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Top Georgia 2019 MLB Draft Prospects

Image credit: C.J. Abrams (Photo courtesy of USA Baseball)

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State List Talent Ranking: ??????
(Stars are listed on a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 being the weakest)

1. C.J. Abrams, SS, Blessed Trinity HS, Roswell, Ga. (BA RANK: 4)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 185 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Alabama

A unanimous first-team selection on the 2019 Preseason All-America team, scouts have long been enamored with Abrams’ elite athleticism, running ability and bat-to-ball skills from the left side. A 6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop out of Georgia, Abrams’ standout tool is his running ability. An 80-grade runner, Abrams gets out of the batter’s box well and posts sub-4.00 second run times regularly. He has impressive instincts and routinely gets solid jumps on the base paths as well. Abrams pairs that speed with a line-drive oriented swing from the left side, and he has tremendous feel for putting the barrel on the baseball. He rarely swings and misses, and because of those skills scouts think Abrams could become a plus hitter. He still has plenty of work to do in regards to pitch selection and developing a real plan of attack, however, and at times Abrams has shown a tendency to get overly aggressive in the box and chase pitches out of the zone. He has below-average raw power at the moment and scouts have questioned his power potential at times, but he has improved his strength enough to the point that it would be fair to project average power in the future as he continues to fill out. It also wouldn’t be shocking if Abrams eventually reaches above-average power because of his impressive hand-eye coordination and ability to consistently put the barrel on the ball in today’s home run-friendly environment at the Triple-A and major league levels. Either way, he should get plenty of extra-base hits thanks to his running ability. Where scouts are most conflicted on Abrams is his future defensive home. He made center field look tremendously easy during his time with USA Baseball’s 18U National Team last fall (when he also hit .297/.395/.324 in nine games), and he projects as a plus defender in the outfield. But he also has a chance to stick at shortstop, where he has quick footwork, plus range, solid glovework and adequate arm strength. He’ll need to improve his throwing accuracy if he wants to stay on the dirt, as well as his ability to throw from multiple angles and arm slots, but he’s shown the ability to do all of those things at time. Now, it’s just a matter of consistency. He should be given every opportunity to play shortstop at the next level, with the excellent fallback option of becoming a premium defensive center fielder. In all, there’s still some polishing to do with Abrams, but he brings tremendous upside as a potential table-setter at the top of the lineup with plus defensive potential at multiple premium positions. Abrams is committed to Alabama, but he is expected to go off the board quickly this June.

2. Daniel Espino, RHP, Georgia Premier Academy, Statesboro, Ga. (BA RANK: 25)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 196 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Louisiana State

No pitcher—high school or college—has as much upside as Georgia righthander Daniel Espino in the 2019 draft. His pure stuff is the loudest of any arm in the class thanks to a fastball that is routinely in the upper 90s and has touched 99-100 mph several times throughout the summer and spring. But it isn’t just elite velocity that makes Espino’s fastball tick, as the pitch, at times, has riding life to his arm side and cutting action to his glove side. After his fastball, Espino has two seperate breaking balls that look like plus pitches. His curveball sits in the mid-70s, and his slider is thrown in the low 80s. Both have sharp, late-breaking action and are legitimate swing-and-miss offerings when combined with his 80-grade fastball. Espino also throws a firm, upper-80s changeup that has some potential and flashes the look of a solid-average offering, but the pitch will need further refinement. Just grading out the tools, there are only a handful of players who would make sense to be listed above Espino in any draft ranking, but teams are split on the prep righthander because of an unconventional arm action, reliever risk and the recent poor track record of high school pitchers who throw as hard as Espino does at such a young age. Espino’s arm action is long, and while his control is solid, scouts believe that he’ll need to refine his command at the next level, where hitters won’t be as likely to chase secondaries out of the strike zone. Scouts have also noted that Espino’s stuff and control are both better when he pitches on longer rest and question how he will perform when he is throwing on a pro schedule. For those who don’t knock Espino quite as hard for his arm action, it’s easy to point to his elite lower-half strength and mechanics to show why he’ll be able to hold up in the future and avoid unnecessary stress on both his elbow and shoulder. The Panamanian-born pitcher gets off the rubber with tremendous force and has solid athleticism and body control, keeping his upper and lower half synced up. Those high on Espino will point to him having the best stuff in the country and the upside of a front-of-the-rotation starter, while those lower on him will see a 6-foot high school righthander with an unconventional arm action and significant risk to end up in the bullpen. Those factors lead to a wide range of potential landing spots in the draft for the Louisiana State commit.

