UNLV Baseball: 2019 MLB Mock Draft Projections For Bryson Stott
The Rebels’ super shortstop is slated to be a first-round selection in the MLB Draft, but how high could he be selected?
Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire
How much value will Stott have?
The UNLV Rebels haven’t had a first-round pick in the annual Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft since 2014, when Erick Fedde was selected by the Washington Nationals, but that seems likely to change thanks to Bryson Stott.
After being named a Freshman All-American in 2017 and a third-team All-American in 2018, the Vegas native has surged yet again this spring by hitting .369/.498/.636 with ten home runs and 15 stolen bases. He’s been named a Golden Spikes semifinalist and is generally considered to be the top collegiate shortstop in this year’s prospect class.
What does this all mean for when Stott might hear his name called? If you haven’t paid attention in years past, the MLB Draft is slightly different in that teams have a finite budget with which to make their selections and the team with the first overall pick, the Baltimore Orioles, doesn’t even have the most money to spend in this draft.
This has affected decision making before, the most recent famous example happening in 2012, when the Houston Astros selected Carlos Correa with the number one pick and signed him to a deal under the value of the slot, which enabled the team to later select starting pitcher Lance McCullers with more available money.
Developments that happen at the very top of the MLB Draft can affect everything that follows, so what does this mean for how prognosticators are projecting Stott?
UP NEXT: Here’s what those in the know are saying
ESPN’s Keith Law:
13. Minnesota Twins: Bryson Stott, SS, UNLV
I’ve heard the Twins connected to an array of names too, including Matthew Lugo from Puerto Rico, but other teams believe the Twins are more likely to go college with their first pick (Stott, Hoese) and go for upside prep kids with subsequent picks.
The Big Lead:
13. Minnesota Twins: Bryson Stott, SS, UNLV
Bryson Stott could have been a top-five guy in this draft if his tools had popped as a junior this season, instead he’s shown himself to have solid-to-plus ability across the board. Stott is a good hitter, making lots of contact from the left side and showing a good approach. Most believe he’ll stick at short long term, though his arm isn’t the greatest. Stott slashed .356/.486/.599 with 10 home runs and 36 RBI this season.
The Twins have been connected to pretty much everyone, so this is a guess. At this point a well-rounded player up the middle like Stott is just too hard to pass up.
FanGraphs
13. Minnesota Twins – Bryson Stott, SS, UNLV
Stott, Manoah, and Bishop are in the mix if they’re here. Kentucky LHP Zack Thompson and Kirby are possible, based on Mets heat at late looks.
MLB.com’s Jim Callis:
19. St. Louis Cardinals: Bryson Stott, SS, UNLV
One of the second-tier college hitters has a chance to unexpectedly drop close to the 20s, and in this scenario, it’s Stott, who also could go as high as No. 7 or 8. If he’s gone, St. Louis could turn to Busch, North Carolina State shortstop Will Wilson or Misner.
MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo:
10. San Francisco Giants: Bryson Stott, SS, Nevada-Las Vegas
Stott is having a huge year at UNLV, hitting for average while reaching double digits in home runs and stolen bases, all while walking more often than he’s struck out. And he has at least a chance to stick at short.
Bleacher Report:
10. San Francisco Giants: SS Bryson Stott, UNLV
UNLV shortstop Bryson Stott or West Virginia right-hander Alex Manoah? That has seemingly been the question for the Giants throughout the predraft process. Given the ongoing struggles of Brandon Crawford and the dearth of middle infield talent in their system, Stott makes a lot of sense. He’s hitting .369/.498/.636 with 19 doubles and 10 home runs this spring, and he should have no problem sticking at shortstop.
CBS Sports:
No. 10 San Francisco Giants: SS Bryson Stott, UNLV
As if often the case with a new front office, the Giants have been difficult to pin down this spring. They’ve been connected to, well, everything. College players, high upside high schoolers, you name it. Stott is the best college infielder in the draft class and he projects to be an impact hitter with enough defense to stick at short. Mock drafting is never easy after the first few selections. I am even less certain about this pick than I normally would be. The Giants are keeping things that close to the vest.
Beyond the Box Score
No. 9 Atlanta Braves: SS Bryson Stott, UNLV
