With the 2023 MLB Draft just a few weeks away, it’s time to organize the top prospects into their projected slots one final time. This will likely be the final edition of my draft coverage until after the draft, but there will certainly be recaps after the draft is over. Some of the write-ups that were featured in the 15 pick mock draft I did previously, will be used again in this article. Without further ado, here is my final, full mock draft.

Pick #28: Astros Select OF Jack Hurley

With the Astros being known to select top outfielders, such as Drew Gilbert in 2022, Hurley makes a lot of sense here. Hurley, a 6’0″/185 lbs outfielder from Virgina Tech, makes a lot of sense for the Astros here. Hurley possesses a quick, easy swing that has generated a 55 hit tool grade, and a 50 power grade. With strong speed and defensive abilities, Hurley is a true all around prospect. This season, Hurley hit 17 homers, and slashed .320/.414/.714 with a 1.128 OPS. Hurley has been an incredibly underrated hitter for this draft, and I think Houston will take him at number 28 overall.

Pick #27: Phillies Select C/1B Ralphy Velazquez

With the Phillies having long-term uncertainties when it comes to the first base position, and J.T. Realmuto aging, Velazquez is built to be a Phillie. Velazquez possesses a strong, powerful stroke at the plate, which has been able to give his power a grade of 55, along with his hit tool. Velazquez’s fielding is the big uncertainty in his game, which could mean first base would make the most sense for his future. Velazquez is an ASU commit, but being a first round pick almost guarantees he will not be headed to college.

Pick #26: Yankees Select SS Walker Martin

The Yankees have a lot of concern when it comes to their infield management and development. The Yankees currently have Anthony Volpe at shortstop, but with him not showing signs of development, that may change. Oswald Peraza is an option, but he can play third base. The potential solution for the future? Walker Martin. Martin is a very athletic shortstop, as he remains balanced across the board. He has good power, along with a good overall hit tool, which have earned 55 and 50 grades respectfully. With Martin being just 19, there’s plenty of room for development, similarly to how the Yankees tackled Anthony Volpe.

Pick #25: Padres Select SS/2B Kevin McGonigle

McGonigle, another one of the talented high school infielders this upcoming draft has to offer, would be a really good addition to the San Diego Padres farm system. Originally, I thought a pitcher here would’ve made most sense. But, I think most of the pitchers who would make sense for the Padres will be off the board by the time their pick comes around. But, McGonigle is an incredible 5-tool player. The Auburn commit has some of the best all around hitting abilities in this draft, showing a hit tool grade of 60, with a power tool grade of 50. With good defense as well, McGonigle has drawn comparisons to Chase Utley, and San Diego’s own, Jackson Merrill. I think the McGonigle would be good for a Padres farm system, especially after recent trades have taken most of their top prospects.

Pick #24: Braves Select 3B Brock Wilken

Brock Wilken, a power hitting third baseman from Wake Forest has flown incredibly under the radar ahead of the 2023 MLB Draft. Wilken has arguably the best power bat in this upcoming draft, which is incredibly impressive considering how little credit he’s been given. This season at Wake Forest, Wilken hit 31 homers, 15 doubles, 82 RBI, 69 BBs, slashed .345/.506/.807 with a 1.313 OPS. As you can see, Wilken was nothing shy of incredible this season at Wake Forest. With the Braves lacking some depth when it comes to upcoming hitters, Wilken would be a great addition to the Braves lineup some day.

Pick #23: Guardians Select OF Dillon Head

Dillon Head, a left-handed speedster from Illinois, makes a lot of sense for the Guardians at number 23 overall. The Guardians not only have a history of taking high school prospects early in the draft, but they recently have found an interest in outfielders. After taking Chase Delauter in last year’s draft, Dillon Head would look to become the next young outfielder selected by the club. Head, a Clemson commit, has scouts in awe of his 80 grade running abilities, as well as a solid 55 grade hit tool. With Head being able to track down balls with elite speed in the outfield, while using this speed to turn singles into extra base hits, Head is a very valuable piece to any club in this upcoming draft.

