The Philadelphia Phillies selected California prep outfielder Mickey Moniak with the first pick in Major League Baseball's draft Thursday, their reward for a 99-loss season in 2015.
Moniak, a center fielder from Carlsbad, Calif., is an advanced hitter for his age who doesn't yet possess elite power. He has committed to UCLA, although the Phillies likely would not have selected him without assurances that he would sign. The slot value of the No. 1 pick is $9 million, but the Phillies could disperse some of that bonus money to later picks.
Moniak becomes the Phillies' first overall selection since slugger Pat Burrell in 1997.
"Collectively, we believe Mickey was the best player available in the draft,” Phillies scouting director Johnny Almaraz said in a statement. "He’s a true center fielder with incredible offensive ability and the potential to be a perennial All-Star."
In 29 games this season, Moniak hit .476 with seven home runs, 12 triples, 46 RBI, 40 runs scored and a .921 slugging percentage. He was the Gatorade California Baseball Player of the Year and finished his four-year varsity career with a .390 average, 105 RBI and 105 runs scored.
The Cincinnati Reds followed by selecting Tennessee third baseman Nick Senzel, who is perhaps the biggest bat who's closest to the major leagues. While the club is far away from drafting for need, he does make for a nice potential replacement for Todd Frazier, traded to the Chicago White Sox in the offseason,
A closer look at the top 15 picks in the draft:
1. Phillies
Mickey Moniak, OF, La Costa Canyon High (Carlsbad, Calif.)
Comment: Committed to UCLA, but possesses advanced hitting skills for his age.
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2. Reds
Nick Senzel, 3B, Tennessee
Comment: Good power potential and sound defensive ability, he could move quickly toward Cincinnati.
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3. Braves
Ian Andrerson, RHP, Shenendehowa High School (N.Y.)
Comment: The first high school pitcher taken in the draft. At 6-3, Anderson is a good strike thrower with a 92-95 mph fastball.
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4. Rockies
Riley Pint, RHP Saint Thomas Aquinas High School (Kansas)
Comment: Pint, 18, has an electric arm with a fastball clocked at 100 mph. He has ace potential, but needs to improve his mechanics.
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5. Brewers
Corey Ray, OF, Louisville
Ray, 21, is the best combination of tools and polish in the college class. A 30-stolen base threat at the pro level, Ray is an elite runner that has developed 15-20 home run type power. His athleticism and multi-faceted game will allow him to advance rapidly.
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6. Athletics
A.J. Puk, LHP, Florida
Comment: At 6-7, 230 pounds, Puk is the top college pitcher on the board. He averages a 93-97 mph fastball to go with a devastating swing and miss slider. His upside was not reflected in an uneven junior year, but his physical tools suggest a strong chance he's a middle-rotation pitcher as he progresses.
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7. Marlins
Braxton Garrett, LHP, Florence High School (Ala.)
Comment: Garrett uses a high leg kick to throw a fastball in the 91-93 mph range and has an advanced curveball for a prep pitcher.
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8. Padres
Cal Quantrill, RHP, Stanford
Comment: Son of former major league reliever Paul Quantrill, he's recovering from Tommy John surgery and did not pitch this season. At his best, the 6-foot-3 righty works at 92-95 mph with advanced command.
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9. Tigers
Matt Manning, RHP, Sheldon High School (Calif.)
Comment: A two-sport star in high school who didn't start pitching until his junior year. At 6-foot-6, Manning has superior athleticism and a fastball that tops out in the high 90s.
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10. White Sox
Zach Collins, C, Miami (Fla.)
Comment: A left-handed hitting catcher, he may be the most pro ready in the draft. He’s extremely disciplined at the plate and has a great bat.
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11. Mariners
Kyle Lewis, OF, Mercer
Baseball America's college player of the year, Lewis has a prototype 6-foot-4, lean build and an advanced hit tool. He has power to all fields - with potential 30-homer pop - and a good first step in the outfield.
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12. Red Sox
Jason Groome, LHP, Barnegat High School (N.J.)
Comment: Arguably the best prep lefty we’ve seen in the draft since Clayton Kershaw, His ball explodes from his hand at 92-95 mph, topping upwards of 96-97 and he owns a plus curveball.
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13. Rays
Joshua Lowe, 3B, Pope High School (Ga.)
Comment: A unique combination of power, speed, and elite arm strength, Lowe has superstar potential and 30-homer power.
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14. Indians
Will Benson, OF, The Westminster Schools (Ga.)
Comment: At 6-6, a great athlete with power. He has plus tools and could be a 30-homer lefty bat as a pro.
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15. Twins
Alex Kirilloff, OF, Plum High School (Pa.)
Comment: He’s an above average runner and has an athletic 6-foot-2 frame but the main selling point is his sweet, explosive swing.
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DRAFT ORDER: 1. Phillies; 2. Reds; 3. Braves; 4. Rockies; 5. Brewers; 6. Athletics; 7. Marlins; 8. Padres; 9.Tigers; 10. White Sox; 11. Mariners; 12. Red Sox; 13. Rays; 14. Indians; 15. Twins; 16. Angels; 17. Astros; 18. Yankees; 19. Mets; 20. Dodgers; 21. Blue Jays; 22. Pirates; 23. Cardinals; 24. Padres (Upton); 25. Padres (Kennedy); 26. White Sox (Samardzija); 27. Orioles (Chen); 28. Nationals (Zimmermann); 29. Nationals (Desmond); 30. Rangers (Gallardo); 31. Mets (Murphy); 32. Dodgers (Greinke); 33. Cardinals (Lackey); 34. Cardinals (Heyward)
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GALLERY: NO. 1 OVERALL PICKS
