Fantasy Baseball Prospect Report: 2016 MLB Draft Class Check-In

With the minor league season winding down quickly, it is a great time to take a look at several first round picks from this year’s MLB Draft. Not all first rounders have played yet this year, but many have begun their trek to the major leagues. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll pull out several players drafted in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft and give you an update on their current status, starting with hitters. Keep in mind that most of these players are still years away from reaching the major leagues.

Mickey Moniak, Phillies – Round 1, Pick 1

The Phillies and Moniak agreed on a deal on June 20 and Philadelphia immediately sent their 18-year-old prodigy to the Gulf Coast League. Moniak amassed 194 plate appearances and slashed .284/.340/.409 with one home run and 10 steals. This was a solid showing by Moniak and his performance should earn him a promotion to Short Season-A to begin the 2017 season. The 2016 first overall pick isn’t expected to develop into a big-time power hitter, but he is projected to be a fantastic defender that should hit for average and steal bases.

Nick Senzel, Reds – Round 1, Pick 2

A true third baseman, Senzel put up very good numbers at Single-A Dayton. The Reds initially sent Senzel to the Pioneer League, but he played just 10 games there before receiving a promotion. Senzel batted .314 with seven home runs and 15 steals in 54 games and should begin the 2017 season at High-A Dayton. He is one of the top power prospects that came out of the 2016 draft class and needs to be stashed away in all dynasty leagues.

Corey Ray, Brewers – Round 1, Pick 5

Because of his age (21), the Brewers bypassed rookie ball and immediately sent Ray to their High-A affiliate in Brevard County of the Florida State League. It was a mixed bag for Ray this season as he struggled to hit for average, but did show both power and speed. With a slash line of .236/.296/.378, it seems likely that Ray will head back to High-A to begin the 2017 season. He has the coveted power-speed combo, but will need plenty of seasoning in the minor leagues before landing on the Brewers’ active roster.

Zack Collins, White Sox – Round 1, Pick 10

The White Sox grabbed the best catcher in the draft class and he spent most of his time at High-A Winston Salem. Collins struggled at the plate, batting .235 in 115 at-bats, but he did manage to club six homers and drive in 17 runs. He is going to need repetition at the plate, which he will receive nearly everyday because if he isn’t catching, he will be starting at DH. A repeat of High-A seems likely for Collins in 2017, with a jump to Double-A around midseason the likeliest scenario.

Kyle Lewis, Mariners – Round 1, Pick 11

In some circles, Lewis was viewed as the top overall pick, but he ended up sliding to number 11 overall. After appearing in 30 games for Short-Season Everett, Lewis’ season was cut short due to an ACL tear. Lewis is expected to make a full recovery and should be ready for the start of the 2017 season. After batting .299 with eight doubles, five triples, and three home runs, Lewis should begin next season at Low-A Clinton.

Joshua Lowe, Rays – Round 1, Pick 13

Lowe opted to sign with the Rays and forego college, so his time in the minor leagues will likely be much longer than players such as Senzel or Ray. The Marietta, GA product is more known for his glove than his bat, but he did slash .249/.374/.405 over two Rookie League levels this summer. The good news for Lowe is that if pitching doesn’t work out, he could potentially fall back on his arm as he has a ton of upside on the mound.

Will Benson, Indians – Round 1, Pick 14

Benson struggled at Rookie Ball this year, batting just .209, but there were some positives to his game. He managed to hit 10 doubles and six home runs while stealing 10 bags in 184 plate appearances, but his issues with contact were clear. He is just 18 years old, so a repeat with the AZL Indians is a distinct possibility.

Alex Kirilloff, Twins – Round 1, Pick 15

The Twins viewed Kirilloff as a potential big time power hitter down the line and he did not disappoint in his first season with the organization. Kirilloff displayed plenty of raw power (7 home runs) while playing all three outfield positions. On top of that, Kirilloff batted .306, showing that he is more than just a power bat. It seems likely that he will begin the 2017 season at Single-A Cedar Rapids.