Now that the 2023 MLB Draft order has been set, it is time to look at who the Oakland A’s may select.
That speculation has begun with MLB.com’s first mock draft of the year. They speculate that the A’s will select nigh school outfielder Walker Jenkins with the sixth overall pick in the draft.
Walker Jenkins could make up for Oakland A’s disappointing draft spot
Jenkins is the type of player that could help ease the sting of plummeting down the draft board due to the lottery. He is considered one of the top high school prospects heading into the upcoming season, someone that could move up the draft rankings with another stellar performance in 2023.
He was the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior, showcasing his impressive tools and makeup despite a hamate injury. Jenkins has been considered the best high school prospect in the state since Josh Hamilton; he was selected with the first overall pick in the 1999 MLB Draft.
It is easy to see why scouts would rave about Jenkins. His raw power is impressive, as he has been able to turn on the better fastballs he has faced and drive them to right with authority. He has begun to hit the ball hard to all fields as well as he has continued to develop. His overall hit tool may still be behind his raw power, but Jenkins has the potential to be a star with the bat.
The only real question is where he will play. His speed has declined a bit already in high school as he has gotten stronger, making it possible that he will need to move to one of the corner outfield spots instead of center. However, his ability to read the ball off of the bat and excellent routes could allow him to stick in center despite his average speed.
Walker Jenkins is the type of player that could immediately become a top prospect. The first 2023 mock draft has him falling to the Oakland A’s.