Who will the Pirates pick? A look at potential prospects for the No. 1 choice in the MLB Draft
Jul. 9—A look at the prospects who could be the No. 1 pick for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday night in the MLB Draft:
Marcelo Mayer
Position: Shortstop
Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Bats/throws: Left/right
School: Eastlake High School, Chula Vista, Calif.
Age/DOB: 18 (Dec. 12, 2002)
Scouting report: A Southern Cal recruit, Mayer projects as a long-term shortstop because of his advanced defense. Has strong aptitude, instincts, excellent hands and footwork. With a smooth lefty swing and good barrel control, he's a natural hitter who batted .410 with 13 home runs as a senior. The question is whether he projects any future power. Hails from a powerhouse program that also produced the No. 1 pick in 2000, Adrian Gonzalez.
Jordan Lawlar
Position: Shortstop
Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
Bats/throws: Right/right
School: Dallas (Texas) Jesuit High School
Age/DOB: 18 (July 30, 2002)
Scouting report: The Vanderbilt recruit is considered a five-tool prospect and once was regarded as the top shortstop in his class. Batted better than .400 for three years, has above-average bat speed and a good arm, hands and range at short. Has a reputation for his intelligence and maturity but turns 19 next Saturday and might choose college, where he can be drafted again in two years.
Kahlil Watson
Position: Shortstop
Height, weight: 5-foot-9, 178 pounds
Bats/throws: Left/right
School: Wake Forest (N.C.) High School
Age/DOB: 18 (April 16, 2003)
Scouting report: North Carolina State recruit is an electric athlete with speed (6.5 seconds in 60-yard dash) who is a threat to steal and plays bigger than his size. Has a strong swing and outstanding bat speed and the tools to stay at shortstop, though he also has been projected to play second base or center field.
Brady House
Position: Shortstop
Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 215 pounds
Bats/throws: Right/right
School: Winder-Barrow High School, Winder, Ga.
Age/DOB: 18 (June 4, 2003)
Scouting report: The Tennessee recruit has the strength and bat speed to project as a power threat who can hit to all fields. Because of his age — he turned 18 last month — and size, he is projected as a corner infielder who likely will move to third base.
Jack Leiter
Position: Pitcher
Height, weight: 6-foot-1, 205 pounds
Throws: Right
School: Vanderbilt
Age/DOB: 21 (April 21, 2000)
Scouting report: The son of Al Leiter, a 19-year MLB veteran who was a two-time All-Star and World Series champion. Drafted in the 20th round by the Yankees in 2019. Has a five-pitch repertoire that features a 98-mph fastball, 12-to-6 curveball and slider. Tossed a no-hitter against South Carolina in SEC play, had 179 strikeouts in 110 innings and led Vandy to the College World Series finals. Durability is a concern.
Kumar Rocker
Position: Pitcher
Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 245 pounds
Throws: Right
School: Vanderbilt
Age/DOB: 21 (Nov. 22, 1999)
Scouting report: Considered the draft's top prospect a year ago after striking out 19 in a no-hitter against Duke in the NCAA Super Regionals as a freshman. The son of former NFL defensive lineman Tracy Rocker, he throws a 99 mph fastball and a devastating slider but has shown inconsistent velocity. Had 14 wins and tied Leiter with 179 strikeouts in 122 innings.
Henry Davis
Position: Catcher
Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 210 pounds
Bats/throws: Right/right
School: Louisville
Age/DOB: 21 (Sept. 21, 1999)
Scouting report: Coming into college was considered a catch-first prospect but now is known for his hitting. A fastball hitter with an unorthodox stance who likes to pull the ball, he slashed .370/.482/.663 with 15 home runs and 10 stolen bases this season, with more walks (31) than strikeouts (23). Has a good arm — threw out 34% of runners in his first two seasons — and athleticism. The question is whether he will stay behind the plate or move to another position.
Jackson Jobe
Position: Pitcher
Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Throws: Right
School: Heritage Hall School, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Age/DOB: 18 (July 30, 2002)
Scouting report: Considered the top prep pitcher, the Ole Miss recruit went 9-0 with a 0.13 ERA in 51 2/3 innings. Has a wipeout slider with elite spin that scouts call the best in the draft, a 96 mph four-seam fastball, a changeup, curveball and an easy delivery. Turns 19 on July 30.
Kevin Gorman is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Kevin by email at kgorman@triblive.com or via Twitter .