Each year there are several late-risers, prospects who generate massive amounts of helium in the days, and sometimes even hours leading up to the draft. This year’s group includes some incredibly talented players, many of whom might find themselves going in the first, supplemental-first or second round.
D.J. Davis, OF, Stone HS (MS)
Davis has been shooting up team’s draft boards of late, in part due to his elite speed. Baseball America calls his speed better than Billy Hamilton, arguably the fastest player to tear through the minors in more than a decade. The real reason for Davis’ late rise has been the improvement in his batting ability. Davis could be targeted in the 20s, but could find himself tabbed a bit earlier.
Carson Kelly, 3B, Westview HS (OR)
Kelly has a couple of things going for him. For starters there’s his incredible power, featured both at the plate and on the mound. At the plate he has excellent line drive power, so much power in fact that he’ll likely start his pro career in the field instead of on the mound where he has a 92 mph fastball. That arm strength should come in handy when he makes the full-time transition to third base as a pro.
Clint Coulter, C, Union HS (WA)
Coulter checks in at number 48 on Baseball American’s Draft 500, but there’s a legitimate chance he could be drafted in the first-round. A former state champion wrestler, Coulter’s strength, work ethic and athleticism are off the charts. He has big-time raw power, arguably the best in the high school crop and a real chance to remain a catcher long-term.
Edwin Diaz, RHP, Naguabo HS (PR)
J.O. Berrios gets more love on the pitching side of things, and Carlos Correa could end up being the highest drafted Puerto Rican in history, but Diaz is no slouch. The right-hander has showed excellent improvement in each of his appearances, and at the Excellence tournament a few weeks ago, he showed great velocity and a strong breaking ball
Pat Light, RHP, Monmouth
Four complete games in 14 starts, along with a fastball that has reached 99 mph has turned Light into a fringe first-rounder. He complements his heater with a strong slider, giving him two above-average pitches. At the very least Light will be a dynamic reliever, and at best he could be an inning-eating mid-rotation starter.
Duane Underwood, RHP, Pope HS (GA)
Underwood generated some interest early in the season, showing excellent velocity off the mound and incredible athleticism, befitting of a two-way player who had professional prospects in the field and on the mound. He dealt with his share of struggles durng the season, however, and saw his stock drop. Over the past few days, however, he seems to be rebounding a bit.
