2016 MLB Draft: Top 10 prospects

There is still over five months until the MLB Draft. But, with college and high school players less than a month away from kicking off their seasons, it’s never too early to look at the top 10 MLB Draft prospects.

This list will probably change throughout the months leading up to the MLB Draft, which is deep with high-end pitching, but here are the current top 10 prospects:

1. Jason Groome, LHP, Barnegat (N.J.) HS

A 6-foot-6, 180-pound left-hander, Groome has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. He has a clean delivery that repeats well, while possessing a mid-90s fastball and solid secondary staff.

2. Alec Hansen, RHP, Oklahoma

A 6-foot-7, 235-pound hurler, Hansen went 5-6 with a 3.95 ERA while averaging over 10 strike outs per nine in 15 starts as Oklahoma’s Sunday starter. He has a solid fastball, which sits between 94-98 mph and a devastating slider. Hansen’s changeup is a work in progress, and he has struggled at times with his command in his first two college seasons.

When healthy, he has the potential to be a No. 1 starter and could be the No. 1 draft prospect if he has a strong junior season.

3. A.J. Puk, LHP, Florida

A 6-foot-7, 230-pound lefty, Puk went 9-3 with a 3.96 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts) in 2015. Due to Florida’s deep pitching staff, he hasn’t pitched as much as some other college arms. Puk has reached the upper-90s with his fastball, while also possessing an above average slider.

If he can improve his control and command in 2016, Puk has a chance to be the No. 1 overall pick.

4. Riley Pint, RHP, St. Thomas Aquinas (Kan.) HS

Find out about Pint here.

5. Blake Rutherford, OF, Chaminade (Calif.) College Prep

Rutherford has been receiving attention dating back to his days as an underclassman in high school. A UCLA commit, Rutherford has an advance feel at hitting from the left side of the plate with a smooth swing and decent raw power. He is also an above average runner.

6. Corey Ray, OF, Louisville

Ray is the top college position player in June’s MLB Draft after a break out sophomore campaign. He possesses a great combination of hitting and athleticism. A left-handed hitter, he hits for both power and average and does a good job using the entire field.

Ray has the ability to play all three-outfield positions, but he’d offer the most value if he can play centerfield.

7. Kyle Lewis, OF, Mercer

Find out about Lewis here.

8. Connor Jones, RHP, Virginia

Jones would have had a shot at being a first round pick back in 2013, but due to signability concerns, he slid to the 21st round. His stock rose last spring when he filled in as Virginia’s No. 1 starter, when Nathan Kirby went down with an injury, and found a lot of success.

He possesses a mid-90s fastball with a solid slider and curveball. He doesn’t have as high of a ceiling as some of the top arms in the draft, but he might be the safest bet.

9. Buddy Reed, OF, Florida

An outstanding all-around athlete, Reed should remain in centerfield long-term due to his outstanding speed and strong arm. A switch-hitter at the plate, Reed is a respectable hitter, but will need to be more consistent and show improvement in his approach in order to have a shot at being a top five pick.

10. Matt Krook, LHP, Oregon

Find out about Krook here.

***You can find more MLB Draft coverage here.

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