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MLB Draft Round 1: Most Intriguing Picks And Best Available Player

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The first round of the MLB draft kicked off last night even though we are yet to see a single pitch in the year 2020.

As discussed in 10 Players To Know Going Into Wednesday’s MLB Draft, the draft format has been reduced from 40 rounds to a mere five, meaning that first-round picks are at a premium. The second round takes place tonight at 5 p.m. EST on MLB Network and ESPN2. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable selections from the first round and the best available players going into tonight.

Most Intriguing Round 1 Picks

Pick No. 1, Detroit Tigers: Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Arizona State

As projected, Torkelson was the first name called in the 2020 MLB Draft. I think his numbers justify the pick as he is the most established power hitter in this class. In his 129 career games in a Sun Devil Uniform, Torkelson slashed .337/.463/.729 with an impressive 54 homers. Unlike several of the top prospects, Torkelson was not drafted out of high school, but that didn’t stop him from sealing the No. 1 overall pick.

No. 5,  Toronto Blue Jays: Austin Martin, SS, Vanderbilt

Martin struck out at a minuscule 10% rate last season and has lighting fast hands. He’s arguably the most complete player in this class as he is extremely athletic, hits for average and for power and plays a solid defensive game. Martin was drafted as a shortstop but can play all three outfield positions, as well as third base. With the tools Toronto has already, he could end up as just a utility player, but right now this appears to be a great value pick for the Blue Jays.

No. 12, Cincinnati Reds: Austin Hendrick, OF, West Allegheny High School (PA)

Hendrick is committed to playing at Mississippi State, so it is possible that he opts out of joining the Reds this season. He’s a left-handed hitter with great power and is among the most promising hitters out of high school. There are some worries about him being able to make consistent contact, but I feel like we’ll see this kid hitting quite a few dingers in the near future.

No. 16, Chicago Cubs: Ed Howard, SS, Mount Carmel HS (IL)

As a Cub fan and fellow Illinoisan, I couldn’t leave this one out. Howard is undeniably the best shortstop to come out of high school in this draft. He is an excellent defender with active hands and a solid arm. He’s got some work to do at the plate, but his bat speed is there and he has the potential to hit for power as he continues to develop.

Best Available Player

Dax Fulton, LHP, Mustang HS (OK)

Fulton is committed to playing at Oklahoma and likely would have been a first-round pick had he not been sidelined with Tommy John Surgery. The big lefty stands 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds. For his size, he has demonstrated a pretty great level of athleticism. His heater is coming in at 93 mph and is accompanied by some pretty nasty off-speed pitches. If he can stay healthy, he definitely has all the makings of a starting pitcher in the MLB.

Don’t forget to tune in tonight at 5 p.m. EST for the next round of action.

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