LA Angels MLB Draft Preview: Three Round Mock Draft 1.0

With the LA Angels and the rest of the MLB only 70 days away from the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft, it’s time for our first mock draft of the year, with two more right up until June 3rd, the first night of the 2019 MLB Draft.

This preview will preview how the first three rounds of the MLB Draft could go for Billy Eppler and the LA Angels. With Mike Trout in Anaheim for the long haul, and apparently very interested in the team’s farm system, Eppler can give complete focus to the long-term health of the organization with this draft.

Round One, Pick 15: Nick Lodolo, LHP, Texas Christian University

This is the dream pick for Billy Eppler and the LA Angels. Lodolo came into the year as a late first/early second round type of prospect. However, after a dominant start to the year, has seen his stock rise as far as anybody’s this year.

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about Lodolo, as he was one of three pitchers I highlighted as first round fits for the Angels. Since that article last week, Chris Sale-lite went out had what was arguably his best start of the season, throwing eight innings of mesmerizing baseball against the Texas Longhorns, who have one of the best lineups in the entire NCAA.

In those eight innings, Lodolo allowed nine hits but also struck out nine batters. He allowed one run in the outing, but nonetheless proved yet again why he is more than worthy to be the Halos’ first round pick.

The only worry the Angels should have in terms of drafting Lodolo in June is whether or not they’ll get the opportunity to. He might just pitch himself out of their range if he continues this absolute dominance throughout the NCAA season. However, with a plethora of catchers and high school pitchers ranked highly, there is still a chance Lodolo is still available at No. 15. If so, Eppler needs to select Lodolo and never look back.

Round Three, Pick 94: Kyren Paris, Shortstop, Freedom High School

For the final selection in the first edition of this mock draft, prep shortstop Kyren Paris is the pick in Round Three. This is a player who has all the potential in the world to be an everyday shortstop in the MLB, but there are a couple of things keeping him from being a Day 1 pick.

First off, there is his future at shortstop. While some within the industry believe he could stick at shortstop long-term, a move to second as he develops is within the realm of possibility. On defense, he has natural instincts and a good first step, and like Mendoza, has the physical prowess Billy Eppler often aims for in draftees.

At the dish, Paris has a long swing that generates minimum power while also creating solid contact. He already has a very mature approach at the plate with exceptional vision and discipline. There is some hope that as he develops into his 5’11” frame some power will come along, but counting on him to ever hit double-digit home runs would be foolish.

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While being a plus athlete, Paris is not an absolute freak on the base paths, but could turn into a threat to steal 15-20 bases. He is also already a smart baserunner as well, rarely being over aggressive.

His defensive profile along with his work at the plate drew a comparison to Ketel Marte, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ second baseman. Marte, like Paris could be, was brought up as a shortstop in the Seattle Mariners’ organization. However, he has since transitioned to shortstop and has seen his career trajectory improve since then.