The MLB Draft takes place June 4th - 6th, and the mock draft projections are rolling in. Arizona holds the 26th pick in the draft after winning their division last season, and according to Through the Fence Baseball's Dan Kirby, an outfielder from Texas A&M should be on Diamondbacks fans' minds. Says Kirby:
26. Arizona Diamondbacks - Tyler Naquin, OF, Texas A&M
The Diamondbacks have stockpiled some impressive pitching over the last couple of drafts. In Naquin, they get one of the best hitters in the draft along with a guy with a reputation as having the best outfield arm in the country. Through 58 games, he is hitting .384 with 15 doubles, six triples, three home runs, 46 RBI and 21 stolen bases. The 6'-2" left-hander has the ability to be a base-stealing threat, as well as the frame to add more power down the road.
Naquin certainly sounds like an interesting prospect and he's a guy to keep an eye on as the D-Backs are expected to go with offense with their first pick.
Here's a scouting report on Naquin from BaseballProspectNation.com:
Summation: Potential tweener. Untested in CF but profile is helped if he can handle the position in pro ball. Solid-average speed, instincts and plus arm give him a good foundation to transition to CF. Has potential to hit and should get on base at a quality level thanks to advanced approach and pitch recognition skills. Power doesn't profile for an outfield corner but would stand up in CF. Could hit .280 with 30 doubles and 12-14 home runs during his best seasons.
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