Tampa Bay Rays Draft – Players to Know: Jordan Walker, 3B

The Tampa Bay Rays are preparing for the draft on June 10. The Rays have two picks in the first round.

Despite having the top farm system in the game, the Tampa Bay Rays aren’t perfect. There is room to improve in this year’s draft. Today we take a look at one area of weakness and which players they are likely to select with their first pick of the draft.

Before that, here is some basic information on the draft.

The 2020 MLB draft will be held on June 10-11. The draft will only be five-rounds this year and begins Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET and will be aired on both ESPN and the MLB Network. The two-night event will begin with 37 picks. This covers both the first round and Competitive Balance Round A picks.

The second day will begin at 5 p.m. ET on June 11 and will begin with pick 38. The Tampa Bay Rays’ first pick comes at the 24th spot in the draft. They will also receive the final pick of the first day.

Total Tampa Bay Rays Picks

1. Round One – Pick 24
2. Comp. Round One – Pick 37
3. Round Two – Pick 57
4. Round Three – Pick 96
5. Round Four – Pick 126
6. Round Five – Pick 156

Tampa Bay Rays Potential Areas of Need – Third Base

In MLB.com’s top ten prospects for the Tampa Bay Rays, they have four middle infielders, five pitchers, and an outfielder. In fact, the Rays only have one corner infielder (Kevin Padlo) inside of their top 30.

There has been some speculation that when Wander Franco gets promoted, he could slide in at third. That is just speculation and it still leaves the organization thin at corner infield. There’s one prospect in particular that catches my eye.

Tampa Bay Rays – Jordan Walker

Jordan Walker is 6’5″, 220 pounders at just 18-years-old. MLB.com says he possesses possibly the most power potential in the entire draft. While there are concerns about his tall frame and long swing, his power potential is undeniable.

Fangraphs has him rated about ten spots below MLB.com’s ranking but they compare him to a potential Jayson Werth type player, assuming he is able to maintain good bat control through professional baseball.

They also acknowledge that the upside of his power could make him a very special bat at third base someday.

He will very likely be available when the Rays have their first pick at 24, and potentially could be a good grab at pick 37.