3. Nasim Nunez, SS, Collins Hill HS, Suwanee, Ga. (BA RANK: 43)
Source: HS • Ht: 5-9 • Wt: 160 • B-T: B-R • Commitment/Drafted: Clemson

Nunez is among the best defensive shortstops in the 2019 class. As an undersized middle infielder at just 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, there are some questions about the amount of offensive impact Nunez might possess, but there is no doubting his defensive skill and toolset. The Clemson commit projects as a plus defensive shortstop because of his plus arm and plus running ability, and he has elite, quick-twitch hands and a knack for throwing accurately from tough arm angles and while on the run. Watching Nunez play defense can be mesmerizing—both in pregame warmups and during the game—because of his fluid actions, immense athleticism and overall joy for the game. As an undersized, switch-hitting, high-aptitude defender, Nunez will draw comparisons to 2018 prep shortstop Xavier Edwards, who signed with the Padres after being drafted with the No. 38 overall pick last June. Edwards has a superior hit tool and better run times, however, while Nunez has more arm strength. Nunez has a solid swing from both sides of the plate, though it’s more natural from the right side. He’s faced good competition in Georgia’s 7A class, but he has well below-average raw power. Teams have been more willing to take undersized players with standout defensive ability high in the draft in recent years, and Nunez fits that to description well, but he’s also a player who could raise his stock significantly in three years if he goes to school and shows he can hit in the ACC. As it stands now, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him drafted in the supplemental first or second round.

4. Brett Thomas, RHP, Riverwood HS, Atlanta (BA RANK: 98)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-5 • Wt: 225 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: South Carolina

A pop-up righthander out of Georgia, Thomas missed significant time prior to this spring due to injury, but returned showing dynamic stuff out of a strong, 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame. Thomas has a fastball that’s regularly in the 91-95 range and couples it with a breaking ball that he has terrific feel to spin and consistently lands for strikes. He has a stabbing action in the back of his delivery that could scare some teams, but he has a fair arm action and delivery on the whole. On talent alone, Thomas fits as a late Day 2 pick, but he’ll come with a high price tag and a South Carolina commitment that could scare teams off given his lack of track record and medical history.

5. Myles Austin, SS, Westlake HS, Atlanta (BA RANK: 116)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 184 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Alabama

A wiry, 6-foot-3, 184-pound infielder with plenty of athleticism, Austin is a projectable hitter out of Atlanta who currently has solid raw power that projects for plus as he continues to fill out his frame. There’s some swing-and-miss in Austin’s game, and his long levers might continue to worry scouts when paired with his aggressive tendencies, but there’s enough impact potential and bat speed to give him a high offensive ceiling. Defensively, he shows middle infield actions and quickness, but he currently has average arm strength with an unconventional arm slot. He may have to move off the position as he continues to get stronger and could wind up being a better fit for third base. He’s a plus runner underway with long, smooth strides on the bases, but he could take a step backwards in that department in the future as he fills out his lanky frame. Austin is polarizing among the scouting community, with some preferring to dream on his significant upside while others wonder if he’ll ever show enough consistent hitting ability to make the most of his raw tools. Austin is committed to Alabama.

