2021 MLB draft day two open thread

The draft resumes today at noon for rounds 2-10 with coverage streaming live on MLB.com. The Royals will have the seventh pick of the second round, the #43 pick overall, then they will get a Competitive Balance Round B pick after the second round, the #66 pick overall. In the third round and each subsequent round.

Their bold strategy of taking Connecticut prep left-hander Frank Mozzicato with the #7 pick raised eyebrows and suggests they’ll try to grab a player who has slid down draft boards for signability reasons.

Among the top names to know on day two:

OF Will Taylor, Dutch Ford HS (SC)

Toosly three-sport athlete with plus speed, but still developing power. Will take some money to pry him from a baseball and football commitment to Clemson.

RHP/SS Bubba Chandler, North Oconee HS (GA)

Terrific raw tools, but needs refinement. Solid pop as a switch-hitting infielder, and a fastball that works in the low-90s that can touch 97 mph. Also a multi-sport athlete that is committed to play baseball and football for Clemson.

OF Joshua Baez, Dexter Southfield HS (MA)

Plus speed with terrific raw power that “could become a 35-plus home run threat”, according to Baseball America. Great arm and profiles as a corner outfielder, but has some swing-and-miss to his game.

OF Jud Fabian, University of Florida

Was teammates with Royals minor leaguer Brady McConnell, arriving at Florida one year after Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar were drafted. Hit .249/.364/.560 for the Gators and was among the nation’s leaders with 20 home runs. Just 20 years old and plays great defense in center, but struck out nearly 30 percent of the time this year.

LHP Anthony Solometo, Bishop Eustace Prep (NJ)

Big leg kick and funky delivery allows the lefty to sit around 92-93 mph with a plus slider at times. Performed well at national events.

OF Ethan Wilson, University of South Alabama

Was unheralded out of high school, but hit .345 with 17 home runs his freshman year for the Jaguars. Battled an ankle injury this year, but managed to hit .318/.419/.528 with 8 HR in 57 games. Struck out just 8.3 percent of the time this year, with a 13 percent walk rate.

RHP Jaden Hill, LSU

Huge upside and might have been a top ten pick had he not tore his UCL and had Tommy John surgery this year. Throws in the mid-90s with a plus change up, but did not pitch much in college, and struggled this year when he did, with a 6.67 ERA in seven starts.

Also keep an eye on local kid Ben Kudrna of Blue Valley Southwest, a 6’3’’ right-hander who can hit 97 on the gun with a fluid delivery and a three-pitch mix.