MLB: 2013 Mock Draft - Top 10

by Matt Kellett


The 2013 MLB draft gets underway tomorrow, and will run for three days as the best college and high school talent is picked up by major league teams with hopes of one day becoming stars.


1. Houston Astros - Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma

This pick will either be Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel, Colin Moran or Kris Bryant, which one depends on how the Astros approach this draft. If they approach it in a similar way to last year, this pick will be one of the position players as they'll be cheaper to sign. I think this pick will be Gray as the Astros need pitchers, and Gray has ace potential, something that could really help the Astros with their rebuilding efforts.

2. Chicago Cubs - Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

Mark Appel was touted to go number one last year, but fell to number eight due to concerns over his desire to leave school. These concerns proved to be warranted, as Appel refused to sign and instead returned to Stanford for his senior year. Just like Gray, Appel has ace potential, he's probably the most polished player in the draft. His signature will be expensive, but I expect it to be worth the money.

3. Colorado Rockies - Colin Moran, 3B, North Carolina

Colin Moran is an enticing prospect with relatively polished tools. An advanced batter, Moran has a .357 batting average with 13 home runs, he'll need some work before his hitting is major league ready, but there's no doubt that Moran should have the quickest path to the big leagues out of all the position players in this draft. The defensive side to his game is solid, but his footwork needs to be improved if he wants to remain at 3B. 1B is his most likely destination should his footwork struggles continue in the minor leagues.

4. Minnesota Twins - Kris Bryant, 3B/OF, San Diego

Kris Bryant has a huge amount of power in his swing, making him one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. Don't expect out of this world averages from Bryant when he reaches the major leagues, but his home run numbers should be up there with the best in baseball most years. Bryant has been mocked at #3 in some mock drafts, which could definitely happen if teams are unsure over how much they'd have to pay the top college arms.

5. Cleveland Indians - Clint Frazier, OF, Loganville HS (Georgia)

The Indians are reportedly in awe of the Georgia high school product. Frazier should be cheap to sign, which would enable them to spend more on other picks. Incredible bat speed means an inconsistent swing, if he could improve his approach to off-speed pitches then he could end up as the best batter to come out of this class.

6. Miami Marlins - Braden Shipley, RHP, Nevada

Braden Shipley has risen up draft boards in the past few months after impressing in his first year as a pitcher in 2012 (Shipley was a SS previously.) The WAC Pitcher of the Year would improve the Marlins future rotation massively, with Jose Fernandez and Jacob Turner already up in MLB and impressing. Shipley has two very good pitches in his fastball and changeup, and with improved feel for the position he will surely improve on his other pitches as well. A solid pick whose selection would probably fall in line with Ricky Nolasco being traded away by the Marlins.

7. Boston Red Sox - Austin Meadows, OF, Grayson HS (Georgia)

The Red Sox are expected to pick either Austin Meadows or Clint Frazier. Meadows has huge potential with his bat, he still needs a lot of work but his ceiling his unrivaled. With a commitment to Clemson in the background, there will be concerns over his signability, but most expect the young outfielder to sign should he end up as a top 10 pick.

8. Kansas City Royals - Ryne Stanek, RHP, Arkansas

Ryne Stanek still finds himself considered a top 10 selection despite an overall disappointing junior year. The speed he flashed during his sophomore year is still there, but the command is not. Stanek needs a lot of work, which could possibly be the result of poor coaching at Arkansas. The talent is there, but this pick is risky as it's not a certainty that Stanek can fix his lingering issues.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates - DJ Peterson, 1B/3B, New Mexico

DJ Peterson is a solid hitter who should end up as an everyday player in the big leagues. His ceiling is not as high as the other bats in this draft class, and his defensive issues should see him move to 1B in pro ball. This may be a little high for Peterson, but the Pirates are looking to make use of their large bonus pool by leaving a lot of money for their later round picks.

10. Toronto Blue Jays - Trey Ball, LHP/OF, New Castle HS (Indiana)

Trey Ball is an impressive two way player who looks like he'll be pitching as a pro. With impressive size and generally good pitches, his upside as a pitcher is higher than his upside as a batter. Obviously as a high school product a lot of work is needed, but with patience as he progresses through the minor leagues Ball should be a middle of the rotation starter at least in the future.