2019 Loveable Losers Mock Draft

Jesse Winker (Cin - OF)

Draft: Rounding out the closer ranks finds Loveable Losers (LL) with the ability to pounce on the last projected 9th inning man. Some of these projections may shuffle if Craig Kimbrel (FA - RP) finds a MLB team to pay him desired money. LL could do an outfielder here with Laureano or Diaz but similar talent could potentially be found outside the 1st round. 

Prediction:

RD 1: Trevor May (Min - RP) - See above

RD 2: Nathan Eovaldi (NYY - SP) - If he can lower ERA, he's likely in Cy Young convo

RD 3: Pedro Strop (ChC - RP) - Great handcuff as team waits on Morrow to get healthy

RD 4: Keibert Ruiz (LAD - C) - Many compare him to Molina, might be seamless ascension

RD 5 Jonathan Villar (Bal - 2B, SS) - Rule-5 Draftee

RD 6 Fruedis Nova (Hou - SS) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:

RD 1: Mack Lemieux (Ari - SP) - Lefty with size projection, velocity, continues to improve

RD 2: Jack Herman (Pit - OF) - All-around game that can play anywhere on diamond

RD 3: Chris Okey (Cin - C) - Keeper

2019 HOTDF Mock Draft

Mitch Haniger (Sea - OF)

Draft: Keeping to the trend, HOTDF will likely follow suit and select a closer, choosing between Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) or Trevor May (Min - RP). They are close in terms of potential. Strickland is slightly older but has the most closing experience between the two. May's physique is better though both have battled injuries with May's being more serious.  Stickland throws just a bit harder 94.9 mph vs 94.1 mph, giving Strickland the slightest edge. 

Prediction:

RD 1: Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) - See above

RD 2: Jonathan India (Cin - 3B) - 1 great year in college, step forward or flash in pan?
RD 3: Yusei Kikuchi (Sea - SP) - Should be a bonafide innings eater with nice stats
RD 4: Shane Greene (Det - RP) - Rule-5 Draftee
RD 5: Cole Brannen (Bos - OF) - Keeper
RD 6: Jared Miller (Ari - P) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:

RD 1: Jhon Torres (Stl - OF) - Tools galore with big breakout potential

RD 2: Alexander Vargas (NYY - SS) - Big international signee with drool worthy skills
RD 3: Drew Lugbauer (Atl - C, 3B) - Good backstop bat made for fantasy 

2019 The Judgesicles Mock Draft

Mike Clevinger (Cle - SP)

Draft: Something different than in most years is the amount of available closers in this season's draft. While the position can be volatile by nature, it can pay true dividends if a team finds a safe and reliable late inning arm. Finding a young closer-in-waiting with the needed skills can make for a decade of worthy stats. The closer that best fits this mold is Jose Alvarado (TB - RP) who's 11.3 K/9 ratio could make him a rare closer indeed. Wanting someone a little more proven, look towards Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) or Trevor May (Min - RP), though both have their inconsistencies. 

Prediction:

RD 1: Jose Alvarado (TB - RP) - See above

RD 2: Max Kepler (Min - OF) - Looks to be coming into his own with multi-tool talent

RD 3: Andrew Miller (Stl - RP) - Many believe he will eventually close this season

RD 4: Matthew Liberatore (TB - SP) - Needed prospect arm with capable poise
RD 5: Michael Chavis (Bos - 3B) - Fine spring could catapult him to ABs in majors
RD 6: Jake Arrieta (Phi - SP) - Rule-5 Draftee

Prospect Draft:

RD 1: Curtis Terry (Tex - 1B) - Over looked power bat that could be difference maker

RD 2: Cody Bolton (Pit - SP) - Projectable frame with at least 2 major league pitches now

RD 3: Jaison Vilera (NYM - SP) - Keeper

2019 Beer & Brat Brigade Mock Draft

Franmil Reyes (SD - OF)

Draft:  Unlike last year, there appears to be no clear slam dunk pick but Beer & Brat Brigade's roster gives a glimmer of insight. The team rosters Maikel Franco (Phi - 3B) but the Phillies have been keen to the idea of trading or moving him off 3B in favor of 2018 1st round draftee Alec Bohm (Phi - 3B). Bohm's size, potential and college seasoning should make for a fast ascension to the majors giving him an edge here. A contending closer, breakout outfielders Ramon Laureano (Oak - OF) or Yuniel Diaz (Bal - OF) might be in play in addition to fellow 2018 1st rounder Nick Madrigal (ChW - 2B,SS). 

