the Twins. He’s a former 18th-round pick and, at 25, he’s still finding his footing in the majors.
If the Giants can harness Jordan’s raw talent, he could become a game-changer. Personally, I’m rooting for him, not just to prove me right, but because he’d bring an electrifying energy to the field.
The Biggest Potential Pitching Steal: Joey Oakie, RHP, Cleveland Guardians
Now let’s talk pitching, specifically Joey Oakie. The Guardians snatched him up at No. 84, and I had him ranked at No. 42. Why the high ranking? Oakie is the epitome of the modern pitching prospect with a flat release point and two potentially stellar pitches: a fastball in the low-to-mid-90s and a slider that’s got scouts buzzing with plus-plus potential. In simpler terms, “plus” is better than average, and “plus-plus” is just shy of elite.
Stick a guy like Oakie in the Guardians' player development program, and you could have a solid mid-rotation starter. Of course, this isn’t a sure thing. He’s a right-handed prep arm, and those come with their own set of risks. Remember names like Ethan Hankins or Daniel Espino? Exactly, it’s a gamble. But it’s one the Guardians are willing to take, and I respect that.
The Most Interesting Pick: L.P. Langevin, RHP, Kansas City Royals
Then there’s L.P. Langevin, scooped up by the Royals in the fourth round. His stats might make you scratch your head: a 3.73 ERA and a 3.21 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 23 appearances, only three of them starts. So why the hype? Langevin’s fastball metrics are off the charts. His low-to-mid-90s heater misses bats left and right with an insane amount of rise and run. Sure, the rest of his pitches aren’t as thrilling, but for a guy who’s exceptional at one thing, he’s definitely worth watching.
The Most “Remember Them?” Pick: Will Taylor, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Flashback to summer 2021, and Will Taylor was the 12th best prospect in that year's class. I warned back then it might be a risky rank because Taylor was also committed to playing football at Clemson. He chose college, tore his ACL in 2022, but still posted a .954 OPS in his collegiate career. His less-than-stellar performance in last summer’s Cape Cod League dropped him to the Pirates at pick No. 145. Taylor’s journey has been a rollercoaster, but his athleticism could make him a dark horse in this draft.
The Most “Remember Their Relative?” Pick: Clark Candiotti, RHP, San Diego Padres
Last but not least, we’ve got Clark Candiotti. Drafted by the Padres at No. 135, his name rings a bell because of his dad, Tom Candiotti, a knuckleballer who played in the majors for 16 seasons. Unlike his dad, Clark doesn’t rely on the knuckleball. He’s got a full pitching arsenal and posted solid numbers at Arizona: a 3.39 ERA and a 4.48 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He’s a reliable innings-eater, and while he might not have his dad’s quirks, he’s got a promising future.
So there you have it, a quick spin through some of the draft’s most intriguing picks. Whether these guys hit it big or fade away, their stories are what make the MLB draft such a fascinating spectacle. Keep your eyes peeled as the draft continues—you never know who might turn into the next big star.
Login