Pick #22: Mariners Select 1B/RHP Bryce Eldridge

Bryce Eldridge is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s upcoming draft, as he’s easily one of the best two way prospects available. Eldridge, another high school prospect, projects incredibly on both sides of the ball. With 50 grade power and hit tools, along with solid defense and speed, Eldridge could easily become one of the top first basemen in all of minor league baseball. On the other hand, Eldridge projects strongly on the pitching side of things as well. The Alabama commit possesses a 55 grade fastball and slider, along with a solid changeup and solid control. Whichever side Seattle would use him on, one thing is for certain, and that is that you’re getting a very strong prospect in Bryce Eldridge.

Pick #21: Cardinals Select SS Tommy Troy

Tommy Troy, a 5’10″/197 lbs shortstop from Stanford University comes into the MLB Draft as one of the best infield prospects on the board. With a lot of the Cardinals farm system about to make the jump to the MLB, the long-term questions for their offense have already begun. Troy’s 50 grade power and overall hitting abilities along with strong defense would certainly change the lack of depth. This season at Stanford, Troy hit 17 homers, 17 doubles, 4 triples, 58 RBI, 35 BBs, and slashed .394/.478/.699 with a 1.177 OPS. When it comes to Troy, you’re not only getting a potential leadoff hitter, but you’re also getting a player who can hit for power when necessary. With Troy’s impressive bat-to-ball skills, and good plate discipline, Troy would be a fantastic addition to the Cardinals farm system.

Pick #20: Blue Jays Select SS Matt Shaw

Matt Shaw, another college infielder from the University of Maryland projects to be a really solid overall infielder. Shaw comes in at 5’11″/185, which seems to be a common theme for middle infielders. Shaw has been a strong bat throughout his college tenure, as he has a 55 grade on both his hit and power tools. This season with Maryland, Shaw hit 24 homers, 20 doubles, 69 RBI, 43 BBs, and slashed .341/.445/.697 with a 1.142 OPS. As you can see, Shaw can hit for a lot of power, while also maintaining a strong stroke which allows him to get on base often. Shaw also has really good plate discipline, which is a tool that will translate very well to pro baseball.

Pick #19: Rays Select RHP Charlee Soto

Charlee Soto, another one of the very, very talented high school prospects in this draft looks to climb up the board in the weeks leading up to the draft. Soto seems to me like he’s made to be a Tampa Bay Ray, as I think they could very easily develop Soto into a superstar. The Rays have always been masters at developing pitching, and Soto seems like he could be the next guy to be turned into a star. Soto’s strong suit is undoubtedly his fastball, which regularly touches the high 90s, and often can touch 100 MPH. Being that Soto is still in high school, this is incredible. Soto’s fastball has received a 60 grade from MLB Pipeline, along with a 55 grade slider, and other good off-speed. Taking Soto this early would also give the Rays a chance to take under their slot value, something they’ve done often.

Pick #18: Brewers Select OF Enrique Bradfield Jr.

Enrique Bradfield Jr, a speedster from Vanderbilt University, has incredible upside for the Brewers at number 18 overall. Although mostly known for his speed, Bradfield could project into a really solid contact bat in the pro level. Bradfield was once ranked just outside of the top 10 picks, but after some players moved up the board and concerns about his hitting started, Bradfield dropped heavily. This season at Vanderbilt, Bradfield hit 6 homers, 34 RBI, stole 37 bases, 45 BBs, and slashed .279/.410/.429, with a .839 OPS. Bradfield could become a really solid bat at the pro level, but he’ll certainly take some development. But, his 80 grade speed paired with his defense makes him a really solid option for the Brewers at number 18.

