Here's a look at Round 1 around in the league in which we had 3 picks thanks to a competitive balance selection as well as the Athletics' CB pick which we acquired in the Jeffrey Springs trade.
And the Rays high picks:
Schoolcraft: The high-school lefty was our first-round pick in my 2024 save as well and he has Chris Sale-type potential to dream on (80/60/45). He can also hit some with 45/55 potential (and a 65 eye) and was succeeding on both ends in the minors in that other save and will surely get some two-way reps here. The only wrinkle is that he wants $11M, which is well over the $6.5M or so slot. He was offered slot but we saved enough money on succeeding picks to pay him the $11M if we have to (shh, don't tell him that though).
Hussey: And the low-contact, big-power slugger from college who only demanded a $75K bonus is one of those guys we're saving $ on but the West Virginia 1B has
current 60 MLB power with 80 potential. Of course it goes with 30 current contact that could rise to 45 so he's going to be a tricky one who could pay off with a lot of homers.
Hartshorn: A high-school OF from SoCal with 50/70 potential and also could be a 60 in LF. He too was willing to go under slot.
Fien: Touted as a first-round pick by many this California HS 3B fell to us in the second round and has 60/50 potential with the hope of being a decent fielder at the hot corner.
Freitas: A prep starter from Illinois with 65/45/40 potential so he's going to have to limit the homers and walks to make the best use of his above-average stuff.
Brumbaugh: Another prep bat, this one's a SS from Oklahoma with 60/45 potential and who could stick at short and if not be a credible 3B. The hit tool looks promising with 70 BABIP potential.
Blair: This all-around athlete from a SoCal high school was progged to go earlier but was available in the 4th. At 18 he's already considered a 60 MLB LF and 50 MLB CF with 75/60 defensive potential and has 70 speed. He also has 65 potential power although contact could be an issue with 45 his projected ceiling. Still a steal in the 4th and he was also someone I drafted in the 2024 save.
Jackson: A college junior from Arizona State, Jackson is already an elite defender (65/55/60 across the OF as of now, 80/70/75 potential), and like Blair has 45 contact and 65 power potential. OSA is about 10% more bearish on him but he too seems like a heist at this stage of the draft.