Keith Law posted his first mock draft for ESPN Insiders on Monday and he has the Pittsburgh Pirates going with a college shortstop with the 18th overall pick. The 2019 MLB draft begins on June 3rd.
Shortstop Will Wilson from NC State was one of the first players we profiled here during our 2019 draft coverage (link has video and scouting report). He’s been consistently rated around the 18th overall spot in mock drafts and draft rankings since a hot start to his season. Law said that there is some consensus that Wilson will go right around the 20th pick. He also said that he’s one of the best college bats in the draft.
Wilson is currently batting .331/.410/.657 in 43 games, with 14 doubles and 14 homers. He has a .980 fielding percentage. His bat has taken a step forward this year, while there are still some questions about whether he’s a future shortstop or second baseman. His biggest flaw is that he is a below average runner. In three years of college, where players often run more than normal, he has only attempted seven stolen bases (4-for-7).
NC State’s schedule this weekend provides a very interesting match-up. They are hosting Clemson for three games. Baseball America did a mock draft a few days ago and had Logan Davidson going to the Pirates. He’s Clemson’s shortstop.
