With the first two days of the 2023 MLB Draft already completed, the most-hyped names are already off the board. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t game-changing talent still available as the Draft concludes today with Rounds 11-20.
Five of this year’s All-Stars were taken and signed in the 10th round or later when they first entered pro ball: Jordan Romano (10th), Nathan Eovaldi (11th), Josh Hader (19th), J.D. Martinez (20th) and David Bednar (35th). That’s an elite starter, a dominant DH and three lights-out arms who didn’t hear their names called until very late in the process.
Listen to every Day 3 pick live on MLB.com, with no delay between selections, and follow along right here for round-by-round analysis.
Pick 5 (319th overall), Royals: Jared Dickey, OF/C, Tennessee (No. 115 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 250 rankings)
A career .343 hitter in Knoxville, Dickey prioritizes making contact as a left-handed hitter with great hand-eye coordination. He needs that skill considering he has a busy setup at the plate, but it’s one that seems to keep him on time with his sweet-looking swing. He has some catching experience but was considered a below-average receiver; Kansas City announced the 21-year-old as an outfielder.
Pick 16 (330th overall), Giants: Jack Payton, C, Louisville (No. 148)
Louisville has a strong recent history of developing catchers between Will Smith, Henry Davis and Dalton Rushing. Payton could fall in line with that group thanks to a promising bat that helped him hit .374/.472/.643 with 12 homers this spring. Questions about his receiving and throwing ability may have caused this drop, but San Francisco might try to follow the Patrick Bailey playbook in its development of Payton, should he sign.
Pick 18 (332nd overall), Brewers: Bishop Letson, RHP, Floyd Central (Ind.) HS (No. 179)
Milwaukee made a big play by taking Top 50 Draft prospect Cooper Pratt in the sixth round and might be going for another coup here with Letson. The 6-foot-4 right-hander has a fastball in the 88-94 mph range already and plenty of room to add more velo as he adds weight to his current 170-pound frame. He also shows good feel for a slider and changeup and is committed to Purdue if he doesn’t sign with the Crew.
Pick 29 (343rd overall), Phillies: Kehden Hettiger, Sierra Canyon (Calif.) School (No. 177)
Sierra Canyon might pop off to some as the school of Bronny James, but Hettiger gave the baseball side some shine as a strong hitter out of the California prep ranks. The switch-hitter shows an advanced approach for his age but stands out more for his power from the left side. He has the arm for behind the plate but needs a lot of work on his receiving. The Phillies could have the space to sign him away from an Oregon commitment.