NEWSLETTER
The Milwaukee Brewers are set to make their first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft with the 21st overall pick.
Exploring Potential Fits for the Minnesota Twins in the 1st Round of the 2024 MLB Draft
The Minnesota Twins own the 21st overall selection in next month’s MLB Draft, and MLB.com’s prospecting team has them taking Tennessee third baseman Billy Amick in their latest mock draft, which dropped after the MLB Draft Combine last week.
Here’s what Jonathan Mayo had to say about Amick: He had an appendectomy and missed a lot of time. Probably wasn’t at full strength when he came back, but he showed what he’s capable of doing. I think whoever takes Amick in this range might end up getting a really nice steal because there’s some really nice all-around tools for a third baseman here.”
Amick has a quality right-handed swing with plus raw power that translates into 20-25 homers per season. He had the opportunity to play the hot corner for the Volunteers, and it looks like he can stay there in pro ball despite his below-average speed and quickness and average arm strength. He may improve with experience but could also end up at first base.
Kiley McDaniel has Minnesota going in a different direction in his mock draft at ESPN last week, taking prep infielder Theo Gillen from Westlake HS in Texas.
“Gillen is the consensus third-best prep position player, and he’ll probably go in the 15-25 area, with a lot of teams picking in that range showing interest. Braylon Doughty is the most rumored prep arm here, while Wyatt Sanford and Slade Caldwell are the most mentioned prep position players. The college group includes Brecht, Benge, and DeBarge, along with catchers Caleb Lomavita and Walker Janek.”
The Athletic’s Keith Law has the Twins taking a college infielder like the MLB.com crew, but Law has Minnesota landing LSU third baseman Tommy White.
“I could see the Twins on White, Sam Houston State catcher Walker Janek, Wake Forest infielder Seaver King, Cijntje, or maybe even one of the high school arms after they went that route with their compensatory pick last year (taking right-hander Charlee Soto).”
Tommy White has exceptional right-handed power, generating strength and bat speed to all fields. Although known for his slugging, he’s also an underrated hitter with the ability to make repeated contact and impressive exit velocities. However, he is overly aggressive and regularly expands his strike zone. On the defensive side, White is a well-below-average runner with limited value on the bases and in the field. He has primarily played third base but is expected to transition to first base in pro ball due to his lack of range and erratic performance at the hot corner.
