The Smartest Pick Dodgers Made in 2020 MLB Draft
The Los Angeles Dodgers had six picks in the 2020 MLB Draft and decided to take four college pitchers. Each of the first three picks were used on pitchers as well.
The team essentially has an unlimited budget, but taking pitchers who could be in the majors soon does allow for LA to keep costs down given the current circumstances. One pitcher to watch out for is Clayton Beeter, who stands out as the smartest selection made by the Dodgers.
With their Competitive Balance Round B #MLBDraft pick (No. 66 overall), the #Dodgers select @TTU_Baseball RHP Clayton Beeter, No. 51 on the Top 200 Draft Prospects list: https://t.co/Cwx65xSlo0
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 11, 2020
Watch live: https://t.co/cmm19LFrdg pic.twitter.com/TODrPUBBAG
The Texas Tech pitcher was a strikeout machine in limited college action. He had a career K/9 of 15.8 and transitioned to be a starter in 2020 before the season was cancelled. Beeter had 33 strikeouts in 21 innings of work this season.
Dodgers comp b rd pick - Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech
— FanGraphs Prospects (@FG_Prospects) June 11, 2020
Monster stuff, can't believe he fell this far. 94-97 with plus-plus fastball carry, plus-plus breaking balls. Likely relief, but potentially elite.
Beeter showed up in the first round on several national mock drafts, even though he was ranked No. 51 overall by MLB.com, and is a great value pick for the Dodgers. He can be both a starter and a reliever depending on what the team needs. The right-hander only allowed four walks in his limited 2020 action and could even end up as the next closer in Los Angeles.
His fall to No. 66 overall is the Dodgers' gain and he can end up being the best young arm on an otherwise aging pitching staff.