2017 MLB Draft Division Breakdown: AL West
ASTROS
Ten of Houston’s 12 picks were collegians, led by power RHPs J.B. Bukauskas (1), Corbin Martin (2) and Peter Solomon (4). If J.J. Matijevic (2s) can handle second base, that would be a coup, while 1B Jake Adams (6) and OF Corey Julks (8) were college hitters who shined late. Top prep selection 3B Joe Perez (2), who needs Tommy John surgery, will go out as a third baseman rather than pitch.
ANGELS
Toolsy OF Jordon Adell (1) immediately becomes the Angels’ top prospect, and first-round talent Griffin Canning (2) fell to the club’s second pick, presumably due to medical concerns. If he’s healthy, the Angels got a steal and a fast-moving collegian who stands out in an otherwise prep-heavy draft class.
ATHLETICS
Oakland drafted hitters with its first six selections, mixing potential middle-of-the-diamond athletes—OF Austin Beck (1), SSs Kevin Merrell (1s) and Nick Allen (3) and C Santis Sanchez (5)—with college corner bats OF Greg Deichmann and 3B Will Toffey. All four college arms drafted from rounds six to nine performed well in major conferences.
MARINERS
Seattle went all-in on its first two picks, starting with 1B Evan White (1), who may move to the outfield as a pro. They popped high-ceiling prep RHP Sam Carlson (2) at No. 55 overall and saved up to get him with the highest-drafted senior of day two, Gonzaga low-slot specialist RHP Wyatt Mills (3). First-team All-America C David Banuelos (5) in the fifth round was a nice find.
RANGERS
As usual, Texas went young and toolsy. OF Bubba Thompson (1) was rumored to be trending in the first 10 overall picks and brings five-tool potential to Texas, while fast-rising SS Chris Seise (1) hit his way into the back of the first round late in the spring. High-energy prep RHP Hans Crouse (2) has a first-round arm that lasted until pick 66 due to questions about whether or not he’s a reliever. Keep an eye on intriguing JC picks LHP Joel Urena (7) and slugging 1B Tyreque Reed (8).
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