6. Aaron Schunk, 3B, Georgia (BA RANK: 117)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 205 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

A two-way player for the Bulldogs, Schunk ended the 2018 season as the team’s closer and has served in that capacity this spring in addition to being the team’s starting third baseman. Most pro teams prefer him as a hitter, however, despite his lack of clear, standout tools. Schunk is solid across the board and is having a career offensive season in 2019. Through his first 47 games this spring, Schunk led Georgia in batting average (.339) and slugging percentage (.556). He’s also hit a career-high nine home runs after hitting a combined four homers during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Schunk is a solid hitter and could project as an average bat with solid-average power, but he’s never walked much throughout his college career and he didn’t hit for much power in a 29-game stint in the Cape Cod League last summer. Defensively, Schunk is a safe bet to stick at third base, where he has good athleticism and a strong arm. On the mound, Schunk has a four-pitch mix with a fastball that has been up to 95 mph and solid strike-throwing ability, but his upside is higher with a bat. He could be a everyday third baseman at the next level if he can continue to increase his power potential moving forward.

7. Jonathan French, C, Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga. (BA RANK: 130)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 210 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Clemson

The latest in a recent line of Georgia prep catchers that includes Tyler Stephenson, Joey Bart, Luis Campusano, Anthony Seigler and Will Banfield, French is among the best prep backstops in the 2019 class. French has solid tools across the board, with above-average raw power, plus arm strength and solid receiving skills. Teams are mixed on his hit tool, with some expecting him to become a solid-average hitter who uses all fields with above-average power. Other teams are more skeptical about his ability to hit for impact in games, seeing it show up more in batting practice with swing-and-miss questions against higher-level pitching. Defensively, French has all the tools to be above-average behind the plate—he was voted as the best defensive catcher in the prep class by scouting directors prior to the season—but he will need to improve the efficiency of his exchange and his footwork on throws to second base. As a receiver, he has strong, soft hands and frames and blocks well. French is committed to Clemson.

8. Brennan Milone, SS, Woodstock (Ga.) HS (BA RANK: 134)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 185 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: South Carolina

One of the better pure hitters in Georgia, Milone attended Perfect Game National early last summer but otherwise wasn’t at many of the big national showcases. As a result, Milone flew a bit under the radar until a loud offensive performance at Perfect Game’s Jupiter tournament last fall, and he’s continued to hit well this spring in front of plenty of scouting directors and crosscheckers. A 6-foot-1, 185-pound shortstop, Milone might be a better fit for second or third base in the future. He’s a fringe-average runner who lacks a lot of quick-twitch lateral mobility and has just average arm strength. His defensive instincts are solid, however, and scouts are confident he’ll be able to stick in the dirt in some capacity. Milone has average raw power, which could limit his profile or make him more of a utility-type player as he progresses. Regardless, scouts think he has above-average hitting ability with good feel to put the barrel on the ball. Enough high-level evaluators have traveled to see Milone this spring that it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was drafted early on Day 2 and did not make it to South Carolina, where he is committed.

9. Kyle McCann, C, Georgia Tech (BA RANK: 135)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 217 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

After producing the No. 2 pick (Joey Bart) in the 2018 draft a season ago, Georgia Tech again has a talented junior catcher in the form of McCann. McCann played mostly first base and was used as a DH during his sophomore season while Bart handled the catching duties, but he hit an impressive .300/.423/.600 with 15 home runs. This spring, McCann has taken over as the starting catcher for the Yellow Jackets and continued to post big power numbers, hitting 22 home runs through his first 54 games of the season—ranking fifth in the country among Division I hitters. He also has a walk rate hovering 21 percent, which ranks among the top 10 in the country. McCann has easy plus raw power from the left side, with a strong 6-foot-2, 217-pound frame, a low handset in his load and a swing that’s geared toward fly balls. McCann has a chance to be a fringe-average hitter, and his production in the ACC is impressive, but scouts wonder how well his approach will translate with a wood bat due to his high strikeout numbers and overall middling summer last year in the Cape Cod League. There, McCann hit .219/.309/.344 and struck out 36 times (32.7 percent) compared to 13 walks (11.8 percent) in 34 games. Defensively, McCann has above-average arm strength, but he needs to improve across the board to stick behind the plate at the next level. He’s slow behind the dish and doesn’t move well from side to side, while his release comes with plenty of length and his footwork needs refinement as well. McCann could go early on Day 2 if a team believes he has a chance to catch and his power is legitimate, but if he is forced to move off the position and slide over to first base his overall profile will take a significant hit.

