LA Angels: Creating a 2021 mock draft to see if the Halos can find a star

5th Overall: Baltimore Orioles

Jordan Lawlar, SS, Jesuit Prep (HS)

Lawlar’s going to go before 6, so he’s out of the picture for LA. This doesn’t affect them much at all, in fact it might have helped them because it leaves Christian Franklin, and Marcelo Mayer on the board. Elias is regarded as one of the best GM’s scouting-wise, perhaps he grabs one of the prep bats, like House or Mayer, but presuming Lawlar is higher than both on their board, he’s the pick here and should save them some money.

6th Overall: Arizona Diamondbacks

Ryan Cuisck, RHP, Wake Forest

Cusick’s FB has sat in the mid-90’s this fall working up to 100 with above average vertical carry and a hard SL with ideal vertical movement (2 > inches of VB). These are FB traits that intrigue progressive clubs and he does it at 6’6 which puts him in the upper percentile of velo projection over a career. Given the lack of pitchability traits and risk, I doubt LA would’ve taken him if he dropped so it’s probably a good thing he goes before them.

7th Overall: Kansas City Royals

Alex Binelas, 3B, Louisville

The Royals love college guys, more specifically arms, but there’s not too many of them available. So they go with the safest bet on the college side. This hurts LA, but it leaves House and Mayer for the taking. It’s possible KC goes with Hoglund or McLain which shouldn’t hurt LA all that much.