2021 MLB Draft Watch: New Top 5 Lists – Pitchers, Hitters, and Targets for the White Sox

After six weeks of the college baseball season, and now most prep seasons underway, it is an excellent time to re-calibrate the Draft Watch List. I’ve compiled a list of my Top 5 Pitchers and Hitters in this draft class. With the Chicago White Sox selection at Pick 22, I don’t think these ten players are realistic options for them, which is a little bit sad because my draft crush this year is on one of these lists.

If these ten players are not realistic options for the White Sox, who could be? Don’t worry. I’ve compiled a Top 5 list for the White Sox to shift our focus on these players over the next month.

Top 5 Pitchers

Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt

Kumar Rocker, RHP Vanderbilt

The Vandy Boys of Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker could be looked at as option 1A or 1B. Both have been phenomenal in 2021, with Leiter just tossing a no-hitter. I give him the slight edge over Rocker because I think he commands the fastball slightly better. The Commodores are 10-0 when Leiter and Rocker are on the mound and 3-3 when they are not. That makes me wonder how Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin will use his two studs when the postseason begins.

Ty Madden, RHP, Texas

After a lackluster start against Mississippi State on February 20, Texas ace Ty Madden has been on a roll striking out 39 batters in his last four starts. Harnessing two 60-grade pitches (four-seam and slider), Madden’s improvement with the changeup and curve give him a shot of having an above-average four-pitch arsenal.

Gunnar Hoglund, RHP, Ole Miss

Gunnar Hoglund was considered a fringe first-round talent before the season started, but I think he’s pitched well enough to be considered in the Top 10 picks. Hoglund’s command of his fastball/slider combo has been very effective against his opponents and shows promise to succeed at the next level.

Jaden Hill, RHP, LSU

If you focus on just the pitch highlights on Twitter, Jaden Hill is one of the best talents in this draft class. However, his overall performance is quite lacking, and there are serious reliever concerns. Hill has better stuff than Madden and Hoglund with a 98-mph fastball and a changeup that acts very similarly to Marcus Stroman’s split change. Despite this arsenal, Hill only has 17 strikeouts in 24.1 innings this season. Hopefully, Hill will continue to improve as the season progresses, but if it doesn’t, he might find himself out of the Top 10.

Top 5 Hitters

Jordan Lawler, SS, Dallas Jesuit HS (TX)

Jordan Lawler has been on the radar for years with this draft class and has a strong prep season. Lawler’s defense has improved and is still flashing the 70-grade speed he displayed during the summer showcase circuit (6.45 60-yard dash). There’s a question of how much power Lawler will develop, but his contact, athleticism, and glovework could make him the #1 overall pick in 2021.

Marcelo Mayer, SS, Eastlake HS (CA)

Not far behind Lawler is Marcelo Mayer. The USC commit has started his season, and many within the industry like his defense better than Lawler's. Mayer's offensive potential is the central question, but I see a sweet left-handed swing that may have more power potential than Lawler. Mayer's strong prep season might make it a toss-up on who is the best position player in this draft class.

Brady House, SS, Winder-Barrow HS (GA)

While Lawler and Mayer have good offensive upside, Brady House is on another level. Quick bat with effortless power, House is once again wrecking prep pitching in Georgia. The lingering question for House is his ability to stick at shortstop defensively. He’s got a big arm but needs to improve on his lateral mobility for extended range. If that doesn’t happen, House can easily make the transition to third base.

Henry Davis, C, Louisville

My draft crush continues to rake and is moving up the draft boards. Henry Davis has overtaken Miami’s Adrian Del Castillo as the best catcher in this draft class. Receiving skills have gotten better, and Davis still has a 70-grade arm. His blocking skills could be better and needs more refinement, but the bat has blossomed wonderfully in 2021. He is posting impressive exit velocities that are showing up in his boost in slugging percentage. Leiter and Rocker are still the leading contenders for the Golden Spikes award, but I wouldn’t count out Davis just yet.

Sal Frelick, OF/2B, Boston College

Once we have more reports on the other prep shortstops, I think Sal Frelick will drop off my Top 5. At the moment, the Boston College CF has earned it by displaying more power than I think many people thought he had. There’s still some question whether the outfield or second base will be Frelick’s long-term position, but he’s challenging Henry Davis for ACC Player of the Year.

Top 5 Targets for the White Sox at Pick 22

Harry Ford, C, North Cobb HS (GA)

Prep catchers do not have an excellent track record in the first round. If that scares you away from Harry Ford, then the good news is his unique athleticism at the position can move him from behind the home plate to 2B/3B, or even the outfield. Watching film, the ball seems to find Ford’s barrel often, and there’s a chance for a future 50-grade power (20-25 home runs).

Izaac Pacheco, 3B, Friendswood HS (TX)

I love Izaac Pacheco’s swing and think he’s got a chance to develop into a plus-power bat. He’s still playing the shortstop position, but ultimately I think he’ll be a third baseman due to his body frame and lack of range.

Jud Fabian, OF, Florida

In 2021, Jud Fabian is aiming for the fences. Eight of his 23 hits have been homers as Fabian has an impressive slugging percentage. The issue is strikeouts, as Fabian has punched out 29 times already in 20 games played. That level of swing and miss may scare teams away, leading to Fabian dropping down draft boards. We know the White Sox don’t mind hitters who strike out a ton, so there could be a fit if Fabian drops to pick 22.

Tommy Mace, RHP, Florida

A bit on the older side for draft prospects, Tommy Mace, returned to Florida for a fourth season and is putting up impressive numbers. His best pitch is the fastball, which I would give a 55-grade as he can hold 94-95 mph for several innings. The rest of Mace’s arsenal at best would rank around 50-grade, but his strong suit is pitch command. Mace refuses to walk hitters and already has three zero-walk starts in 2021. If a team is looking for a fast riser through the system, Mace would be an excellent candidate to do so. He would also give the White Sox some much-needed starting pitching depth as the high schoolers they’ve select the past two years continue their development.

Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest

There’s a part of me that feels Ryan Cusick is destined to be drafted by the White Sox. After missing a couple of weeks due to COVID shutting down the Wake Forest baseball activities, Cusick pitched a gem against Georgia Tech last Friday. In six scoreless innings, Cusick only allowed three hits and two walks while striking out 10. It was the best Cusick has looked all season. I’m not sure if he’s going to develop an above-average second or third pitch while at Wake Forest, but if the White Sox want to give Ethan Katz another project, Cusick could be a fit. He still has the best fastball in this draft class.