The Major League Baseball draft gets underway July 9 in Seattle. The three-day event opens with Rounds 1 and 2 on Sunday, 3 through 10 on Monday and 11 through 20 on Tuesday.
MaxPreps takes a look at the top five high school players at six positions in the days leading up to the draft. The preview continues today with outfielders. This is MaxPreps' look at high school players who could be drafted:
June 28: Left-handed pitchersJune 29: Right-handed pitchersJune 30: CatchersJuly 5: Middle infieldersJuly 5: Corner infieldersToday: Outfielders
Max Clark of Franklin Community in Indiana is likely to be the first prep player taken in the upcoming MLB Draft. (Photo: Tyler Ward)
1. Max Clark, Franklin Community (Franklin, Ind.), 6-1, 190
Considered a five-tool player, he could be the first high school player chosen in the draft, and certainly no lower than the second prep player picked. He has the foot speed and bat speed that scouts look for in a first-round pick. Additionally, he has the potential to grow stronger. He batted .646 last year with nine doubles, five triples and six home runs. Won't last past the No. 5 pick.
2. Walker Jenkins, South Brunswick (Southport, N.C.), 6-3, 215
If Clark is not the first prep player chosen in the draft, Jenkins will be. Although he hit only two home runs this year, Jenkins is expected to be a productive power hitter at the next level. Also an outstanding fielder with a strong arm. A five-tool player who still has potential to grow and add strength. Like Clark, won't get out of the first five picks.
3. Dillon Head, Homewood-Flossmoor (Flossmoor, Ill.), 6-0, 180
Might be the quickest outfielder in the draft, making him a good bet to stick in center field. He has great range in the field and he also has speed on the base paths. Has also shown the ability to make contact and hit for power. He hit .485 last year with six home runs. Could sneak into the first round, but likely a second-round pick.
4. Drew Burress, Houston County (Warner Robins, Ga.), 5-9, 175
Despite his smaller frame, he's been one of the top power hitters in the nation the past two seasons with 30 home runs. Very athletic with good speed. Could also play in the infield, according to Perfect Game. Should go in the second round.
5. Tayshaun Walton, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), 6-3, 220
Has a large frame and could be a power hitter at the next level. Hit more for average with the Ascenders with a .473 average and one home run. Not as fast as the other outfielders ahead of him, but is athletic enough to be a defensive presence. May go in the third or fourth round.
