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The first high school player chosen in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft might be a player who isn't even playing high school baseball this year.
MaxPreps is previewing the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft with a look at the nation's best high school outfielders.
Jarred Kelenic of West (Waukesha, Wis.) has already graduated from high school, however it's unlikely he would have played much this year anyway since his school plays summer baseball in Wisconsin rather than a spring season. Kelenic will likely be a top 10 pick and could even be the No. 1 high school player chosen if not the highest high school position player chosen.
He leads a group of outfielders on this list who exhibit outstanding play at the field and at the plate. All five are expected to go somewhere between the first and third rounds in the draft, which begins June 4.
MLB Draft Prospects: Top 5 Outfielders
Jared Kelenic, West (Waukesha, Wis.)Kelenic has been reportedly been training for the June 4 draft ever since graduating early, according to the Journal Sentinel. While he has had less exposure as a high school player due to the fact that West plays a summer season, Kelenic has made a name for himself as a member of Team USA 18U. In winning two gold medals, Kelenic led the team in base hits in 2016 and had a pair of home runs in last year's tournament. He's considered a five-tool player with the ability to play center field and plus arm strength. He can also hit for power and average.
Draft forecast: Top 10 pick, possibly top high school position player chosen.
Conner Scott, Plant (Tampa, Fla.)While not the outfield presence that Kelenic is, Scott is capable of playing at a corner spot thanks to a large athletic frame (6-foot-4, 180) that is seen as very projectable. Scott's ability at the plate is where scouts like him as a possible first round pick. A swing reportedly similar to that of former Plant teammate Kyle Tucker, who is one of the top prospects in Minor League Baseball, Scott batted .526 with five home runs this year.
Draft forecast: Middle of first round.
Joseph Gray, Hattiesburg (Miss.)Gray has a very athletic build (6-3, 185) and quickness in the field. Gray will likely end up in center field, though he could play any of the three outfield spots with his quickness and arm strength. He has shown the ability to hit for average and power, batting .491 this year with 16 doubles, five triples and six home runs.
Draft forecast: Late first round or compensatory round.
Alek Thomas, Chicago Mt. CarmelThomas (5-11) might not have the size or arm strength as some of the others on this list, he is not short on star ability. He is seen as a center field prospect with enough of an arm to get the job done. He can also hit for average and power as he batted .423 this year with six doubles, four triples and nine home runs, including two grand slams.
Draft forecast: Second or third round.
Preston Hartsell, Corona del Mar (Newport Beach, Calif.)While Hartsell had a much better year at the plate as a junior rather than a senior, he is still seen as a valuable selection due to his ability in the field. Lots of speed with an outstanding arm, Hartsell has hit for power in the past, getting six home runs last year compared to three this year. He also hit .426 last year compared to .301 this year. Still, Hartsell likely won't get past the first day.
Draft forecast: Second or third round.
