Northwest Players Selected In The 2017 MLB Draft

The MLB draft concluded last month and within the first 10 rounds there were a handful of prospect from Oregon and Seattle high schools and universities that were selected. The interesting side of the draft begins during the signing period. It’s not uncommon for prospects to elect to go back to school instead of heading to the minors.  Each will begin in Single A ball. Below are the players that were selected and where you can find them in the minors.

1^st Round

LHP David Peterson – 20^th overall by The New York Mets – University of Oregon

Minor League Team: Brooklyn Cyclones

The ace of the Ducks’ staff with a small forward type build at 6’6, 240 pounds was the prize pick of the Mets. He set a school record with 140 strikeouts.

RHP Drew Rasmussen – 31^st overall by The Tampa Bay Rays – Oregon State

Rasmussen was unable to reach an agreement with the Ray so he will be returning to school this fall. The RS Jr. was coming off Tommy John surgery and was the best reliever for the Beavers posting a 1.00 ERA.

3^rd Round

C /1B KJ Harrison – 84^th overall by The Milwaukee Brewers – Oregon State

Minor League Team: Helena Montana Brewers

The Hawaiian junior hit .313 with nine home runs and 43 RBI’s landing him a spot on the All-PAC-12 Conference First team.

RHP Wyatt Mills  – 93^rd overall by The Seattle Mariners – Gonzaga

Minor League Team: Everett AquaSox

Mills was the Bulldog’s closer and was viewed as a reach by many. Though he had a successful season striking out 38 batters in 37 innings, he wasn’t in MLB’s top 500 prospects.

C Joey Morgan – 95^th overall by The Detroit Tigers – University of Washington

Minor League Team: Spokane Indians

Morgan earned a spot on the 2017 All-PAC-12 team. He led the Huskies in each offensive category except for home runs.

4^th Round

RHP Jake Thompson – 131^st overall by The Boston Red Sox – Oregon State

Minor League Team: Lowell Spinners

Thompson was arguably the Beavers’ best pitcher. He went 14-1 with a 1.96 ERA. He was voted first team All-American by essentially every baseball platform including Perfect Game and Baseball America.

6^th Round

RHP Noah Bremer – 194^th overall by the Texas Rangers – University of Washington

Minor League Team:  Spokane Indians

The Rangers are getting a crafty right-hander. He won’t blow batters away with his fastball ranging from 87-90 mph. He features a changeup and curveball that he’ll need to polish in the minors.

8^th Round

C Tim Susnara – 212^th overall by The Arizona Diamondbacks – University of Oregon Minor League Team: Hillsboro Hops

Posting career highs in multiple offensive categories got the D-Backs attention. Five home runs, 24 runs, .389 slugging percentage and a 45-point jump in his average slotted with the 212^th pick.

1B Sam Abbott – 237^th overall by The Chicago White Sox – Curtis HS (Washington)

Minor League Team: Arizona Rookie League ZL

Abbott easily had the most interesting story in comparison to any of the prospects. The CHS senior was a water polo MVP and a state runner up in the 100-meter freestyle for the school’s swim team. He was set to go to Long Beach State on a partial water polo scholarship before signing with the White Sox

10^th Round

OF Jack Meggs – 291^st – overall by The Oakland A’s – University of Washington

Minor League Team: Vermont Lake Monsters

The A’s are getting a developmental prospect with a lot of upside. While his stats weren’t superb, his five-outfield assist and seven stolen basis suggest great athleticism.