Six potential No. 1 overall draft picks for the Twins

May 16, 2017 at 1:22PM
Louisville pitcher Brendan McKay (38) throws against UC Santa Barbara during an NCAA college baseball tournament super regional game, Saturday, Jun. 11, 2016 in Louisville Ky.
Louisville pitcher Brendan McKay (38) throws against UC Santa Barbara during an NCAA college baseball tournament super regional game, Saturday, Jun. 11, 2016 in Louisville Ky. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

TWINS ON THE CLOCK

The Twins have the No. 1 pick in the MLB draft on June 12. Here are the consensus top prospects, according to Baseball America and mlb.com:

Hunter Greene: A righthanded pitcher and shortstop at Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles. At 6-3 and 195 pounds, he is a five-tool player who is committed to UCLA. Throws in the high 90s, likely will be a pitcher in the pros. Would be first prep righthanded pitcher taken No. 1 overall. Turns 18 in August.

Brendan McKay: A 21-year-old lefthanded pitcher and first baseman for Louisville. MLB scouting says the 6-2, 210-pounder would be a top-10 pick as either a pitcher or hitter, but combination of both has him a potential No. 1. In 51 games this season, has 15 homers (including four in one game) and has struck out 110 in 80 innings.

Kyle Wright: The Vanderbilt righthanded pitcher is 6-4 and 220. Wright, 21, was undrafted three years ago out of high school in Alabama. Has 93 strikeouts in 82 innings.

Royce Lewis: Another California prep star, Lewis (6-1, 185) is a shortstop/outfielder at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. A developing player who has committed to UC Irvine, he turns 18 in June.

J.B. Bukauskas: A righthanded pitcher for North Carolina who was a standout for the U.S. college national team (along with McKay). At 6-0, 195 might project to a reliever; 20-year-old is 8-0 with 98 strikeouts in 75 innings this season.

MacKenzie Gore: An 18-year-old lefthanded pitcher for Whiteville (N.C.) who throws in the high 90s. The 6-2, 180-pounder is committed to East Carolina but is expected to sign a professional contract after the draft.

Chris Miller

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