5 Best Picks of Day 2 of the 2019 MLB Draft
By Ryan Flores
Day two of the MLB Draft wrapped up on Tuesday, and a plethora of players have officially come off the board. However, there were a few prospects of note that were more significant in terms of their fit, as teams look to successfully reload their farm system. Let's take a look at five of the best prospects that were selected during day two of the 2019 MLB Draft.
5. Matthew Lugo
The Boston Red Sox went incredibly safe with their first pick in Cameron Cannon, so the selection of Matthew Lugo was a breath of fresh air. An 18-year-old out of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy, he's currently committed to the University of Miami, so the Red Sox will have to sway him away from college. Lugo might be worth it though, as he's the highest-ranked prospect from Puerto Rico in this year's draft. Standing at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Lugo has an advanced approach at the plate, with an up-the-middle mindset. He's not as big as Carlos Correa, but he looks the part, and has more pop than expected. He's got solid tools, and has a chance at staying at shortstop at the big league level. There's a chance that he could make an impact for the Red Sox sometimes within the next four-to-five years.
4. Ryan Pepiot
The Los Angeles Dodgers might have been able to snag themselves a solid bullpen arm in the third round in Ryan Pepiot. Pepiot's fastball hits around the 91-94 mph range, but has hit 96 with riding action before. His changeup is his bread and butter, as it's one of the best offerings among all the college arms. The Dodgers have plenty of starters that will clog up the rotation in the future, so this pick was likely about filling holes in the bullpen. With his three-quarters delivery, he has some crossfire that leads to deception, but hinders on his ability to throw strikes, so he certainly seems well-equipped for a bullpen role where he's only used for one or two innings at a time.
3. Graeme Stinson
The Tampa Bay Rays have been incredibly creative with their bullpen in the past couple of seasons, and now they have yet another piece to play around with in Graeme Stinson. The left-handed Duke product didn't get to pitch much this year, as he only tossed 19.2 innings due to injury. However, should he return to full health, the Rays would have themselves a reliever with a mid-90s fastball, and an absolutely filthy slider. The Rays are well-known for having bullpen games, with a bullpen arm starting for one inning, and then a bulk starter coming in behind him. Stinson could be used in either role, as he's had experience as a starter at Duke. Either way, he fits the way the Rays are playing baseball right now, and has a chance to be with the team quickly.
2. Tyler Callihan
The Cincinnati Reds swung big with shortstop Rece Hinds in the second round, and then took another big swing on a talented high school hitter with the selection of Tyler Callihan. Callihan stands at a stocky 5-foot-11, 211 pounds, and really knows how to barrel up the ball. He has an advanced approach from the left side of the plate, and has a sweet swing that could have plenty of power behind it. It's a question as to where he'll play at the big league level, but so long as his bat plays, the Reds will find room for him wherever they can.
1. Matthew Allan
The New York Mets got an absolute steal at the 89th overall pick. Matthew Allan is widely considered to be the best prep arm in this draft class, yet went after most of his fellow peers due to the fact that he's going to want a big signing bonus. The Mets will likely have under-slot deals in place Brett Baty and Josh Wolf, so there's a chance they'll have enough money to sway Allan from going to the University of Florida. Allan has the makings of a frontline starter thanks to his size, strength, and command of his stuff. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and tops out at 97 mph, and has a plus curveball, and above average changeup. This was an excellent choice for the Mets should they be able to sign him, as they may have themselves a future ace.