The opening round of the 2023 MLB Draft has concluded, eagerly anticipating the inaugural selection. After considerable speculation surrounding the first overall selection, the Pittsburgh Pirates finally settled the matter by selecting LSU pitcher Paul Skenes as the historic last No. 1 overall selection in the MLB draft chronicles. As the top five ranked athletes executed their early moves, intriguing choices developed throughout the opening round.
Skenes goes first
Without a doubt, Skenes is an incomparable talent. His ability on the mound has generated comparisons to the legendary Stephen Strasburg, solidifying his position as one of the most respected pitching prospects in history. Currently, Skenes is showcasing his skills as a valuable asset to the Pirates. Not surprisingly, numerous people anticipate that he will make a seamless transition to Strasburg's renowned role by joining the regular season rotation in Pittsburgh as soon as 2024.
Dylan Crews and signing bonus demands dropped him from first place to second place, while the Washington Nationals reaped the rewards of Pittsburgh's funding scheme. Few dispute Crews' status as the most exceptional pitcher witnessed in recent memory; however, numerous people are convinced of his potential to transform into a formidable hitter next season, either by showing exceptional skills or landing somewhere in the middle.
In 2023, Crews showed an exceptional ability to maintain a high bases on balls to strikeout ratio, with an impressive tally of 71 bases on balls compared to only 46 strikeouts. In addition, his raw power prowess was evident through his remarkable achievement of hitting 18 home runs. Given these skills, it is highly likely that he will continue to occupy a prominent position on the Nationals' staff. In particular, the Nationals have recently had two outstanding outfielders with MVP potential, namely Bryce Harper and Juan Soto.
Should Skenes and Crews be selected, it was anticipated that the Detroit Tigers would select Wyatt Langford when their first pick arrived. However, it is Max Clark who landed on the team's radar. Among the top five contenders, he possesses unmatched speed and is undoubtedly the safest option for center field. As a young player, his batting skills outshine the rest, and there is immense potential for him to gain even more power as he continues to mature.
Detroit may have been ready to take a risk by selecting Langford out of high school, knowing the associated risks. However, Clark's presence could be an advantageous addition for the team.
PAUL SKENES & DYLAN CREWS MAKE HISTORY 🐯
The first pair of teammates in #MLBDraft history to go 1-2 🤜🤛 @LSUbaseball | @LSUsports pic.twitter.com/nkdb5qCHxc
- SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 9, 2023
Rangers take hold of Langford
Langford's presence still available in the fourth spot could catch the Texas Rangers off guard. Despite being a strong contender for the first overall pick, many predictions place him as low as third, potentially being selected by the Tigers. However, the Texas team now has a chance to select him. Langford stands out among college hitters with his outstanding offensive skills, possessing the most power and impressive speed compared to other players in the draft.
The length of his stint as a middle linebacker could be fleeting, but a potential shift to the periphery coupled with a dedicated focus on dominating the bat could pave the way for him to become a core component of the offense before the end of the 2024 season.
Speculation had arisen, suggesting that the Minnesota Twins might veer toward a college path instead of nabbing one of the five most promising talents. However, the Twins ignored those assumptions and selected the top player at their disposal.
When it comes to the high school class, Walker Jenkins stands out as an exceptional hitter who wields immense power. The dispute over who reigns supreme in high school, Jenkins or Clark, comes down to a simple choice between the latter (Jenkins) and the flawless player.
While Jenkins could potentially make the transition to the outfield confines, his true brilliance lies in his batting skills, making him a force to be reckoned with.