10. Zachary Maxwell, RHP, North Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga. (BA RANK: 138)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-6 • Wt: 245 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Georgia Tech

A physical righthander with a big, 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame, Maxwell showed arm strength over the summer and got into the low 90s with questionable control. This spring, that velocity has ticked up in a big way, and he’s been as high as 98 mph out of a low, three-quarter arm slot. Something of a split-camp prospect, some teams are in heavily on Maxwell and like him as high as the second or third round thanks to his arm strength and improved secondaries that include a curveball, slider and changeup. Others are more worried about his below-average athleticism and high-maintenance body, as well as the scattered and inconsistent strike-throwing ability he has shown this spring. He has 30-grade control at this point and will need to improve the consistency of his release point moving forward to take advantage of his natural arm strength. If a team believes they can make a few mechanical tweaks and refine his control, they are looking at a righthander who could easily touch triple digits in the future, while those more skeptical will be content to let him get to Georgia Tech and prove it in college.

11. Hunter Gaddis, RHP, Georgia State (BA RANK: 166)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-6 • Wt: 212 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

Watching Gaddis pitch, you wouldn’t think he was an elite strike-thrower. The 6-foot-6, 212-pound righthander has a quick arm, but his below-average delivery has plenty of recoil and head whack and his arm occasionally comes through his delivery late. None of that has stopped him from throwing strikes with Georgia State, however, as Gaddis walked just 2.2 batters per nine innings over his first 257.1 innings with the Panthers. Gaddis throws each of his four pitches for strikes. His arsenal includes a low-90s fastball and two above-average secondaries in a slider and changeup. Gaddis can land his curveball in the zone as well, but it’s more of a 40-grade pitch at the moment and used more as a get-me-over, change-of-pace pitch. He’s overwhelmed competition for the most part in the Sun Belt Conference, with impressive strikeout-to-walk rates each season, including 102 strikeouts (11.2 per nine) and just 20 walks (2.2 per nine) through his first 82 innings this spring. Gaddis was also effective in a brief Cape Cod League stint last summer, although his strikeout rate fell to 6.5 batters per nine innings. At the next level, Gaddis profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter or swingman in relief, and his stuff might wind up playing better out of the bullpen.

12. Alex McFarlane, RHP, Habersham Central HS, Mt. Airy, Ga. (BA RANK: 186)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 170 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Miami

A 6-foot-3, 170-pound righthander with plenty of starter traits, McFarlane is something of a polarizing pitching prospect due to the fact that there’s plenty of projecting to do with him and his inconsistencies this spring. From the U.S. Virgin Islands, McFarlane moved this spring and played in Georgia, where scouts saw him pitch in the 87-90 mph range one day and then could see him up to 95 mph in his next outing. He raised a lot of eyebrows last fall at Perfect Game’s Jupiter showcase, where he was up to 94 mph and displayed a plus breaking ball. This spring his secondary stuff has been more pedestrian, although he shows good feel for both a breaking ball and a changeup. There’s natural, sinking life on his fastball, and his arm works well despite some length to his stroke and slight head whack. McFarlane is athletic, and he likely gets that from his parents, who were Olympic athletes in track and taekwondo. Committed to Miami, McFarlane is expected to be a difficult sign. He has plenty of upside if a team wants to be patient and let him continue to refine his pitches while adding strength.

13. Tony Locey, RHP, Georgia (BA RANK: 196)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 234 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

