 | One for the books |
Rating compares this year's group to what a state typically produces, not to other states |
While Alabama and Auburn, the state’s two biggest colleges, both missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012, this is still poised to be a good draft year for the Yellowhammer State. Lefthander Braxton Garrett, a Vanderbilt recruit, is poised to become the first high school player from the state to be picked in the first round since the Rockies made David Dahl the 10th overall pick in 2012. Garrett stands out from an otherwise shallow high school class. Alabama’s colleges look more promising, with outfielders Anfernee Grier (Auburn) and Heath Quinn (Samford) both ranked in the top 50. Grier, a first-team All-American, could become the highest drafted Tiger since Josh Donaldson went 48th overall in 2007, while Quinn, a second-team All-American, is hoping to become Samford’s second ever first-rounder, joining Phillip Ervin.
1. Braxton Garrett, lhp, Florence (Ala.) HS (National Rank: 10) 2. Heath Quinn, of, Samford (National Rank: 48) 3. Anfernee Grier, of, Auburn (National Rank: 49) 4. Davis Daniel, rhp, St. James School, Montgomery, Ala. (National Rank: 109) 5. Graham Ashcraft, rhp, Huntsville (Ala.) HS (National Rank: 175) 6. Keegan Thompson, rhp, Auburn (National Rank: 232) 7. Thomas Burrows, lhp, Alabama (National Rank: 253) 8. Joshua Palacios, of, Auburn (National Rank: 255) 9. Cole Billingsley, of, South Alabama (National Rank: 296) 10. Kevin Hill, rhp, South Alabama (National Rank: 356) 11. Nick Eicholtz, rhp, Alabama (National Rank: 372) 13. Ben Braymer, lhp, Auburn (National Rank: 469) 14. Will Haynie, c, Alabama (National Rank: 485)
15. Jackson Tavel, lhp, Corner HS, Dora, Ala. 16. Angel Alicea, rhp, Alabama State 17. Brock Anderson, of, Sparkman HS, Harvest, Ala. 18. Geoffrey Bramblett, rhp, Alabama 19. Hunter Swilling, 3b, Samford 20. Ryan Watson, rhp, Auburn (Ala.) HS 21. Gabe Klobosits, rhp, Auburn 22. Jed Carter, c, Auburn-Montgomery (Ala.) 23. Chance Vincent, 3b, Alabama 24. Carlos Ocasio, of, Alabama State 25. Niko Buentello, 1b, Auburn 26. Joseph Camacho, rhp, Alabama State 27. Lucas Brown, rhp, Troy