As the 2023 MLB season is almost upon us, the college season is already in full swing. With the season underway, we’re beginning to see the top prospects for the upcoming draft preform and prove their value to potential suitors. Some places in the US have begun their high school seasons, but a lot of places have not fully begun just yet. College baseball’s top teams are preforming beyond expectations, like 13-1 LSU, 14-1 Alabama, and more. With these top players preforming, the mock drafts are ever changing. Today, we will be going over, and taking a look at my top 15 mock draft.

*This article was written between 3/10/23 and 3/12/23, so the stats may have changed by now*

Pick #15: White Sox select 3B Yohandy Morales

Morales, a 3rd baseman from the University of Miami, is hitting incredibly thus far in 2023. The power hitting Morales has slugged 5 homers in just 13 games, 18 RBI, a slash line of .458/.526/.833, and has also posted a 1.360 OPS. With the White Sox going the high school route in the last two drafts, and long-term questions for Yoán Moncada at third base, it makes perfect sense as to why the White Sox would look to Morales at #15. Morales is incredibly talented, with some scouts giving his power some of the highest praise in the draft. Along with swing improvements and a strong defensive tool gives him a lot of incentive to teams in the early first round.

Pick #14: Red Sox select RHP Charlee Soto

Soto, one of the best high school arms in the draft makes perfect sense for the Boston Red Sox at #14. Soto has one of the liveliest arms in the draft, often having his fastball sit around 98 mph, and occasionally touching the triple digit mark which earned Soto a 65 grade fastball from MLB Pipeline. Soto also holds two other plus level pitches, having a 55 grade slider, and a 50 grade changeup from MLB Pipeline. The Central Florida commit makes perfect sense for the Red Sox in the 2023 MLB Draft, as they look to improve their pitching depth going forward.

Pick #13: Cubs select RHP Rhett Lowder

Lowder, a strong right handed pitcher from Wake Forest University, is easily one of the best pitchers in the draft. Lowder, through 3 starts in 2023 thus far has posted a 0.47 ERA, 26 strikeouts, just 2 walks, 0.68 WHIP, 12.3 K/9, and a 0.9 BB/9. Lowder has scouts in awe at his changeup, many calling it the best in the draft. In addition to his plus changeup, Lowder also touches the mid 90s with his fastball. In addition to both his changeup and fastball, Lowder also throws a decent slider, that can sometimes fool hitters. Overall, Lowder makes for a perfect choice for the Cubs in the 2023 MLB Draft, as they look for the ace of their future.

Pick #12: Diamondbacks select 3B Aiden Miller

Miller, a strong right handed corner infielder, projects to be one of the best infielders in the draft. Miller boasts tremendous raw power abilities, earning himself a 60 grade power tool from MLB Pipeline. Miller, a former All-American Game MVP, also shows great ability when it comes to his arm, earning a 60 grade arm from MLB Pipeline. With the Diamondbacks potentially looking to fill out some long term question marks in the infield, and looking for a partner for Jordan Lawlar on the left side of the infield, I think Miller is the perfect fit for Arizona at #12 overall.

Pick #11: Angels select C Blake Mitchell

Mitchell, one of the most interesting prospects in the draft being a two-way player who seems to be moving more towards becoming a catcher only moving forward. Mitchell, an overall strong arm on the mound, and commander behind the plate, should stick perfectly behind the plate as he earned a 70 arm grade from MLB Pipeline. Mitchell has impressed scouts with his bat to ball skills, overall being considered a top bat to ball hitter in the draft. Mitchell boasts hit and power grades of 55, which just goes to show his skills haven’t gone unnoticed. As the Angels currently have Logan O’Hoppe behind the dish for the future, Mitchell would pair perfectly with Logan, as well as holds the ability to switch from the catcher position down the line and become an outfielder. Overall, Mitchell makes a lot of sense for the Angels at pick #11.

Pick #10: Marlins select OF Enrique Bradfield Jr.

