The Major League Baseball Draft will be held July 13 during All-Star week in Atlanta, Ga. Leading up to the first round, MaxPreps will look at the top high school players available according to the following schedule:
July 7: Catchers July 8: Outfielders
July 11: Corner infielders
July 12: Middle infielders
July 13: Pitchers
The selections at each position are based on the
top 250 prospects identified by Major League Baseball.
Read on for a look at the top five high prep outfielders heading into next week.
Slater de Brun, Summit (Bend, Ore.)
The MaxPreps All-American is one of the fastest prep players in the draft. That quality also leads to a high fielding rating that makes him a legitimate center fielder despite being just 5-feet-9. Power is not de Brun's strength but he has the ability to find a way to get on base. Likely the only high school outfielder chosen in the first round.
Sean Gamble, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Since Gamble played primarily in the outfield in high school, he will likely get a long look there. However, according to MLB.com, Gamble could be chosen at second base. Gamble has very consistent ratings across the board with his highest numbers coming in the hit, run and arm categories. Could go right at the end of the first round.
Alec Blair, De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
The next prep outfielder might not go until the end of the second round. Blair, a two-sport star for the Spartans, brings a lot of athletic ability to the field. An Oklahoma basketball signee, Blair is 6-foot-6 and is loaded with the potential that scouts love. Although hitting is a weakness, Blair is solid in all the other tools while not being outstanding in any one tool.
Dean Moss, IMG Academy
Possibly the best hitter among the outfield prospects, Moss plays centerfield in high school, but he will likely move out of that position at the next level. Like Blair, Moss is very solid in all the other tools, but he does not bring the athleticism that Blair showcases. Nevertheless, Moss' ability to hit might land him ahead of Blair in the second round.
Jaden Fauske, Nazareth Academy (LaGrange Park, Ill.)
Fauske began his career as a catcher and MLB.com states that he might be the top high school catching prospect in the country. However, Fauske has rarely played catcher the past two seasons and could end up in the outfield. Like Moss, Fauske has plus hitting ability but possesses better speed. It will be a toss-up to see who goes first among Blair, Moss and Fauske at the end of the second round.
