Kian Davies' 4 Round + 1 Pick Mock Draft
You know what this is. You're probably not even reading the intro text, just scrolling down to see either yourself or who I think your team will draft. That's fine, I won't keep you waiting.
Round One
#1 - Chicago Cubs - Daniel Dove (2B)
This pick is a mystery the more either I or Cafardo goes back to it. It is unknown who will be the first overall pick in the MLR Draft, but there is a theme of Nebraska players getting preference. Daniel Dove stood out to me as a great pick. Dove has shown himself to be a good scout, and is a second baseman, which I'm sure relates to Bear Thomas well. He's exploded onto the Discord scene as an active community participant, and I think he could be a late dark horse for that first overall pick. Every team needs a scout; they can be the difference between a 4-12 season or an 11-5 season.
#2 - New York Mets - Alvin Lockheart (P)
The more I think about Lockheart and the Mets, the more I see a fit there. The two parties seem to be a great pair, and perhaps it would be smart for the Mets to lock the pitcher down early as he gains more steam in the draft buzz. Lockheart is an electric pitcher with good stuff, and there is little to know concern regarding his activity.
#3 - Miami Marlins - Demetrios Ooga (C)
With Nikc Cafardo's strong inkling of Miami's interest in Ooga, I am inclined to agree. Ooga is easily one of the most active prospects, and his hitting chops aren't half bad either. The Marlins could go for a pitcher, but I think Ooga's caliber has risen exponentially in the last few days. If they wait on him, they may lose him.
#4 - Kansas City Royals - Mike Ikenberry (C)
I don't have anything to change here.I think Ikenberry is Zack Andersen's kind of player, a brawn to go with the GM's brains. They would make a good duo.
#5 - New York Yankees - Charles Magnus (P)
The step to making your team likable is to draft somebody likable. I think this one is pretty safe.
Round Two
#6 - Oakland Athletics - Dart Ragusa (1B)
If Ragusa falls to Oakland, he could be a fantastic pick for them. Ragusa is one of the most longstanding prospects in the league, and is expected to hold up. Many expect him to be first overall, but I think he could have a JP Panik-esque fall. And look who is the Oakland GM...
#7 - Kansas City Royals - Rich Mahogany (CF)
Mahogany is among the players hard on Chicago's radar. He has a chance of being drafted way higher, but I think Mahogany could fall given my mock is the reality, due to conceived wants or preferences among GMs. The Cubs will definitely want him with their second pick, so the Royals would not be able to pass him up here-- I see them taking him if he hits seventh.
#8 - Miami Marlins - Dauod Mata (P)
I still believe the Miami University pitcher would be a perfect fit for the Marlins. His college baseball performance was definitely eye-catching, and a hometown pick would be sweet. Mata will need to have more Discord activity to truly solidify a job with clubhouse-oriented Lane Drew, but he has a few days to make himself noticed.
#9 - New York Mets - Jocko Jones (2B)
Jocko Jones reminds me a lot of Dart Ragusa, a long-time prospect who has stayed relevant since the sticky. If the Mets pick an arm for their first pick, they'll likely go for a bat, and Jocko would be a fantastic choice.
#10 - Chicago Cubs - Valeria Lisovo (P)
Lisova has been on Chicago's radar for a while now. I don't think the Cubs will take him first overall because I think he could easily fall to tenth overall, which would be a great deal for the Cubs. They definitely should rope up a pitcher before round 3, and they covet Lisova.
#11 - Colorado Rockies - Harry Peritestes (3B)
Harry Peritestes has warmed up to the idea of being a Rockie, and it seems Jack Alpha has as well. I don't see why this shouldn't happen, and I expect it to-- not much else should be said.
#12 - San Diego Padres - Tara Dactyl (P)
San Diego has made it known that they'll be looking for a pitcher, and Dactyl, who was my initial first overall, would be an excellent choice. He's been a steadily-active pitcher, and would mean a deal for the restoration of the Padres clubhouse. This would be a steal at twelfth overall.
#13 - Houston Astros - Hayden McCloud (P)
I am steadfast that the Astros will pick a pitcher for their second round pick, unless they somehow nab Einhorn in free agency. McCloud, who is pitching in the final prospect showcase, has stepped up as a good choice. Filet-Mignon Jackson, the other pitcher in the prospect showcase, could also be a good pick here, but he hasn't been a pitcher for very long.
#14 - Toronto Blue Jays - Josh Gordon (CF)
I agree a lot with Nikc Cafardo's decision for Toronto. Gordon has been silently lurking, seen commenting on reddit (including on my last mock draft). He has a Discord, and I agree with Nikc's assessment of him with Toronto. Gordon has no reason not to go up.
#15 - Philadelphia Phillies - Jericho Caulfield (2B)
The Phillies have shown themselves to covet Jericho Caulfield, and Caulfield has seemingly accepted such a pick. Caulfield will do well in an infield recently-stripped of Kyle Mack, Henrik Omega, and Jamison Wells, and could see playing time beside Charlie Bae Jr.
#16 - Arizona Diamondbacks - Lloyd Gross (1B)
Cafardo has ties with the Arizona Diamondbacks, so I will trust him with this pick. Gross has been around for a while and very active, though many still overlook him. I see the Diamondbacks taking a stab at him, especially with their shallow first base depth.
