The three-day event known as the 2017 MLB Draft starts tonight and will continue through Tuesday and Wednesday. By the end of it, more than 1,000 players will have their names called, giving many high school and college kids the opportunity to advance their careers to the highest level. UNC baseball is expected to have several players drafted this year, so Tar Heels fan may want to tune in and support their players.
Day one of the draft will cover the first two rounds plus two short competitive balance rounds for the teams who qualify. This will be broadcast on MLB Network and MLB.com starting at 7 PM. MLB.com will continue coverage of the second round. Day two will be rounds 3-10, and that will start at 1 PM on MLB.com. Day three will be rapid fire coverage of rounds 11-40 on MLB.com starting at noon.
According to Baseball America, the Tar Heels have five players among this year’s top 500 draft prospects. Right-handed pitcher J.B. Bukauskas is considered to be the no. 6 draft prospect for 2017. This doesn’t mean he will be taken sixth overall, but he is definitely expected to go in the first round. Bukauskas was well regarded throughout the season, however, he may have dropped a few slots after a rough few starts at the end of the year.
Shortstop Logan Warmoth ranks no. 19 and should also be selected on day one. Other top 500 prospects include outfielder Brian Miller at no. 44, third baseman Kyle Datres at no. 297, and catcher Cody Roberts at no. 408. Senior Adam Pate will be eligible for the draft, as will juniors Zack Gahagan, Brett Daniels, Hansen Butler, and Jason Morgan.
Many UNC recruits will also have the chance to turn pro before ever setting foot on a college campus. Outfielder Austin Beck ranks no. 9 on BA’s top 500 list, so he’s going to demand a lot of money to forgo college. Will he get it? Right-hander Joe Lancellotti at no. 190 and third baseman Buddy Kennedy at no. 229 could also have a hard time saying no to a professional career.