The Major League Baseball amateur draft kicked off Sunday evening, with the Washington Nationals selecting Oklahoma prep shortstop Eli Willitz as the third pick in the franchise’s history, following their previous top picks of Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper in 2009 and 2010. The league completed 104 selections before pausing for the night. This year’s draft is shorter than usual, lasting just two days instead of three. CBS Sports continues its tradition by spotlighting some of the top players expected to be picked early on the second day.
Top prospects to watch include Mason Neville from Oregon, who posted impressive stats with a .290 batting average, 26 home runs, and 16 doubles in 57 games, though concerns remain over his strikeout rate and consistency. Jack Bauer, a left-handed pitcher from Lincoln Way East High School in Illinois, stands out for his fastball speed reaching up to 102 mph but needs to improve his control. Cameron Appenzeller, another left-handed pitcher from Glenwood High School, showed promising potential last season but struggled a bit this spring. Nick Demesnil from California Baptist University has seen a decline in performance and an increased strikeout rate recently. Lastly, Sam Horn from Missouri, who also plays football, is an intriguing prospect thanks to his size, arm strength, and athleticism despite missing a season due to Tommy John surgery.
Fan Take: This draft is crucial because it shapes the future talent pipeline for MLB, and tracking these rising stars gives fans early insight into the next generation of baseball greats. The shorter draft format adds excitement and urgency, making every pick more impactful for the teams and the sport.
