Sonny DiChiara

The Southeastern Conference co-player of the year had an exceptional year, but there are concerns about how well his skills will translate to pro ball. On the plus side, DiChiara has a long track record of hitting for power and this year he became a well-rounded, complete hitter. He set the Samford freshman record with 21 home runs in 2019, added 18 in 2021 and slugged another 20 in his first year at Auburn. In addition to plus power, DiChiara led the nation in on-base percentage (.565) and ranked in the top 25 in batting average (.399). He’s deadly against fastballs (.467/.579/1.000) including premium velocity, but he handled pretty much anything SEC pitchers threw at him. Working against his draft status is his age (he’ll turn 23 right after the draft) and his lack of athleticism. DiChiara is one of the heaviest players in college baseball. A bottom-of-the-scale base clogger, DiChiara is below-average at first base because of his lack of range, slow actions and inaccurate arm. DiChiara’s hitting ability and power could make him a day two selection, and the arrival of the DH in the National League helps his case. His best-case scenario is as a Dan Vogelbach-esque slugger.