Guardians projected to land USC’s converted Friday night ace in latest mock originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Cleveland Guardians have made some really smart picks in the first round during the draft over the recent years. Many of those picks are already playing a big role for the club, like Gavin Williams, Chase DaLauter, and Travis Bazzana.
This year, they were awarded the No. 19 pick, and there is sure to be some more future All-Stars to be had at that spot. But the question is, who will they target?
There is a good mix of prep and college talent scattered across the board. And for Cleveland, they have shown they are not afraid to take high school talent, grabbing California prep catcher Randy Velazquez in 2023.
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Guardians projected to land USC’s converted Friday night ace in latest mock
It’s never a bad idea to target a pitcher in the first round. And this year, there are plenty of aces who have all the makings to be a frontline starter in the big leagues.
One pitcher who has really made strides this season is USC’s Mason Edwards. The LHP was a swingman before turning into the team’s Friday night ace, and is someone that Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter believes Cleveland could take at No. 19.
“After two years as a swingman, Edwards has enjoyed a breakout season as USC’s Friday starter, posting a 1.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and an NCAA-leading 154 strikeouts in 84.1 innings. He has great carry and life up in the zone with his fastball, and backs it with a pair of quality offspeed pitches. The Guardians would be the perfect landing spot for his upward trajectory given their track record of pitching development.”
In Reuter’s eyes, this is as good a fit as it can get. Cleveland has an awesome track record of developing elite pitching, and they would not have to do much with Edwards here.
He has all the makings to be a frontline starter already, and could quickly work his way into the Guardians’ rotation.