Mere days before the 2015 MLB Draft, this felt like an ideal time to look at several of the top bats expected to be taken next Monday evening. Scouts each year lament the lack of impact hitters in that year’s draft class, and this year is no different. However, these complaints ignored, there are several college hitters, especially middle infielders, expected to be chosen early and a few high school bats that could develop into middle-of-the-order hitters down the road. Here is an introduction to a few of the top hitting prospects available this year, each of whom is expected to be selected on Day 1 of the MLB Draft.

Dansby Swanson SS Vanderbilt

Entering this season Swanson projected as a mid-1st round pick, as questions existed if he could play shortstop professionally after playing the keystone as a sophomore. This season Swanson has answered the critics, showing soft hands, good feet and a quality, accurate throwing arm at shortstop and figures to be above-average defensively long-term. At the plate Swanson has quality bat speed, a relatively compact right-handed swing and some pull side power. Now scouts profile him as a potential above-average to plus offensive and defensive shortstop. This, in addition to his recent offensive explosion in the SEC Tournament and the NCAAs, makes Swanson a near-lock to be drafted in the top-3 picks in the draft.

Alex Bregman SS/2B LSU

Naturally comparisons have been made between Swanson and Alex Bregman, as both are outstanding SEC shortstops projected to be top selections in the June draft with questions about their ability to stay at shortstop. And while Swanson has silenced the critics, Bregman still has his detractors who expect him to shift to second base professionally, due to his lack of elite athleticism and arm strength.

Conversely, most scouts are convinced Bregman is the best, most polished college hitter in this class, as his excellent bat speed, hand-eye coordination and track record of success at the highest levels gives him a strong chance of hitting as a professional. Questions about his eventual defensive position will have him chosen after Swanson, but Bregman should not escape the top-8 selections himself.

Daz Cameron OF Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, Georgia

Son of long-time major league centerfielder Mike Cameron, Daz has long been on scouts’ radar due to his family lineage and his appearance as a sophomore in the Under Armour All-American Game two years ago. Cameron has solid, but not elite, speed and athleticism but his feel for the game and instincts allow him to profile as a strong defender in center field, similar to his father.

Questions exist about his skills at the plate, as scouts are mixed on how his power and contact ability will translate against better quality pitching. That said it feels like Cameron is suffering from a bit of prospect fatigue amongst the scouting community, and would be a tremendous value outside of the top-6 picks in June.
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Brendan Rodgers SS Lake Mary HS, Florida

Coming off a monster summer on the showcase circuit, Rodgers was considered the consensus top prospect in this draft class and entered this calendar year as the favorite to be selected 1st overall. Simply put, Rodgers has impact potential at the big league level, as he has the skills to be a 20+ home run hitter along with playing above-average defense at shortstop.

He does not have the speed one might ideally desire from a shortstop and already has a large frame, giving his critics thought he may not stay at shortstop for many years. Even so, if he outgrows shortstop and moves to the hot corner, Rodgers could be a plus defender there with 20+ home run power, a role “6” or fringe all-star caliber player. Rodgers two-way talent and all-star potential should have him selected in the top-5 picks, with a chance he goes 1-1.

Andrew Benintendi CF University of Arkansas

Only a draft-eligible sophomore, Benintendi has exploded this season, ranking in the top-10 in the NCAA in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, while competing in the SEC conference. Benintendi plays a quality center field and projects to remain there professionally due to his solid arm and excellent speed. Offensively he shows excellent bat-to-ball skills, an ability to barrel the baseball and has home run power, especially to the pull side. He is not very tall or physically large, and lacks a long track record of success as he has played two years in college and skipped summer baseball last year. Those knocks aside, Benintendi has a chance to be an above-average 2-way centerfielder and should not escape the top-12 picks.

Kevin Newman SS University of Arizona

Newman is not an elite athlete or particularly fast, but he has solid actions at shortstop with an average to above-average throwing arm. Offensively Newman does not flash much power currently, but he controls the strike zone well, has a mature approach and excellent barrel skills. A two-time Cape Cod League batting champion, Newman has proven his swing will translate with a wood bat. Newman will not play it flashy, but he should remain at shortstop as a professional and has a chance to contribute offensively.

Richie Martin SS University of Florida

Martin is an obvious, tremendous athlete with good speed and excellent lateral agility. Blessed with soft hands, good feet and a strong arm, there is little question Martin will stay at shortstop as a professional. Offensively Martin showed skills last summer in the Cape League, handling himself well with a wood bat, although there are questions about the impact he will have offensively. Nonetheless, Martin projects as an above-average to plus defensive shortstop with a chance to hit in the #2 spot in the lineup down the road.