Image Credits: https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/article/conrad-cason-mississippi-state-mlb-combine-interview-233047778/amp/

Over the past few years, Major League Baseball has been implementing a draft combine, and so far the results have been incredible. Superstars like Mason Miller, Colson Montgomery, and more have taken on the draft combine, raising their stock even more. We’ve also seen players like Spencer Schwellenbach, head into the draft combine, and raise their stock to the next level, which sometimes is the difference between millions of dollars, and hundreds of thousands of dollars. We also might see the top talents only go to the draft combine to conduct interviews, which can help as well. This year, I saw plenty of players who caught my eye while I was watching the draft, and some of these players have the potential to be some of the game’s best Minor League prospects in the near future. In today’s article, I’ll be showcasing some of these players who I saw, and what caught my eye with the players.

Player #1: Conrad Cason, SS/RHP, Greater Atlanta Christian High School (Georgia)

Conrad Cason, a right-handed starting pitcher and shortstop from Greater Atlanta Christian High School in Georgia, had an impressive showing at the Draft Combine this year. Cason, one of the more interesting prospects in the entire draft, is currently just 17-years-old, and he’s already looking to make a name for himself at the professional level come July. Cason is currently committed to Mississippi State, but if things go as planned, he won’t step a foot on campus. Although he’s listed as a two-way player by some publications, Cason is likely going to go into professional baseball as a pitcher first. This is interesting, since the place where I was most impressed with Cason was at the plate, as he was seen blasting balls with ease over 100 miles-per-hour. Cason currently has a 60-grade fastball, and his overall physical makeup compares similarly to Kumar Rocker, a former number three overall pick by the Rangers in 2022. Cason’s heater gets up to 97-98, but typically sits around the 93-95 mile-per-hour range. Cason also has a solid changeup, which is fantastic at killing spin. His slider is decent as well, but his primary off-speed will be his changeup. While his main problem on the mound is his control, it’s been better as of late. I still think Cason has a legitimate chance to be an extremely productive player at the plate, scouts see more potential on the mound. He’s currently ranked as MLB Pipeline’s number 99 overall prospect, but after watching him at the combine, I could see him be picked in the mid-70s come Draft Day in July.

Cason is number 22 in the clip above.

Prospect #2: Kale Fountain, 3B, Norris High School (Nebraska)

Kale Fountain, a power hitting third-baseman from Norris High School in Nebraska, had a really impressive showing at this year’s MLB Draft Combine. Fountain is one of the more interesting high school prospects in this year’s draft, as he’s a physical specimen. Fountain is currently 18-years-old, and he’s already standing in at 6’5″, 225 LBS, the size you’d expect to see from a tight-end. Fountain is currently part of a loaded recruiting class for LSU this upcoming year, but just like the rest of the class, Fountain will likely never step foot on campus. According to MLB Pipeline, Fountain is currently ranked 121 in this year’s draft, but just like Cason, he may be drafted much higher come July. Fountain reminds me a lot of Blaze Jordan and Brady House, both of which have become fantastic players since being drafted. Fountain’s main tool at the dish is his 60-grade power, which isn’t exactly surprising given his physical build. On the flip side, the main issue that scouts have found in his game is his hit tool, where he sometimes lacks the ability to make consistent contact. If he can refine his swing to be more consistently on plane with the ball, Fountain’s potential is unlimited, and at this year’s draft combine, we saw that on full display.

Fountain is number 73 in this clip, where he’s seen blasting balls over 100-miles-per-hour.

Prospect #3: Cody Schrier, SS, UCLA (College)

Cody Schrier, a shortstop from UCLA, has a very high ceiling among college players in this year’s MLB Draft. Schrier really impressed me with his bat-to-ball skills at this year’s combine, as he also had his sneaky moments of power in his showing as well. Schrier comes into the MLB Draft at 21-years-old, which is older than most people on this list, but, he’s still a great option for any team in this summer’s draft. Scouts typically find his ability to drive the ball interesting, although this ability hasn’t consistently shown on the field just yet. Schrier reminds me a slightly of Dansby Swanson at the dish, with his glove floating a little more towards league average. Across the board, Schrier appears to be a solid, 50-grade prospect, which is a good option for any team looking for an infielder. As I previously mentioned, Schrier impressed me with his bat-to-ball skills, but after watching him at the combine, I think his power can be better than most scouts appear to believe. However, time will tell. MLB Pipeline currently has him as the 140th ranked prospect. Regardless, I think that Schrier is a solid option for any team looking to get a solid infield prospect in July’s draft.

Prospect #4: Anderson French, C, Red Land High School (Pennsylvania)

Anderson French, a strong throwing catcher from Red Land High School in Pennsylvania, has really made a name for himself in the past few months leading up to the MLB Draft. French, a 6’4″, 200 LBS, 18-year-old, is one of the more interesting catchers in this year’s draft. French is currently committed to Virginia Tech, a school which has seemed to be a catching factory, as they produced Kyle Teel last year. French’s arm is his main tool which has caught the eyes of scouts, as MLB Pipeline currently has his arm at a 65-grade, which is incredibly impressive for someone coming out of high school. He’s currently ranked as the 145th best player in this draft overall according to Pipeline, but he may find himself inching up this list as the draft gets closer. French also has a lot of raw power at the dish, as he’s shown to be an aggressive hitter. French’s disadvantage in this area however, is that his swing can get a little long at times. But, with some work in professional baseball, this should be ironed out in no time. I really liked the look of French during the combine, and I think he’s one of the best catchers on the draft board.

Prospect #5: Kellon Lindsey, SS, Hardee High School (Florida)

Kellon Lindsey, an athletic shortstop out of Hardee High School in Florida, is the highest ranked draft prospect on this list. As of the time I’m writing this, he’s currently ranked as Pipeline’s 30th prospect, which is very different from the rest of the prospects on this list. Lindsey currently stands in at a 6’2″, 175 LBS frame, which is an interesting shortstop build. Lindsey is currently committed to play college baseball for the Florida Gators, but just like everyone else we’ve mentioned so far, he won’t likely touch campus at all. Lindsey impressed me a lot with his bat-to-ball skills, as well as his barrel control. He has occasional pop, but scouts are currently worried about how often it’ll shine through, giving it a 40-45 grade as things stand right now. His pure hit tool, has garnered a 50-55 grade, which is pretty solid. His speed is where he shines, with his run tool often getting an 80 grade. He compares similarly to a faster Jett Williams, with his lack of power but solid hit tool. Regardless of where his grades project him to land, Lindsey looks to be an extremely solid player, who will likely be a first round pick come July.

Prospect #6: Jared Jones, 1B, LSU (College)

Jared Jones, a power hitting first baseman out of Louisiana State University, really looked to be a solid bat during his showing at this year’s Draft Combine. Jones, coming in at 6’4″, 253 LBS, is an absolute unit on the baseball diamond. Given his frame, it’s no surprise that he has as much power in the tank as he does, as Jones has the possibility to have 30 home run potential at the Major League level. Although he’s a collegiate hitter, Jones is still just 20-years-old, which will help his draft stock a lot come draft day. He’s currently ranked by MLB Pipeline as the 119th player in this year’s draft. His raw power has gotten a 60-grade, with his arm also grading out to a 65-grade also. Jones was seen posting exit velocities over 110 miles-per-hour during his batting practice round at the combine, and I think this is a real look at the type of player he’ll be in professional baseball. Overall, Jones is definitely one of my favorite draft prospects after watching him in the combine, and I look forward to seeing what he does in the next level.

Tags

Leave a comment