As a senior in high school, Locey helped pitch Warner Robins High to a state title. He had plenty of help, as Orioles lefthander DL Hall was also on the pitching staff and the lineup included future Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm. At Georgia, Locey’s inconsistent slider and below-average control kept him from taking on a larger role in his first two years in Athens. But he moved into the Sunday role as a junior, and he pitched well enough that when Emerson Hancock was sidelined, he became the Friday night starter. Locey reached double digits in strikeouts in four different starts this year. He allowed two earned runs or less in 12 of his first 14 games. Locey’s plus fastball sits at 92-95 mph and will touch 96-98 mph. He can carry that velocity deep into games. Locey’s slider is hard, sharp and short with late break, although he does still lose the feel for it at times, which means it flashes plus more than it’s consistently earning those grades. Scouts worry that it’s too often a chase pitch and will need to see him prove he can locate for strikes in pro ball. He also throws a get-me-over curveball that’s a fringy, early-count pitch, but it can be effective because hitters are geared up for his high-velocity fastball. Locey has improved to show average control this year. There’s plenty of debate over whether Locey has any shot to remain a starter in pro ball despite an excellent 2019 season, but even those who think he can’t start look at his fastball and slider and see a potential late-inning reliever with dominating stuff.

14. Landon Sims, RHP, South Forsyth HS, Cumming, Ga. (BA RANK: 198)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 215 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Mississippi State

A short righthander out of Georgia with a big fastball, Sims impressed scouts last summer at the East Coast Pro showcase by striking out five batters and showing off a fastball that regularly got into the mid-90s. He’s touched as high as 97 mph in the past, and his big, power fastball is his carrying tool. Scouts like his arm action, but think he’s close to maxed out his frame, which is listed at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. He’s flashed an above-average slider in the 75-81 mph range, but scouts wanted to see the pitch at that level more consistently throughout the spring. It has sweeping movement and solid shape that he can finish down to the glove side, but it needs more consistent bite. He’s shown a changeup that needs work as well. Because of his size, big fastball and the occasional slider, there are some comparisons to J.B. Bukauskas coming out of high school and with that come the same reliever risks that Bukauskas faced at the time. Sims’ strike-throwing has been inconsistent, and he’ll need to improve his secondaries to give himself a shot at becoming a starter at the next level. A Mississippi State commit, Sims could be a difficult sign.

15. Tim Elliott, RHP, Georgia (BA RANK: 244)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 200 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

After being used as a reliever during his first year at Georgia in 2017, Elliott made four starts during his sophomore season in addition to seven relief appearances, where he posted a 3.86 ERA, but struggled with his control, walking 13 batters in 21 innings. This spring, Elliott has moved into a full-time starting role and experienced his best season yet. Through his first 13 games (12 of which were starts), Elliott posted a 2.93 ERA with a career-high strikeout rate (8.80 per nine) and career-low walk rate (3.08 per nine). The 6-foot-1, 200-pound righthander throws four close to average pitches: A 55-grade fastball in the 90-94 mph range, an above-average changeup and both a slider and a curveball. The slider is a half-grade ahead of his curve as an average pitch, while the curve is more of a fringe-average offering at this point.

16. Tres Gonzalez, OF, Mount Vernon Presbyterian HS, Atlanta (BA RANK: 245)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 165 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Georgia Tech

A 6-foot, 165-pound outfielder committed to Georgia Tech, Gonzalez is a plus runner who’s other tools are closer to average. He’s a sound player with good makeup, a line drive swing and good route-running in center field. With solid athleticism and impressive makeup, many area scouts are fond of Gonzalez, though some wonder if he has enough tools to buy out of high school with his current physicality and lack of impact. He does have good contact ability and you could dream on his power potential in the future with increased muscle gains, but he’s a player who could make it to campus, play well and improve his stock in three years.

17. Cam Shepherd, SS, Georgia (BA RANK: 247)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 180 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Red Sox ’16 (29)

Shepherd has locked down the shortstop position for the Bulldogs since joining the squad in 2017, with good actions in the field with a average arm strength and average range. He’s not flashy, but he makes the routine plays. After hitting .307/.354/.452 as a freshman, Shepherd has steadily gone in the wrong direction offensively. Through 56 games this spring, Shepherd hit .232/.337/.375 with a 17 percent strikeout rate. Shepherd has below-average power. As an everyday SEC shortstop there are still things to like about Shepherd, but his lack of tools limit his upside and his performance this spring has him heading in the wrong direction.

