DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Texas Rangers get another opportunity to add to the top-end of their rapidly improving farm system when they make the third overall pick in the MLB Draft on July 17.
The Rangers hold the No. 3 pick a year after selecting Vanderbilt's Jack Leiter No. 2 overall. Leiter is now the club's top-rated prospect and MLB.com's No. 17 overall prospect.
Druw Jones, a high-school outfielder out of Peachtree Corners, GA, and the son of former Atlanta Braves All-Star, Andruw Jones, is seen as a lock to go to the Baltimore Orioles at No. 1 overall. Jackson Holliday, a shortstop from Stillwater, OK, and the son of former seven-time All-Star, Matt Holiday, is also widely projected to go to the Arizona Diamondbacks at No. 2. Which leaves the Rangers with their choice of Cal Poly shortstop Brooks Lee, Florida IMG Academy outfielder Elijah Green, and Georgia Tech catcher Kevin Parada.
Here's a roundup of expert predictions for the Rangers selection from the most recent 2021 MLB Mock Drafts.
Jim Callis MLB.com: Brooks Lee, SS, Cal Poly
"While it seems less likely that Lee could go No. 1 than it did two or three weeks ago, he seems to be gaining steam at picks Nos. 2 or 3. The Rangers love Jones (but have no shot) and Holliday, and if they're both gone, it looks like Lee vs. Georgia Tech catcher Kevin Parada and Florida high school outfielder Elijah Green."
Kiley McDaniel, ESPN: Kevin Parada, C, Georgia Tech
"Every indication is that Texas wants Jones (5% chance), then Holliday (35% chance), in that order, and it appears that Parada is the Rangers' third preference, again with Green (15% chance for him, plus others) being mentioned but I think he's the backup option here as well. If (Termarr) Johnson goes first, then Jones likely second, and Holliday would appear to be a slam dunk here."
Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report: Kevin Parada, C, Georgia Tech
"With a .361/.453/.709 line that included 26 home runs and 88 RBI in 305 plate appearances, Parada is a rare offensive player at catcher. He does have work to do to refine his defense, especially his throwing accuracy, which is important given his fringy arm, but few players in the crouch can hit like he does."
Joe Doyle, Prospects Live: Termarr Johnson, 2B, Mays HS (Atlanta, GA)
"The Rangers have some interest in Kevin Parada here, though most admit it’ll likely be one of Green, Holliday and Johnson. Folks inside the Rangers organization seem a bit split on Holliday and have played coy regarding their interest in Johnson."
Carlos Collazo, Baseball America: Elijah Green, OF, Florida IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
“With Holliday off the board we have them taking Green, who has the most pure upside in the class. That player profile fits with the Rangers of old, but it has been mentioned that a college player at this pick might make some more sense given what the Rangers have done recently on the free agent market (signing Corey Seager and Marcus Semien) and at the top of the draft (selected college players like Josh Jung, Justin Foscue and Jack Leiter).”
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