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Padres could target the biggest 'pop-up' prospect of the spring
TL;DR
The San Diego Padres are considering targeting rising high school prospects for the MLB Draft, including Texas shortstop Grady Emerson and Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. Notably, left-handed pitcher Brody Bumila is also gaining attention this spring.
Padres could target the biggest 'pop-up' prospect of the spring originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While the majority of the MLB Draft board is composed of plenty of college talent, some high school players are rising in the ranks.
Grady Emerson, a shortstop out of Texas, could be the first one to hear his name called in the first round, but he likely won't be the only one. Eric Booth Jr., an outfielder out of Mississippi, is also a name fans will want to watch for.
However, there is a left-handed pitcher out of the state of Texas that is doing his thing this spring, and that is Brody Bumila, from Bishop Feehan High School.
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Padres could target the biggest 'pop-up' prospect of the spring
Bumila wasn't on many teams' boards going into the season, but he sure is now. The big lefty has been flashing triple digits all spring, and his athleticism is off the charts.
He is, according to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, someone the San Diego Padres could target with their 21st overall pick later this summer.
"Bumila has been the pop-up prospect of the spring so far thanks to an imposing 6'8", 245-pound frame and an electric fastball that is regularly bumping triple-digits this spring. He is also a standout basketball player who averaged 40.8 points and 20.8 rebounds during the playoffs en route to a state championship, and that athleticism plays well on the mound."
Like many high-profile baseball players, it's not just baseball where Bumila shines. He's also a star on the basketball court, scoring in bunches and commanding the rim.
The Padres are one team that is known to gamble on high school talent, especially high-velocity pitchers. That is what they did with their last two first-round picks in Kash Mayfield and Kruz Schoolcraft.
So, don't be surprised if San Diego goes out later this summer and continues their trend of selecting prep arms in the first round.
More MLB news:
- Guardians projected to take chance on converted ASU starting pitcher
- Reds linked to five-tool prep shortstop with elite bat speed
- Rangers projected to bolster future core with elite Arkansas backstop
- Diamondbacks linked to dynamic SEC outfielder as first-round target
- Marlins projected to take chance on South Florida prep arm in latest mock
Q&A
Who are the top high school prospects the Padres might target in the MLB Draft?
The Padres are looking at Grady Emerson, a shortstop from Texas, and Eric Booth Jr., an outfielder from Mississippi, as potential targets.
What position does Brody Bumila play and where is he from?
Brody Bumila is a left-handed pitcher from Bishop Feehan High School in Texas.
Why are high school players gaining attention in the MLB Draft this year?
High school players like Grady Emerson and Brody Bumila are rising in the ranks as they showcase their talents during spring, standing out among a draft board primarily filled with college talent.