18. Michael Harris, LHP/OF, Stockbridge (Ga.) HS (BA RANK: 248)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 190 • B-T: B-L • Commitment/Drafted: Texas Tech

Harris is an athletic, two-way player with legitimate pro potential on both sides of the ball. On the mound, the 6-foot, 195-pound lefty has been up to who is up to 93 mph on the mound and has shown some feel to spin a big curveball that has shape and depth but lacks power presently. He sits in the 88-92 mph range but the velocity has been up and down this spring. His ceiling is higher on the mound, but Harris seems to prefer hitting, where he is a plus runner and can chase them down well in center field, with above-average bat speed from the left side and raw power. There are questions about the quality of his hit tool, and if Harris wants to hit at the next level he might have to prove it first at Texas Tech.

19. Mason Barnett, RHP, Cartersville (Ga.) HS (BA RANK: 250)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 205 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Auburn

A 6-foot-1, 205-pound righthander who attends the same school as 2018 first round catcher Anthony Seigler, Barnett is a pro prospect in his own right, if not at the same level as Seigler, who he worked out with regularly. A shorter righthanded pitcher, Barnett doesn’t have a ton of projection left, but he has a strong arm and can generate good fastball velocity, getting up as high as 95 mph, though throughout this spring he sat more in the 89-93 mph range. In addition to the fastball, Barnett has a solid-average changeup that has solid sinking and running life, and a breaking ball that shows sharp tilt at times, but needs more consistency and can back up on him. Barnett is still learning how to get his lower half completely in his delivery. He’ll try to be too perfect in the zone, which leads to walks (as does a long arm stroke with slight wrist wrap) but scouts believe in his strike throwing ability in the future. Barnett is committed to Auburn.

20. Ramsey David, RHP, Buford (Ga.) HS (BA RANK: 301)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 180 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Auburn

An athletic, 6-foot-3, 180-pound righthander committed to Auburn, David has a projectable frame, a terrific feel for pitching and can land a four-pitch arsenal for strikes. David pitched in the 88-91 mph range last fall in Perfect Game’s Jupiter showcase, but landed an extremely consistent, 78-81 mph slider wherever he wanted throughout the outing. He spotted the pitch for strikes in the zone and expanded for swings and misses. The pitch looks just like his fastball out of his hand, which allows it to stymie batters even more. He also has good feel for a two-seam fastball with solid running life and a low-80s changeup. David’s stuff backed up a tick this spring into the 85-91 mph range, and his command wasn’t always as locked in as he showed in Jupiter. There are plenty of starter traits to see with David, but scouts will want to see him get stronger and improve his fastball velocity, while also ironing out some of the minor flaws in his delivery. David comes from athletic bloodlines, as his father Drew was a quarterback at Georgia and also played in the Canadian Football League.

21. Andre Tarver, OF, Ringgold (Ga.) HS (BA RANK: 305)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 210 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Mississippi State

A 6-foot-2, 210-pound outfielder with athleticism and strength, Tarver is also a talented wide receiver. He has impact potential with his lefthanded bat and he’s hit well this spring, though scouts note the competition he is facing is not great. While he currently overpowers the competition, there are a few timing and pitch-recognition issues that Tarver will have to make against better pitching at the next level. Tarver has a well-rounded package and no glaring holes, but outside of projecting on his power there are no plus tools. He has a chance for center field, though some scouts think he’ll become a power corner-outfield type as he continues to develop. Tarver is a Mississippi State commit.

22. Chase Murray, OF, Georgia Tech (BA RANK: 308)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 188 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

A talented hitter dating back to his days in high school, Murray had a strong sophomore season that featured a .343/.410/.510 slash line before he impressed last summer in the Cape Cod League. There, Murray played center field and hit .317/.363/.446 with a pair of home runs. At that point, Murray was starting to look like an early day two pick, thanks to his hitting ability and plus speed. This spring has been tougher for Murray, who’s hit just .238/.297/.357 through 26 games. He missed time in the middle of the season with an injury. With well below-average power in a 6-foot, 188-pound frame, scouts wonder if Murray has the impact ability to be an everyday player. Hiis spring season will cast even more doubt onto that, but he has history of good performance against solid competition.