Pick #17: Orioles Select 3B Yohandy Morales

Yohandy Morales, a 6’4″/225 lbs third baseman from the University of Miami, has some of the best power in this year’s upcoming draft. Morales’ size makes him one of the strongest players in this year’s draft. Morales possesses 60 grade power, something you really don’t see often. This season at Miami, Morales hit 20 homers, 13 doubles, 70 RBI, 30 BBs, and slashed .408/.475/.713 with a 1.187 OPS. As you can see, Morales is an incredible power hitter, but he still gets on base a lot. Morales has decent fielding, but being in the corner infield, his fielding won’t be his main tool. Morales is truly one of the most talented hitters in this draft, and the Orioles would love to add him to their stockpile of top prospect infielders.

Pick #16: Giants 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. This season, Gonzalez hit 10 homers, 18 doubles, 51 RBI, and slashed .327/.435/.564 with a .999 OPS. Overall, with the Giants having a lack of infield depth in their MiLB system, Gonzalez would be a good addition to their system.

Pick #15: White Sox Select SS Colin Houck

Colin Houck, yet another very talented high school prospect, would be a great addition to the White Sox system at number 15 overall. Coming in at 6’2″/190 lbs, the Mississippi State commit could project to be a really strong middle infielder in pro baseball. With Houck just coming out of highschool, there’s certainly room for him to improve once he joins pro baseball. Houck has good offensive tools, as he boasts a 55 grade hit and power tools, along with a 60 grade arm. With the White Sox potentially being sellers at the trade deadline, Houck could easily become one of the key pieces of their future after he is drafted.

Pick #14: Red Sox Select 3B Aidan 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 Red Sox farm system being in an interesting shape, adding Miller gives the future offense a lot more depth. All things considered, Miller is let another incredibly talented high school prospect, and he would be a great addition to the Red Sox.

Pick #13: Cubs Select SS Arjun Nimmala

Nimmala, one of the best athletes this draft has to offer, would fit greatly in the windy city. With Nimmala being a freak athlete, he could likely switch to second or third base, which gives the Cubs plenty of versatility when it comes to the young star. Nimmala is balanced across the board, as he possesses a 50 grade hit tool, 55 grade power tool, 50 grade run tool, 55 grade arm, and a 50 grade fielding tool. Overall, Nimmala is a really solid all around option for any team, but he fits great with the Chicago Cubs at number 13 overall.

Pick #12: Diamondbacks Select RHP Noble Meyer

Noble Meyer, another very talented high school level prospect projects to be a very strong pitcher in pro baseball. Meyer is a very strong high school arm, with some outlets calling him the best high school prospect the 2023 draft has to offer. Meyer’s fastball is one of his best assets, as it gained a 60 grade from MLB Pipeline. Along with this, Meyer possesses good breaking balls, such as his 55 grade slider. With the Diamondbacks needing more pitching for the future, Meyer makes to me a good pair alongside Zac Gallen at the big league level.

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 Hurston Waldrep

Waldrep, a flame throwing righty from the University of Florida, should be a great add for the Miami Marlins. Waldrep is the perfect strikeout pitcher, as he’s struck out 156 batters in 101.2 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. Waldrep’s split changeup is a devastating pitch, and it should translate to the MLB level well. All things considered, Waldrep is a surefire bet to be able to use his pitch mix to combat hitters in pro baseball.

Pick #9: Rockies Select C Kyle Teel

Teel, a very strong catcher out of the University of Virginia has been an incredible hitter throughout his college career. This season, Teel hit 13 homers, 25 doubles, 69 RBI, 32 BBs, and he slashed .407/.475/.655 with a 1.130 OPS. As you can see, Teel is an incredible hitter, and scouts fully agree, Teel can hit for contact, as well as a tremendous amount of power. Teel possesses a 55 grade hit tool, which is very impressive. With the Rockies looking for a strong bat at the catcher position, Teel would pair really well with the Rockies in Colorado.

Pick #8: Royals 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, has posted a 1.87 ERA, 143 strikeouts, just 24 walks, 0.94 WHIP, 10.7 K/9, and a 1.8 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 Royals in the 2023 MLB Draft, as they look for the ace of their future.

