2015 MLB Mock Draft

Last update: Monday, June 8, 2015.
Charlie Campbell was a senior writer at PewterReport.com.
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Dansby Swanson, SS, Vanderbilt
There are a lot of rumors going around about what Arizona will do in the 2015 MLB Draft, including taking a player who will sign on the cheap to allow the team to spend more on latter picks. However more and more, reports are linking the Diamondbacks to taking Swanson. Vanderbilt’s star shortstop is said to be ready for the big leagues in a year or two and has all-star potential.

Alex Bregman, SS, LSU
I was correct last year in projecting Houston to take Brady Aiken. This year, I feel that Bregman is the Astros’ guy. They are reportedly also thinking hard about Brendan Rodgers. With two picks in the top five, the Astros are in good position to grab two upside position-player talents like Bregman and land a quality college arm.

Pick change; previously Brendan Rodgers, S

Tyler Jay, LHP, Illinois
I correctly predicted the Rockies pick of Kyle Freeland in my 2014 MLB Mock Draft. This year, I see them taking a power left-hander to pair with Freeland. Freeland was a late, fast riser before the 2014 MLB Draft, and the same applies to Jay. He has been dominant for Illinois as a closer, but the consensus view is that Jay will be a starter in the majors.

Brendan Rodgers, SS, High School
The Rangers are supposedly focusing on Daz Cameron or Rodgers. With Rodgers available, this is an easy decision for Texas. He has a great set of tools, and some feel he is the most talented prospect in the 2015 MLB Draft. The Rangers have developed some middle infield talent, and the fact that they are hot for Rodgers says they probably have clear plans on his track to the pros.

Pick change; previously Daz Cameron, OF

Daz Cameron, OF, High School
Cameron looks slated to come off the board to one of the Texas teams. If the Rangers pass on him, he could easily land with the Astros. Cameron has the skill set to remain in center field and has a great pro pedigree being the son of a super defensive center fielder in Mike Cameron.

Pick change; previously Carson Fulmer, RHP

Kyle Tucker, OF, High School
Minnesota has been drafting a lot of high schoolers in recent years. The Twins are supposedly hot for Daz Cameron and also have shown a lot of interest in Tucker. I think they take Cameron if he gets to them and Tucker is their plan B. Tucker has a tremendous swing with an all-around skill set. The Tampa Plant High School product could be a nice fit to spread the ball around Target Field.

Pick change; previously Alex Bregman, SS

Carson Fulmer, RHP, Vanderbilt
I think the Red Sox’s pick will come down to Carson Fulmer or Andrew Benintendi. Fulmer is on the board, so Boston goes with Vanderbilt’s aggressive flamethrower. Fulmer was drafted by Boston a few years ago out of high school in the first round, so the club’s scouting staff already has made it clear that they love him.

Pick change; previously Andrew Benintendi, OF

Dillon Tate, RHP, Santa Barbara
I’ve been correct on the White Sox selections for two straight years with Tim Anderson in 2013 and Carlos Rodon last year. I think they will come down to Tate, Carson Fulmer and Walker Buehler. Fulmer is gone, and Tate has more upside than Buehler. I think the White Sox want a right-handed power pitcher. Tate is that and is similar to Rodon in being a former consensus top pick who could slide a little. I could see the White Sox having the view that Tate could start out in the pen and eventually replace John Danks or even Jeff Samardzija in the near future.

Andrew Benintendi, OF, Arkansas
I think Cubs continue their trend to taking hitters and go with Arkansas’ Andrew Benintendi. He fits the trend of going with proven college hitters. Benintendi tore up the SEC this season before cooling down in the postseason, but he fits the metrics that Chicago’s brass uses to select talent.

Pick change; previously James Kapriellan, RHP

Tyler Stephenson, C, High School
The Phillies are said to be leaning toward a college arm or a prep bat. Stephenson has a shot at going in the top 10, and this is the right range for him. He has a talented bat, and many project him having the ability to stay at catcher.

Pick change; previously Walker Buehler, RHP

James Kapriellan, RHP, UCLA
The Reds are said to want the hometown Benintendi, but he’s off the board. Cincinnati is said to be in on a bat and or a college arm. Kapriellan has a nice arsenal with a powerful arm. He could go higher and would be a nice value for the Reds.

Pick change; previously Kyle Tucker, OF

Mike Nikorak, RHP, High School
Miami took a hard-throwing high-schooler last year in Tyler Kolek. Nikorak has been scouted aggressively by the Marlins according to MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, and Nikorak would fit with Miami’s general inclination toward prep prospects.

Garrett Whitley, OF, High School
The Rays like athletic outfielders with talented bats. Whitley fits the profile, and he has been a riser who has generated a lot of interest from teams in the top 20.

Go to 2015 MLB Mock Draft: Picks 14-26

Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.