By: James Gravley | WV Sports Chat
The MLB Draft is officially here. While there aren’t any clear players on WVU’s roster who could potentially get drafted like last year with JJ Wetherholt, there are some guys who could hear their names called later in the draft.
Wetherholt, who was selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the MLB Draft last year, has skyrocketed to Triple-A before a full season with club. His original ETA to the majors was next season, but do not be surprised if he is a September call-up.
There won’t be any players from WVU selected in the first round this year, that we do know. But, as of recent, Logan Sauve, WVU’s catcher, could be the first player selected but it probably won’t be until the later rounds.
Sam White, Brodie Kresser and Skylar King all could hear their names called along with Sauve, but like Sauve, could elect to return to WVU next season.
White is projected to go anywhere between rounds 5-15.
King is projected to go anywhere between rounds 8-20.
Kresser has been projected to go anywhere between rounds 10-20. But I think he returns to WVU next season. He has a year of eligibility remaining due to one year at JUCO.
As far as pitchers go, the two that could ultimately head their names called are Griffin Kirn and Robby Porco.
However, Kirn is projected to be drafted in rounds 15-20 and Porco is slated for the last two rounds, which means he could return to WVU as well.
Kyle West is intriguing for several clubs, but he will likely be selected, if at all, to save money for a future team. The corner outfielder does have pop in his bat, but can sometimes be overly aggressive at the dish. Like Kirn, he is projected in the later rounds anywhere from 18-20.
Outfielder Jace Rinehart and pitcher Jack Kartsonas likely go undrafted, but sign UDFA deals with a club.
I’d fully expect Carson Estridge to return to WVU next season even though he’s eligible for the MLB Draft.
Stay locked in to WV Sports Chat for the latest WVU news around the MLB Draft over the next couple of days.
Photo: 247Sports