Pick #7: Reds 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 12 times between 2022 and 2023 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. This season, Wilson is slashing .412/.461/.635, with a 1.096 OPS. Wilson also has shown some promise when it comes to power abilities, as he slugged 6 homers this season. Wilson should be a great college add for the Cincinnati Reds, which makes him a perfect candidate to be taken at number 7 overall.

Pick #6: A’s Select RHP Chase Dollander

Dollander, a right handed flamethrower out of the University of Tennessee is easily one of the best pitchers in this year’s MLB Draft. Dollander possesses one of the best overall arsenals 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. This year, Dollander posted a 4.75 ERA, striking out 120 batters in 89 innings, while posting a WHIP of 1.270. Although he got hit a decent amount this year, Dollander makes to be a great choice for the A’s with the 6th pick.

Pick #5: Twins 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 Twins needing a lot more offensive depth, Clark is a good option here for the Twins.

Max Clark is Having One of the Greatest High School Seasons Ever. How is this Affecting his Draft Stock?

Pick #4: Rangers Select OF Walker Jenkins

Jenkins had himself quite the spring this year, as he finally overtook Max Clark as the number one high school prospect in the nation. While also strong power hitter, Walker 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. 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 2023, 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 the Rangers at number 4 overall, as he could easily become one of their future pieces. Check out my full interview with Jenkins below.

Getting to Know MLB Draft Prospect and UNC Commit Walker Jenkins

Pick #3: Tigers Select OF Wyatt Langford

Similarly to Crews, Langford is one of the most talented hitters to ever touch the college field. This season, the Florida Gators outfielder put up spectacular numbers, which certainly played a role in Florida’s College World Series run. Langford possesses unreal power, which has gotten him a 65 grade from MLB Pipeline, 60 grade hit tool, and decent defense. This season at Florida, Langford hit 21 homers, 28 doubles, 44 BBs, and slashed .373/.498/.784 with a 1.282 OPS. As you can see, Langford is another generational talent in this year’s draft, and he should help the struggling Tigers offense once he makes it to the big leagues.

Pick #2: Nationals Select RHP Paul Skenes

Paul Skenes is right behind Dylan Crews, and is certainly historic in his own right. Skenes may quite literally be the best college pitcher ever, and he’s certainly been the best pitching prospect we’ve ever seen as well. In 122.2 innings this season, Skenes pitched to a 1.69 ERA, just 20 walks, an NCAA record 209 strikeouts, 0.750 WHIP, and a 15.3 K/9. As you can see, Skenes is truly generational talent, and easily the best pitching prospect to ever grace the diamond. With Crews likely going number one to Pittsburgh, Skenes is nothing shy of an incredible grab here at #2 overall. With Skenes touching 100+ MPH on his fastball, he could easily pitch in the MLB this season. If his off-speed could get developed a little further, Skenes could without a doubt become one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.

Pick #1: Pirates Select OF Dylan Crews

There really isn’t a debate when it comes to taking Dylan Crews with the number one overall pick this summer, as Crews is arguably the best draft prospect we’ve seen since Bryce Harper. Crews is truly generational talent, and he’s done nothing but show his abilities to the fullest playing with LSU this spring. This spring, Crews has hit 18 homers, 16 doubles, driven in 70, walked 71 times, only struck out 46 times, and slashed .426/.567/.713 with a 1.280 OPS. Crews just concluded his college career with a College World Series victory, and he also finished his streak of reaching base safely in every game he played. It’s easy how the sweet swinging righty is the clear number one prospect. Crews is truly an incredibly well rounded player, and it’s been good enough to win him the Golden Spikes Award, and to win him SEC Player of the Year. Crews brings a powerful presence to a Pirates lineup who are in desperate need of another bat, especially when you take into consideration he could make it to the MLB in a year or two. With Crews displaying elite mechanics and plate discipline, trying to do something tricky here and taking anyone else besides Crews is just asking for trouble. Even with rumors that he may not be interested, the Pirates need to not mess this up, and draft one of the best players of our generation in Dylan Crews, first overall.