Heston Kjerstad. Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
The countdown to the 4 p.m. MLB draft is on.
The Giants, at No. 13, have most closely been linked with Turlock’s Tyler Soderstorm in the past few weeks, though the high school catcher very well may be off the board by the roughly 5:20 selection. There are so many directions for San Francisco to pivot.
Because of a dearth of top-end pitching prospects, maybe they’ll seek a high-ceiling high school arm like Mick Abel out of Oregon.
Because of a dearth of quality pitching at the upper levels of the system, maybe they’ll seek a college pitcher who can soar quickly through the ranks like Oklahoma’s Cade Cavalli.
Because of the adage that surely will be repeated tonight, maybe the Giants can justify an outfielder like Arkansas’ Heston Kjerstad or Garrett Mitchell because he was the Best Player Available.
Here’s a look at the industry’s last mock drafts:
ESPN: Patrick Bailey, C, NC State
A non-Soderstrom catcher! In the Worldwide Leader’s mock, Soderstrom was nabbed four picks earlier, and the Giants wind up with a switch-hitting slugger from Greensboro. Between the National League possibly adopting the DH and the ability to platoon Bailey and Joey Bart, while also moving them around the field a bit, it makes sense.
The Athletic: Heston Kjerstad, OF, Arkansas
Again, Soderstrom goes to Colorado in this simulation. The Giants’ system is deep with outfielders, but you can never be deep enough with talent. The lefty swinger never hiccuped throughout his college career, slashing a cumulative .343/.421/.590.
Baseball America: Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma
Soderstrom is off the board yet again, as is Kjerstad. Instead, the Giants take a starter with an upper-90s fastball and plus slider, more regaled for his stuff than results so far.
MLB.com: Tyler Soderstrom, C, Turlock (Calif.) High School
The league’s site is sticking to the script. In this mock, the Rockies opt for pitching instead, enticing lefty Garrett Crochet goes to the White Sox at 11 and Cavalli is off the board at 12.
With no consensus, baseball will take a break from being infuriating and veer toward being fun for a few hours tonight.