Bradfield, a base running wizard out of the baseball factory that is Vanderbilt University, projects to be a great add for the Miami Marlins. Bradfield has been off to a slow start this spring for Vanderbilt, slashing just .222/.357/.278 but I have no doubt the centerfielder will turn it around as the season goes on. Bradfield has some surprising power skills, but he remains mostly a line-drive contact hitter, often using his speed to help himself get more base hits and extra base hits. Bradfield earned himself a 55 hit tool grade from MLB Pipeline from these abilities. Bradfield is far and beyond the best fielder in the draft, as he has been one of the best fielders in all of Vanderbilt history. As previously mentioned, Bradfield is a base running wizard, and uses his speed to his advantage in the outfield as well as on the base paths. Bradfield recently stole his 100th career base at Vanderbilt, which is an incredible feat. Bradfield earned a perfect, 80 grade run tool, and a 70 grade fielding tool. Bradfield makes perfect sense for the Marlins in their future outfield, and many believe that Bradfield would be a perfect player for Miami to develop into a superstar.

Pick #9: Rockies select RHP Hurston Waldrep

Waldrep, a flame throwing righty from the University of Florida, should be a great add for the Colorado Rockies. With Coors Field often plaguing most Rockies pitchers, Waldrep’s almost triple digit fastball should help to overcome the tough environment. Waldrep is the perfect strikeout pitcher, as he’s already struck out 33 batters in 17 innings. Waldrep also boasts two other pitches, including a high 80s slider, and a mid 80s changeup. Scouts are big fans of Waldrep’s pitch mix, as all of his pitches have earned scouting grades of above 50, with a fastball of a 65 grade according to MLB Pipeline. All things considered, Waldrep is a surefire bet to be able to use his three pitch mix to combat hitters in the tough, Coors Field atmosphere.

Pick #8: Royals select SS Jacob Wilson

Wilson, son of former Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, has shown what he can do at GCU, and that is just hit. Wilson also shows a great overall ability to know the strike zone, as he only struck out 7 times in 2022 for GCU. Wilson got many scouts turning their heads over the summer, after being a really strong overall bat for team USA. Wilson’s bat is definitely his strong suit, as it earned a 65 grade hit tool from MLB Pipeline. Scouts love Wilson’s overall baseball IQ, which makes him a valuable asset to any MLB club. Wilson could also potentially slot over to second base to pair with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. So far this season, Wilson is slashing .367/.389/.612, with a 1.001 OPS. Wilson also has shown some promise when it comes to power abilities, as he slugged 12 homers last year for GCU. Wilson should be a great college add for the Kansas City Royals, which makes him a perfect candidate to be taken at number 8 overall.

Pick #7: Reds select SS Jacob Gonzalez

Gonzalez, a strong bat out of Ole Miss, has shown he can do it all on the diamond. Gonzalez makes for a really strong hitter, as he’s gained a 55 grade on both his hit tool and power abilities from MLB Pipeline. Gonzalez has already earned his fair share of accolades and awards, as he won freshman of the year back in 2021, and has a College World Series championship under his belt. Gonzalez hit 18 homers in 2022, which gives you a look at just how good his power numbers can potentially reach. So far this year, Gonzalez is slashing .396/.543/.585, with a 1.128 OPS. Gonzalez is by far one of the best college players in this upcoming draft. With the Reds being able to develop good infielders, with prospects Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte being in the system, Gonzalez would be a great add for the Reds in the future.

Pick #6: A’s select OF Walker Jenkins

Jenkins, a power hitting lefty out of North Carolina, projects to be one of the all around best high school hitters in the draft. Jenkins’ power tool has gained him eyes from all around the country, as he rivals some of the top college hitters when it comes to power. Jenkins also boasts a really solid hit tool, earning hit a hit tool grade of 55, and a power grade of 60 from MLB Pipeline. Unfortunately, due to a hamate injury, Jenkins’ time last year was limited, but he still shined. Jenkins is an all around, solid player, as he has solid running and fielding abilities. Jenkins was North Carolina’s Gatorade player of the year in 2022, which was a huge honor for the lefty. Jenkins overall is easily one of the best draft prospects, with all his raw tools projecting to make him a great big leaguer. Overall, Jenkins is a great option for Oakland at number 6 overall, as he could easily become one of their future pieces.

