Major League Baseball will welcome a plethora of future superstars to the mix this coming weekend at the 2014 MLB draft, officially known as the first-year player draft. 

All 30 clubs will choose from the top eligible high school and college stars in an effort to build for the future and ultimately contend for a World Series title in the coming years.

With the first round set to get underway on Thursday night, here you’ll find a complete breakdown of television coverage and the full draft order. 

 

When: Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7

Watch: MLB Network, MLB.com

 

 

Prospects to Know

Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic High School, California

While left-handed ace Brady Aiken isn’t necessarily the consensus favorite to go No. 1 overall this June, he’s certainly at the very top of multiple draft boards this summer, as noted by A1PerformanceGroup.com’s Mike Carney:

The 6’3″, 210-pound teenager has committed to UCLA and appears to have a tremendous feel for the position in addition to boasting superb athleticism. 

According to MLB.com, Aiken’s fastball is routinely in the 92-94 mph range: “He commands his fastball well and throws all three of his pitches for strikes. He gets good depth on his curveball and keeps hitters off balance with his changeup, which usually comes in around 10 mph slower than his fastball.”

The Houston Astros will select No. 1 overall for the third consecutive year this summer, and while it wouldn’t be a shock to see them take any one of the top three pitchers available, few would be surprised if they settled on Aiken.

 

Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC State

Another left-handed stud sure to come off the board early in Round 1 is North Carolina State ace Carlos Rodon, who possesses a stellar fastball and a dominant slider.

According to MLB.com, Rodon can reach 97 mph on his fastball and his slider often reaches the mid-80s.

At 6’3″, 235 pounds, Rodon already possesses the ideal frame to become a reliable No. 1 option down the road. Durability shouldn’t be a concern and if he can improve his changeup, and he’ll have more than enough in his arsenal to terrorize opposing batters in the big leagues. 

Although a slightly disappointing junior campaign with the Wolfpack threatens Rodon‘s shot at going No. 1 overall, his skill set and overall potential make him a strong candidate for the Astros at the top of the board.

 

Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco

It’s not all about the top pitchers this summer. One of the elite outfielders available in 2014 is San Francisco’s Bradley Zimmer, whose older brother Kyle, a pitcher currently working his way up through the Kansas City Royals organization, was selected fifth overall two years ago.

Zimmer‘s bat is arguably his greatest weapon as he recognizes pitches quickly and is able to capitalize with a gorgeous swing. But Zimmer is every bit as effective defensively, where his speed and strong arm make him an asset in the outfield.

Recently, Bradley talked about the prospects of one day facing off against his brother in the majors, per MLB.com’s Alex Espinoza:  

“We’ve joked about it here and there. I’m sure if that ever occurred, I’d get one high and tight, or he’d throw it off the backstop or whatever. But that would be pretty cool, I think, to someday match up against him on the big stage.”

Having already watched his brother go through the grueling draft process, Zimmer could have an upper hand on his fellow prospects. But regardless, his talent is sure to take him places. 

 

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