Prediction:

RD 1: Alec Bohm (Phi - 3B) - See above

RD 2: Jake Bauers (Cle - 1B) - New team with lots of counting stats in his future is a must

RD 3: Touki Toussaint (Atl - SP) - Talent is still there and could be a steal here

RD 4: Steven Souza, Jr. (Ari - OF) - When healthy he's a safe bet to produce

RD 5: Franmil Reyes (SD - OF) - Rule 5 Draftee
RD 6: Danny Diaz (Bos - SS) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:

RD 1: Osiel Rodriguez (NYY - SP) - Many consider him the top international arm

RD 2: Heriberto Hernandez (Tex - 1B, C) - Broke out in 2018 at rare pace for his age

RD 3: Yolbert Sanchez (FA - SS) - The Cuban will be fine lottery ticket when he signs

2019 Slimedog Mock Draft

Juan Soto (Was - OF)

Draft: If everything goes accordingly, Slimedog will be one happy camper as it snags the heir-apparent to Robinson Cano (NYM - 2B,1B). 2018 Rounder Nick Madrigal (ChW - 2B, SS), who should be a top 2B for many years to come, would be a nice addition here as it prepares for the future and also answers a team need. Saves has always been a short-coming for Slimedog so that may be a route to take as well. 

Prediction:

RD 1: Nick Madrigal (ChW - 2B, SS) - See above

RD 2: Yan Gomes (Was - C) - Young, powerful and on a new team, a must position to get

RD 3: Archie Bradley (Ari - RP) - If he wins closer job, he could be a difference maker

RD 4: Daniel Palka (ChW - OF) - One of the quietest 27 homer seasons in a long time

RD 5: Matt Manning (Det - SP) - An excellent prospect that should help very soon

RD 6: Luis Giolito (ChW - SP) - Rule-5 Draftee

Prospect Draft:

RD 1: Pedro Castellanos (Bos - 1B) - A great bat and frame to build muscle on

RD 2: Junior Sanquintin (Cle - SS) - Projectable prospect with power potential from left side

RD 3: Matthias Dietz (Bal - SP) - Big arm that should be able to capitalize on velocity

2019 Dragonborn2046 Mock Draft

Scooter Gennett (Cin - 2B)

Draft:  This may be the biggest gamble in the draft. Last year, the World Champion Boston Red Sox won 108 while their closer notched 42 saves along the way. Assuming they do not sign their former closer, finding his replacement could prove paramount to a team wanting to earn saves. Matt Barnes (Bos - RP) looks like the best to take the job but fellow closers Jose Alvarado (TB - RP), Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) or Trevor May (Min - RP) might be safer picks though on lesser squads. 

Prediction:

RD 1: Matt Barnes (Bos - RP) - See above

RD 2: Ian Anderson (Atl - SP) - Great rebound back to being a legit prospect

RD 3: Jesus Sanchez (TB - OF) - Looks to be an excellent talent after 2018 breakout

RD 4: Ketel Marte (Ari - 2B,SS) - Rule-5 Draftee

RD 5: Christian Pache (Atl - OF) - Keeper

RD 6: Micker Adolfo (ChW - OF) - Keeper 

Prospect Draft:

RD 1: Richard Gallardo (ChC - SP) - A top international arm that will move rather quickly

RD 2: Anthony Garcia (NYY - OF) - Already getting Aaron Judge comparisons 

RD 3: Danny Tillo (KC - SP) - Keeper

2019 Chevy Chase Coopers Mock Draft

Amed Rosario (NYM - SS)

Draft:  While this team lacks true star power it does have some star potential but is absent depth as it waits.  Finding a bonafide stud would go along way towards the cause and Cuban import Victor Mesa (Mia - OF) likely has the most upside.  Long considered the best talent in Cuba, his speed is game changing though the jury is still out on his bat.  Note that his Dad was a 5-tool talent ad owns many records in his country.  With Victor's international experience and pedigree, he could move very quickly to the majors. Other to consider here is 2018 breakout Jesus Sanchez (TB - OF) or a closers like Jose Alvarado (TB - RP), Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) or potentially Matt Barnes (Bos - RP).  Still, the potential reward on Mesa should be too great to pass up.  

Prediction:

RD 1: Victor Mesa (Mia - OF) - See above

RD 2: Yuniel Diaz (Bal - OF) - Unproven but guaranteed ABs offset risk

RD 3: Mike Zunino (TB - C) - Will need a catcher until Hernandez is ready, has power

RD 4: Kenley Jansen (LAD - RP) - Rule-5 Draftee

RD 5: Wander Franco (TB - SS) - Keeper

RD 6: Ramon Hernandez (TB - C) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:

RD 1: Misael Urbina (Min - OF) - Maybe the top international offensive available

RD 2: Starlyn Castillo (Phi - SP) - Youngster throwing 97 mph could be worth the wait

RD 3: Tanner Myatt (NYY - SP) - Hard throwing projectable frame and arm