2014 MLB Draft

The 2014 MLB has come and gone, and the Diamondbacks have added some fresh faces to their farm system. Arizona wasn't good enough to actually accomplish much in 2013, but they were just good enough to put them out of position to draft high. The good news is that Arizona had five picks in the Top 100, including two picks in Competitive Balance Round B (#69 & 79), so they had a good shot at grabbing some talented players.

The Diamondbacks have drafted well in recent years, but the previous manager promptly traded that talent away. Guys like Stryker Trahan, Trevor Bauer, Tyler Skaggs, and Archie Bradley are all gone. Hard to say if any of this years' draftees will match those traded away, but there is always hope.

Round (Overall Selection) : Player (School)

1 (16) : RHP Touki Toussaint (Coral Springs Christian Academy, FLA)

A solid first pick, Arizona doesn't really have a gaping hole in their organization, but this could lessen the sting of watching Bradley/Bauer/Skaggs pitching elsewhere. Toussaint, a Vanderbilt commit, could have easily gone much higher in the draft if it had taken place a few months ago. He fell to Arizona, and the upside is undeniable with a good fastball and above-average curveball coming out of highschool. Some feel has has more upside than any pitcher in this draft class, let's hope they are right.

2 (54) : LHP Cody Reed (Ardmore Highschool, AL)

Reed, another Vanderbilt commit, is a very odd prospect. He throws in the 92-96 range and shows the foundation for three pitches. The odd part is his figure, at 6'-3" 250 he isn't your average pitcher. Hopefully his physique doesn't cause any long term problems, but he has the kind of skills that profile as a higher pick.

Comp B (69) : OF Marcus Wilson (Junipero Serra Highschool, CA)

Speedy. Check. Outfielder. Check. Wilson is what the Diamondbacks system needs, he was even receiving some first-round buzz not that long ago. Bat speed and a projectable body make him an exciting pick to pair with 2013 pick Justin Williams. Very raw and toolsy, he could be a star or flame out in the low minors.

Comp B (70) : SS Isan Diaz (Springfield Central Highschool, MA)

Yet another Vanderbilt commit, Diaz is a polished midfielder with a high baseball IQ and a feel for hitting. Scouts seem to think he will move to 2B, which is perfect for the Diamondbacks since the last thing they need is another SS.

3 (89) : OF Matt Railey (North Florida Christian Highschool, FL)

Natural hitting ability with a loose, easy swing and quick hands. Shows natural strength which could develop into power, drives the ball well. Only average speed, so he probably won't play CF at the next level, but he is naturally athletic and a solid defender.

4 (120) : RHP Brent Jones (Cornell University)

The Diamondbacks first selection out of college, probably a reliever in the long run but has room to improve and stick as a starter. Can hit the mid-90's but will probably work in the 92-93 range, has plus action of a curve but struggles with command. Throws a few other secondary pitches (cutter, changeup) but they are currently below average.

5 (150) : RHP Mason McCullough (Lander University)

Very intriguing pick, could be a serious bargain or blow up in out faces. Was dismissed from North Carolina last year after multiple team rules violations, transferred to Lander, possible character risk. Very hard throwing prospect, but command is an issue. Has been clocked at 100, but normally works in the mid-90's. Has basically gotten by muscling his way through at-bats with that fastball, no finesse, and he rarely uses a slider. Arm strength makes him very dreamy, but could end up a reliever or a career MiLB guy.

6 (180) : LHP Zac Curtis (Middle Tennessee State)


7 (210) : 3B Tyler Humphreys (St. Johns River State College)

College player with considerable upside, showed some power potential early this season. Good defender with the arm strength and instincts to stick at the hot corner.

8 (240) : OF Grant Heyman (College of Southern Nevada)

Similar to Humphreys, could have considerable upside for an 8th round selection.

Analysis

Arizona did a very good job with the draft this year, especially for a team drafting in the middle of the round. They made excellent use of their additional picks in Comp B by adding some exciting high-upside players. Overall they went with upside-oriented picks early on and then focused on college players through the 40th round. The Diamondbacks didn't do anything to grab headlines, like draft Johnny Manziel, but they made smart choices that should pan out well over the next few years.