#17 - Pittsburgh Pirates - Basebally McBaseballface (P)
The Pirates need a pitcher after the departure of Darth Vader, and veteran McBaseballface has come back to try his hand at throwing. Pirates captain Gare Doctor has ties to the league from which McBaseballface is returning, so I could see some connection between the two parties.
Round Three
#18 - Chicago Cubs - Jimjon Jonjim (1B)
Try saying that five times fast. The Cubs will be looking to fill positions with the best players possible, and Jonjim has stepped up as a tremendous choice at first base. He is currently starting the final prospect showcase, which should give him more exposure. Especially if he does well.
#19 - New York Mets - Homer Pimpson (RF)
Homer Pimpson has been in the prospect scene for a while. Outfielders are rather shallow in this draft class and Pimpson has made a name for himself early in the preseason. He would be a solid pick for anybody.
#20 - Miami Marlins - Layzer Gunn (2B)
Gunn is a newcomer to the top prospect scene. He has appeared on the Discord in the last few days and has gained a starting spot in the final prospect showcase. Gunn could do well for the Marlins, though over the next few days we should see how his activity keeps up.
#21 - Kansas City Royals - Filet-Mignon Jackson (P)
Jackson is a newly converted pitcher, which may make some hesitant to draft him. The Royals will need a pitcher here, however, and because of Jackson's undeniable activity, he may be a worthwhile project for Zack Andersen. Jackson could be first-round material if he ends up pitching well, but for Andersen's sake he may hope he doesn't.
#22 - Cleveland Indians - Artanis Jones (P)
Cleveland has been jonesing (ha) for pitchers since they've been paired with Einhorn. I don't think they will get him, but I think Jones will be a perfect substitute. Cleveland has been known to draft league heels, and though many may turn a nose up to Jones, I see GM Ethan Franklin not being afraid to reap the reward for Jones' activity and thorough baseball knowledge. This could be a match made in heaven.
Round Four
#23 - New York Yankees - Reimer Gonzalez (SS)
I can't help seeing Reimer in pinstripes. He's fallen in mock drafts after the success of so many prospects over him, but he is still a fantastic choice. His home run shows he has pop, though it took him a while to get it...
#24 - Kansas City Royals - Slapshot Brady (CF)
I personally don't see the appeal of Slapshot Brady, but Cafardo has linked him to higher picks and he has made his way to a starting lineup in the final prospect showcase. Perhaps I've given him a hard time-- there is something to like about Brady, and a good center fielder is plenty valuable.
#25 - Miami Marlins - Goldie Jones (2B)
Though he is a second baseman by trade, Goldie Jones can play right field and could be used as the Marlins starter in the corner outfield position. Jones and Lane Drew have history as Phillies fans, and he could be a nice dark-horse candidate in this vain. He is rather active, though his bat hasn't picked up yet.
#26 - New York Mets - Carlos Brownson (C)
Brownson is a newcomer who has exploded onto the Discord scene. Activity at this point in the draft is very valuable, and the Mets need a catcher, so...
#27 - Chicago Cubs - Mattress Cadaire (2B)
Cadaire deserves to be further up this list. His primary position hurts him, as it is oversaturated, which may lead many overlooking him. Hell, the Cubs already have a 2B in this mock. His secondary position saves him, however, if GMs want to use him as a shortstop, which is what I'm thinking with the Cubs' pick here.
#28 - San Diego Padres - Jack Meloy (RF)
Meloy is a primary right fielder and a secondary center fielder, a good range for the Padres shallow outfield. If they're looking to rebuild it, Meloy would be a great prospect to start with. He is very underrated, has been around the Discord, and could show himself to be a clubhouse presence in a mid-draft standing.
#29 - Philadelphia Phillies - Donked McToad (3B)
Donked McToad has quietly entered the draft following a run as a pitcher for the Rays and the Diamondbacks. He has converted to a position player, and could be a hotter commodity as the draft gets closer. McToad could be a working replacement for Henrik Omega if the Phillies cannot land Chuck McCluster-- it remains to be seen how realistic this pick would be for Philadelphia, but it would definitely be a good deal at #29.
#30 - Houston Astros - Boof Boog (2B)
In my early early mock draft, I had linked the Astros to Boof Boog. If he falls to #30, I still think they'd be a perfect match. Boog may not be a perfect replacement for Bear Thomas, but he could definitely work. If the Astros get JD De Las Rosas in free agency, of course, this pick could change, but Houston also has the option of playing him at third.
#31 - San Francisco Giants - Ian Brandon Owen Bust (2B)
The Giants have a clear hole at second base, and there are still plenty to choose from. Bust could fill this position well, an underrated player from Hofstra who was shown his pop in multiple showcase games. This will be an important pick for the Giants, and I don't see them going anywhere but second base (assuming they don't land JD De Las Rosas).
#32 - Milwaukee Brewers - Filib Al'anhar Jr. (P)
Milwaukee will be looking to tie down a pitcher for the long run, something they've been hoping for since the departure of Jameson Poe. With Harvey Bargeparge leaving as well at the end of the season, Al'anhar could be their best option at this point in the draft.
Plus One
#33 - Chicago Cubs - Coco Watanabe (C)
It's a great name.