23. Tristin English, RHP/OF, Georgia Tech (BA RANK: 330)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 208 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Indians ’15 (39)

English is a 6-foot-3, 208-pound two-way player that shows impact on both sides of the ball. While he hasn’t collected many strikeouts this spring, English has good stuff on the mound. He shows good control with his fastball that sits in the low-90s and tops out at 96 mph out of the bullpen. He also has a slider with a short break and curveball that has good downward tilt. He isn’t deceptive, but generates soft contact. English shows the ability to play an average outfield in addition to pitching. He shows plus power but has some swing and miss tendencies as well, though he significantly cut his strikeout rate from the 2018 season and had a career-best year with the bat, hitting .324/.414/.688 with 15 home runs. English pitched and hit in the Cape Cod League last summer and did well on both sides of the ball. He’s done enough with the bat that scouts think he can be an average hitter with plus raw power. English clearly makes the most of his athleticism, yet scouts are divided as to whether he’s a hitter or a pitcher at the next level. Scouts have seen enough progress with English in the outfield to think he has a chance to play a corner spot or first, defensively.

24. L.J. Talley, INF, Georgia (BA RANK: 343)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 203 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

A four-year starter for the Bulldogs, Talley is a 6-foot-2, 203-pound infielder who was known for his sure hands defensively, but had a breakout offensive campaign in the SEC this spring. Through 56 games, Talley hit .356/.459/.512 with a career-high eight home runs and more walks (15.7 percent rate) than strikeouts (11.8 percent rate) for the first time in his career. Talley’s offensive improvement puts him on the radar as a senior sign, as he’s routinely hit the ball hard and is now seeing that power translate to games. Defensively, Talley is reliable with the glove and has the defensive actions for the left side of the infield, but below-average arm strength makes him a better fit for second base.

25. Connor Thomas, RHP, Georgia Tech (BA RANK: 360)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 5-11 • Wt: 173 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

A 2018 member of the All ACC first team after a 2018 season in which he struck out 106 batters while walking just 10, Thomas has exceptional command of a solid repertoire of pitches. While his fastball is a below-average offering that sits in the 86-89 mph range, Thomas has a plus slider and an above-average changeup that he uses to get plenty of swings and misses. There’s reason to wonder what his stuff will play like against better competition, and he did allow almost ten hits per nine innings this spring, but his 60-grade command could make him an exciting pick late on day two or on day three. There’s not much to project on with Thomas, who is listed at 5-foot-11, 173-pounds.

26. Will Childers, RHP, Lakeside HS, Evans, Ga. (BA RANK: 420)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 205 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Georgia

A 6-foot-4, 205-pound projection righty committed to Georgia, Childers has shown a solid three-pitch mix, headlined by a fastball that’s been into the low 90s with impressive life. Childers has dealt with a shoulder issue that has limited his innings this spring, and when he returned to the mound his stuff wasn’t quite as crisp, with his heater in the upper-80s. Childers has a good arm action and delivery, with a solid breaking ball in the 78-82 mph range and has shown a low-80s changeup as well. His father, Matt, was a big league pitcher for short stints with the Brewers and Braves. Childers is committed to Georgia.

27. Zac Kristofak, RHP, Georgia (BA RANK: 437)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 5-9 • Wt: 185 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Braves ’16 (37)

An undersized, 5-foot-9, 185-pound reliever, Kristofak has a big fastball that he throws in the 92-95 mph range and lands a low-80s curveball that’s an average secondary offering. This spring, Kristofak posted a 3.98 ERA through 43 innings in relief and struck out 57 batters (11.9 per nine) while walking 15 (3.14 per nine). Kristofak is limited by his size and he’s a reliever only, but his stuff is good enough to go late on day two or day three.

28. Gavin Collyer, RHP, Mountain View HS, Lawrenceville, Ga. (BA RANK: 446)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 155 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Clemson

Collyer is a 6-foot-1, 155-pound righthander who is athletic and has plus arm speed. His fastball tops out at 93 mph and also features a good slider. He is committed to Clemson.