Pick #5: Twins select RHP Paul Skenes

Skenes, a flame throwing righty out of LSU, projects to be one of the first pitchers selected in this upcoming summer’s draft. Skenes holds arguably the best overall fastball in the draft, nearing triple digits on the radar gun, and getting a 70 grade fastball from MLB Pipeline. Skenes also possesses a strong arsenal besides just his fastball, as he throws a 60 grade slider and 50 grade changeup. Skenes has also dipped into the possibility of being a two-way player, but he will be a pitcher going forward. So far this season, Skenes has struck out 48 batters in 24 innings, and holds a 0.75 ERA. With the Twins lacking some future pitching, Skenes makes perfect sense for the future of the Twins.

Pick #4: Rangers select OF Max Clark

Clark, one of the best overall hitters and players in the draft, makes to be arguably one of the most complete players in the 2023 MLB Draft. Clark has been seen as high as the number one prospect in this year’s draft, but because of the rise of a lot of college prospects ahead of him, Clark fits better outside of the top 3 selections. Clark shows a tremendous amount a maturity at the plate, as he is one of the best overall hitters in 2023. Clark boasts a 60 grade hit tool, and a 50 grade power tool at the plate respectfully. Clark, a Vanderbilt commit, will certainly be on his way to a top drafting team this summer. Clark was very good for team USA last summer, and has shined for other top travel teams around the nation, such as the Phillies Scout team. Clark also has one of the best run tools in the draft, having a 70 grade run tool. Clark is also a strong fielder, earning a 65 grade arm, and a 60 grade fielding tool. Clark is one of the strongest players in the draft, and with the Rangers needing future outfielders, Clark makes perfect sense for the Rangers at number 4.

Pick #3: Tigers select OF Wyatt Langford

Langford, a power hitting outfielder for the Florida Gators, is arguably the best home run hitter in the draft. Langford, similarly to Clark, has been seen as high as the number one prospect in this upcoming draft. Langford’s power tool is definitely his most impressive tool, as he hit 26 homers for Florida in 2022, and already has 6 in 2023. MLB Pipeline gave Langford a 65 grade power, as well as a 60 grade hit tool. Langford will be able to get lots of hits in addition to his incredible home run ability. Langford is also a strong fielder, having a 50 grade fielding ability, and a 50 grade arm. Langford is definitely one of the most intriguing players in the 2023 draft, and should pair well with Riley Greene for the future of the Tigers outfield.

Pick #2: Nationals select RHP Chase Dollander

Dollander, a right handed flamethrower out of the University of Tennessee is easily the best pitcher in this year’s MLB Draft. Dollander possesses the best overall arsenal in the draft, including a 70 grade fastball, 50 grade curveball, 60 grade slider, and a 55 grade changeup. Dollander’s fastball has flirted with the 100 mph mark, typically sitting around the high 90s. Dollander is a really strong strikeout pitcher, as he posted 108 strikeouts in 79 innings back in 2022. Dollander so far in 2022 has posted 41 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched, and currently holds an ERA of 2.45. Dollander makes to be a great choice for the Nationals at number 2 overall due to their lack of future pitching outside of Cade Cavalli.

Pick #1: Pirates select OF Dylan Crews

Crews, an incredibly athletic outfielder out of LSU, is far and beyond the best player in the 2023 MLB Draft. Crews is the perfect 5-tool athlete, as he shines in every possible way on the diamond. Crews possesses the best overall hit tool in the draft, getting a 60 grade from MLB Pipeline on both his overall hit tool and power tool. Crews is currently averaging an incredible, 100 mph or more when it comes to his exit velocity. Crews is currently slashing .468/.609/.787 with a 1.397 OPS this season. Crews has also hit 3 homers and driven in 19 runs so far as well. Back in 2022, Crews smashed 22 bombs at LSU, which is a career high. Crews has gotten the privilege to play on some of the countries’ best teams, including Team USA’s collegiate team. Crews’ quick swing, and easy stance makes it really easy for Crews to drive the ball to all fields, leading to many extra hits. Crews also boasts solid fielding tools, making him extremely valuable all across the field. Crews makes perfect sense for the Pirates at number 1 overall, with his all around tools, pure talent, and value he brings to the Pirates. With questions when it comes to Bryan Reynolds in the outfield long-term, Crews would make an excellent replacement for Reynolds if needed. If he doesn’t leave, Crews would pair incredibly with Reynolds in the future. Crews is by far the best player in this draft, and there is absolutely no reason for the Pirates to select anyone else at number 1.