Houston is mulling between Rondon, Brady Aiken and Alex Jackson, but of the three, Rondon is the top player. The only thing that could hold them back, however, is his asking price. Rondon and 2013 first overall pick Mark Appel could be solid top-of-the-rotation starters in Houston.
2. Miami Marlins - Michael Conforto (OF/Oregon State)
Pitching has been heavily linked to Miami with this pick, but their farm system is top-heavy on arms and doesn't offer much bat-wise. Don't be surprised if they go for offense instead.
3. Chicago White Sox - Tyler Kolek (Shepper HS TX)
With a fastball that tops at 97 MPH, Kolek has been in talks for the top pick in the draft. Chicago, who has one of the league's worst farm systems, will look for the top available player.
4. Chicago Cubs - Brady Aiken (LHP/Central Catholic HS CA)
Chicago is reportedly infatuated with Aiken and Rondon, so if one of the players is available, the Cubs will select him.
5. Minnesota Twins - Nick Gordon (SS/Olympia HS FL)
I've had Gordon lower in my previous draft because he committed to Florida State, but the Twins have apparently been high on him. Maybe the will make him an offer he can't refuse.
6. Seattle Mariners - Alex Jackson (C/Rancho Bernardo HS CA)
Jackson could also be converted to the outfield, but the Mariners are thin at catchers in their farm system, especially with the decline of Jesus Montero.
7. Philadelphia Phillies - Aaron Nola (RHP/LSU)
Why I love Aaron Nola: His last name is Nola and he plays in Louisiana. Besides that point, his stellar season has helped his stock for the draft. He could go as high as fifth overall.
8. Colorado Rockies - Monte Harrison (OF/Lee's Summit West HS MO)
Colorado's outfield is thin at the minor league level. This pick is a bit of a reach, but he is more likely to sign rather than Sean Newcomb.
9. Toronto Blue Jays - Sean Newcomb (LHP/Hartford)
Toronto's farm system was decimated after trading with the Mets and Marlins over the past few seasons. Adding a young arm to aid what is an awful rotation will be necessary.
10. New York Mets - Trea Turner (SS/North Carolina State)
I had a young power hitting outfielder for the Mets in my previous mock, but middle infield play has been poor for the Mets this season, especially at shortstop. After refusing to sign Stephen Drew, I expect New York to take a shortstop early in this draft. Turner was the second overall pick in my previous mock.
11. Toronto Blue Jays - Touki Toussaint (RHP/Coral Springs HS FL)
A compensation pick for the Blue Jays, don't be surprised if they double-dip at pitching with their top selections.
12. Milwaukee Brewers - Kyle Freeland (LHP/Evansville)
The Brewers are extremely thin at left-handed pitching prospect in their minors system. There's a handful of named being discussed, but Freeland will be the most likely name available at this juncture.
13. San Diego Padres - Jacob Gatewood (SS/Clovis HS FL)
A power-hitting shortstop, Gatewood won a pair of Home Run Derbys last year. Despite being 6'5", Gatewood only weights 190 and has plenty of room to bulk up. There is a chance he could be moved to the outfield in the majors.
14. San Francisco Giants - Derek Hill (OF/Elk Grove HS CA)
San Francisco has been linked to pitching, but their farm system is top-heavy in that department. Hill is a local product who can shore up the team's offense.
15. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Tyler Beede (RHP/Vanderbilt)
Beede has dropped a bit because a lot of teams are unsure of him. He pitched well for the most part this season, including winning in a duel over Aaron Nola, but had struggled in other games.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks - Derek Fisher (OF/Virginia)
Arizona gets lucky to have Derek Fisher fall on their laps. The power-hitting outfielder similar to Jay Bruce dropped a bit after missing six weeks this season due to injury.
17. Kansas City Royals - Michael Cederoth (RHP/San Diego State)
A 6'6" power pitcher with a fastball that can hit triple digits, Cederoth has potential to be a major league closer.
18. Washington Nationals - Brandon Finnegan (LHP/TCU)
Finnegan continued to improve this season and debuted a slider last year. He could be a solid starter for the Nationals.
19. Cincinnati Reds - Joey Gatto (RHP/St. Augustine HS NJ)
Max Pentecost is an option here, but the Reds seem to be leaning more towards a young arm instead.
20. Tampa Bay Rays - Max Pentecost (C/Kennesaw State)
Tampa Bay is thin at catcher in their farm system. Luckily for them, Pentecost is the top available player and fills that need.
21. Cleveland Indians - Grant Holmes (RHP/Conway HS SC)
Cleveland is looking for high-ceiling players. Holmes can develop into a quality back-of-the-rotation pitcher in Cleveland.
22. Los Angeles Dodgers - Casey Gillaspie (1B/Wichita State)
A switch-hitter with a bit of pop in his bat, Gillaspie can be another Mark Teixeira-type player.
23. Cincinnati Reds - Ti'Quan Forbes (SS/Columbia HS MS)
Forbes has the speed and defensive ability. On top of that, at 6'4" he has room to bulk up.
24. Pittsburgh Pirates - Luis Ortiz (RHP/Sanger HS CA)
Pittsburgh's rotation took a step back this season. With Jameson Taillon out for the year, they will need to find another young arm to build/
25. Oakland Athletics - Bradley Zimmer (OF/San Francisco)
A high school prospect seems to be more of the Moneyball thing to do, but Zimmer may be easier to sign than other college players since he is from California.
26. Boston Red Sox - Kyle Schwarber (C/1B/Indiana)
Boston is reportedly going for a college bat with this pick. Schwarber profiles like current Red Sox 1B Mike Napoli.
27. St. Louis Cardinals - Kel Johnson (OF/Home Schooled GA)
A Jason Werth-type player, Kel Johnson has the room to add more to his frame.
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