Feature Photo: Sean Bouchard, 1B, UCLA
Over the past several weeks, we’ve been using our MLB Draft Video Spotlights Series to focus on first-round talent. This week, we’ll go slightly deeper, as 2080’s Burke Granger and Ryan Ozella highlight players who’ve made an impression this spring, and who currently project to be selected in the second round or slightly beyond.
Ed. Note: Our 2017 Draft Class Library now has videos of over 250 draft prospects to-date, and is growing by the day.
2017 Draft Class Video Spotlights
Morgan Cooper, RHP, Univ. of Texas | 2017 Draft Class
Ht/Wt: 6’4”/220 B/T: R/R Age (as of 2017 MLB Draft): 22y, 9m
After missing the 2015 season due to Tommy John surgery, Cooper is back to looking like his dominant self (11.3 SO/9 in 2017). The long and lean righty utilizes his up-tempo delivery to pound the zone with his above-average fastball, working 92-to-93 mph with downward plane and cut to the glove side. He backs up the fastball with three off-speed pitches all flashing as above-average offerings, with the changeup and curveball showing the most consistency at present. – Ryan Ozella
Sean Bouchard, 1B, UCLA | 2017 Draft Class
Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 215 B/T: R/R Age (as of 2017 MLB Draft): 21y, 1m\
Bouchard has seen his hitting improve each year at UCLA, and this year he’s put up a .324/.404/.577 slash line that includes fifteen doubles, two triples and nine home runs. A slender first baseman with a lean build, Bouchard has a swing suited for extra-base hits, with quick, loose hands that drive pitches into the gaps. As a former third baseman/shortstop, Bouchard plays solid defense at first base, with soft hands and good range to hold down the position. – Ryan Ozella
Riley Adams, C, Univ. of San Diego | 2017 Draft Class
Ht/Wt: 6’4”/220 B/T: R/R Age (as of 2017 MLB Draft) 20y, 11m
Adams has increased his power numbers every year at USD, hitting thirteen home runs in 2017 to go along with a .309/.419/.571 slash line. The large framed catcher will need to limit the swing and miss from his big uppercut swing and continue to do damage on mistakes. Behind the plate, Adams uses soft hands to frame pitches and solid footwork to keep balls in front of him, and shows a strong arm to prevent would-be basestealers. 2080’s Melissa Lockard profiled Adams in more depth earlier in the week for 2080 Baseball, and it’s worth a read – Ryan Ozella
Riley Mahan, 2B, Univ. of Florida | 2017 Draft Class
Ht/Wt: 6’2”/195 B/T: L/R Age (as of 2017 MLB Draft) 21y, 5m
An ultra-athletic second baseman, Mahan’s stock has been rising all spring, posting one of the better statistical seasons in the SEC with a .325/.380/.624 slash line, to go with 22 doubles and 14 home runs. After making 30 errors last season serving as Kentucky’s shortstop, Mahan slid over to second base this season. While he’s looked better at the new position, Mahan’s future may be in the outfield, where his speed and athleticism could play up. – Burke Granger
Joe Dunand, SS, N.C. State Univ. | 2017 Draft Class
Ht/Wt: 6’0”/205 B/T: R/R Age (as of 2017 MLB Draft) 21y, 8m
Dunand is the nephew of Alex Rodriquez (SS, Mariners, Rangers, Yankees, 1994-2016) with the on-field swagger to match. Though he plays shortstop for the Wolfpack, Dunand’s future is likely at third base, a position for which he has plenty of arm to hold down. Offensivly, Dunand has quick hands and plus raw power. He’s slashing .284/.362/.619 with 16 home runs this season. – Burke Granger
