Longhorns MLB Draft Recap

[joeywa]

By the conclusion of the 2019 MLB Draft, David Pierce and Texas Baseball experienced pretty much what was expected going in, the loss of one of their prized recruits and a couple of current players taken.  That's the good news.  The bad news is, one of the current players drafted was David Hamilton.  Taken in the 8th round by the Milwaukee Brewers, there is very little thought that he will return to the 40 Acres for his senior season.  Following a season-ending Achilles injury, there were questions about where scouts would have him ranked, and whether they'd take a flyer on him after being out of the game for an entire season.  Milwaukee answered that question, and reportedly has offered him well above slot to sign.  Word is he will sign.  Now, with the departure of Masen Hibbeler, (graduated,) Bryce Reagan, (entered the transfer portal,) and Hamilton, the Longhorns will have to do some work finding an immediate replacement at SS.  Pencil in late-season signee Camryn Williams, (San Jacinto Junior College) as the odds-on favorite.  There are younger options with some of the new recruits, but he will come in with collegiate experience and a reportedly solid work ethic. 

On to the other draftees.

Texas' highest draftee was Longhorn signee Brett Baty (Lake Travis HS.)  He was taken 12th overall by the NY Mets.  Expected to go somewhere in the top 15-20, this was no surprise.  The young man is a serious stick.  I spoke with a friend of mine who is a Mets scout and he couldn't be happier.  Said what we all know, "Really a good looking hitter." 

Texas players had to wait until Day two for any other Longhorns to be selected.

Blair Henley went in the 7th round to Houston

David Hamilton went in the 8th round to Milwaukee

Ryan Reynolds went in the 14th round to the Chicago Cubs

Texas recruit Jared Southard (RHP-Leander Rouse) was selected in the 20th round by the Angels.  (Jared's dad and Jared have both said he is coming to Texas and will not sign.)

Texas recruit Silas Ardoin (C-Sam Houston HS-LA) was taken in the 36th round by Colorado.  Highly unlikely he signs.

Texas recruit Trey Faltine (SS/P-Travis HS) was taken in the 39th round by Boston.  Trey has already tweeted out that he's coming to Texas.

Draft eligible guys not taken were Duke Ellis, Austin Todd and Zach Zubia. 

Now we wait until July 15th to see if any of the players above change their minds.  Obvioiusly Baty is gone.  I see Henley and Hamilton as gone.  Reynolds will likely move forward as well. 

Overall, the draft did not hit Texas as hard as it has in the past.  Now Pierce needs to fill some holes.  This team will have some tremendous talent arriving this summer.  There will be plenty of youth next season, several who are not afraid of a little leadership and will bring with them a competitive nature.

 

[Bear19]

 I have seen reports that Hamilton has been offered $400 k. 

If he comes back next season and shows that he’s fully recovered from his injury, and he continues to hit the way he did the last year he played, 400 K would be peanuts.

JMO

 

[joeywa]

 I have seen reports that Hamilton has been offered $400 k. 

If he comes back next season and shows that he’s fully recovered from his injury, and he continues to hit the way he did the last year he played, 400 K would be peanuts.

JMO

HUGE gamble if he does that.  On the one hand, he's unproven in regards to how this injury has affected his speed.  I have heard that the Brewers took a chance on him, (and offered a higher amount than slot,) to get him into their system and rehab further.  He won't be rushed to get onto the field.  Secondly, if he comes back and doesn't perform, he would cost himself significant money.  Plus, after next year he has zero leverage; he can't say, "I can go back to school next year and get another year of experience and improve my draft position."

On the other hand, yes, if he was fully recovered AND had a stellar year, he'd definitely move up in the draft, likely top 4 rounds depending on what he did on the field.  That would only put him in the 406-538K range being a 4th round pick. 

IMO, it would be foolish to come back for his senior year given what Milwaukee offered.  He's being paid like a low 4th/high 5th round pick being picked near the end of the 8th round. 

 

[TB14]

Agreed. Hamilton should go. That’s a ton of money to get through the next 4 years of life with. I wish him the best. 

Surprised with Reynolds going that high. His bat hasn’t ever been that good. However, I love his defensive work. 

All in all, I consider this draft a win for the Longhorns. Time to get to work and turn it around next year. 

 

[joeywa]

Agreed. Hamilton should go. That’s a ton of money to get through the next 4 years of life with. I wish him the best. 

Surprised with Reynolds going that high. His bat hasn’t ever been that good. However, I love his defensive work. 

All in all, I consider this draft a win for the Longhorns. Time to get to work and turn it around next year. 

Ryan was draft eligible as a sophomore.  He will more than likely sign this year.  A lot of offseason was spent in the weight room, and his defense at 3B is attractive to MLB clubs, as is his switch-hitting ability.  Get some professional swing instruction and I think he can have an impact at the next level.  Also, don't forget that his dad had a nice MLB career, and knows the ropes.  Keep in mind that after the 10th round, the max bonus is $125K, so in the grand scheme of things, where he was taken is not to be confused with being taken in the first 10 rounds.  Ryan is a great kid from a fantastic family.  Hate to see him depart, but I think he's in a good spot with the Cubs. 

 

[OrangeLarry]

Draft eligible guys not taken were Duke Ellis, Austin Todd and Zach Zubia. 

Joey, was DJ Petrinsky not draft eligible?

 

[joeywa]

Draft eligible guys not taken were Duke Ellis, Austin Todd and Zach Zubia. 

Joey, was DJ Petrinsky not draft eligible?

He was, but made it known he was coming back so wasn’t drafted. A full season post injury should do him well. 

 

[joeywa]

Texas recruit Brett Baty signed with the Mets this week. Also Blair Henley signed with the Astros and Matteo Bocchi with the Cubs. 

I have not seen that Hamilton or Reynolds have signed yet. 

 

[Johnstark23]

Texas recruit Brett Baty signed with the Mets this week. Also Blair Henley signed with the Astros and Matteo Bocchi with the Cubs. 

I have not seen that Hamilton or Reynolds have signed yet. 

Interesting on Reynolds as he has no leverage after this season. Hamilton waiting  being so much over slot leads me to think he might comeback. He would have two years left by taking the shirt this year. 

 

[TB14]

was always just a formality.