29. Marc Church, RHP, North Atlanta HS (BA RANK: 466)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 185 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: North Carolina A&T

A converted infielder, Church is new to pitching, but this spring impressed scouts with arm strength and a fastball that has been up to 93 mph. He’s also shown a solid curveball that could become an average pitch, which is impressive considering this is his first spring on the mound. Church is listed at 6-foot-2, 185-pounds and is committed to North Carolina A&T.

30. Davis Rokose, LHP, Chattahoochee HS, Alpharetta, Ga. (BA RANK: 481)
Source: HS • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 175 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Mississippi State

A 6-foot, 175-pound lefthander who is signed to go to Mississippi State, Rokose has plenty of feel for pitching. He sits 88-90 mph, touching 92, and he shows feel for spinning a breaking ball. He doesn’t have much projection remaining, but he has the stuff and feel to succeed in the Southeastern Conference if he gets to Starkville.

31. Tucker Maxwell, OF, Georgia (BA RANK: 488)
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 170 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

Maxwell finally started to tap into his above-average raw power this season, as the lefthanded hitting outfielder hit 10 home runs this year. He has also been drawing more walks and stealing more bases (19 in 22 attempts). In the outfielder, he is a plus runner and is an above-average defender with instincts in center field. While some of his above-average raw power is translating into games, his approach is pull-heavy and is considered a defense-first type of player. His .232 average this year explains why he won’t hear his name called earlier.

32. Xzavion Curry, RHP, Georgia Tech
Source: 4YR • Ht: 5-10 • Wt: 185 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

Curry has worked as a starter for Georgia Tech his entire college career, tossing 57 innings with a 10.36 strikeouts per nine. His fastball sits in the lower 90s and tops out at 94 mph while also throwing two breaking pitches. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound righthander has a strong body and profiles more as a bullpen arm in pro ball.

33. Kel Johnson, OF, Mercer
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 205 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

34. Sebastian Thomas, RHP, Marist HS, Atlanta
Source: HS • Ht: 6-5 • Wt: 240 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Auburn

 

35. Will Proctor, RHP, Georgia
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 185 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

36. Kyle Bork, OF, St. Francis HS, Alpharetta, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-5 • Wt: 190 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Minnesota

 

37. Andrew Jenkins, 3B/C, Pace Academy, Atlanta
Source: HS • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 205 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Georgia Tech

 

38. Mason Meadows, C, Georgia
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 232 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

39. Pierce Gallo, SS, Walton HS, Marietta, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 185 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Clemson

 

40. Brandon Smith, RHP, River Ridge HS, Woodstock, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 197 • B-T: B-R • Commitment/Drafted: Tennessee

 

41. Zack Smith, 3B/RHP, Winder-Barrow HS, Winder, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 205 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Mississippi

 

42. Jake Baldino, LHP, Walton HS, Marietta, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 175 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Virginia

 

43. Seth Shuman, RHP/INF, Georgia Southern
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 195 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Orioles ’16 (39)

 

44. Ryan Dyal, C, East Coweta HS, Sharpsburg, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 5-11 • Wt: 190 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Auburn

 

45. Ethan Anderson, C, River Ridge HS, Woodstock, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 190 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Georgia Southern

 

46. Adam Goodman, LHP, Georgia
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-6 • Wt: 220 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

47. Justin Glover, LHP, Georgia
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 198 • B-T: L-L • Commitment/Drafted: Rays ’16 (26)

 

48. Cain Tatum, RHP, Winder-Barrow HS, Winder, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-8 • Wt: 205 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Georgia

 

49. Caswell Smith, RHP, Pickens HS, Jasper, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 200 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: College of Charleston

 

50. Spencer Keefe, SS, Woodstock (Ga.) HS
Source: HS • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 213 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Georgia

 

51. John Cable, C/INF, Georgia
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 230 • B-T: L-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

52. Logan Moody, RHP, Georgia
Source: 4YR • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 200 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Never Drafted

 

53. Emmanuel Martinez, RHP, Redan HS, Stone Mountain, Ga.
Source: HS • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 180 • B-T: R-R • Commitment/Drafted: Eastern Kentucky

 

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