27 local baseball players have high chances on making the MLB draft

Through 40 rounds and over 1,000 prospects being chosen, 27 locals could find their way into being a chosen one. Over the last few years, 62 New Jersey High School players have been selected in the MLB draft. Round 1 begins Monday, June 4 at 7 pm on MLB Network. The Draft will continue through Wednesday, June 6^th. 

Of these 27 players, these athletes are the best scouts have seen yet and many colleges have thrown offers their way, making it hard to commit for some. Basking Ridge’s own first basemen Brandon Hylton has a shot on being a late round pick. The 6’6 power hitting senior batted .366 on the season, averaging a hit per game. 

St. Joseph’s Montvale High School has a few shining stars that are Vanderbilt commit Justyn-Henry Malloy has been the talk of the scouts as well. Putting together an outstanding .462 batting average on the season, with 36 RBI on 30 hits. First basemen Matt Alaimo has been a three-year member of Rawlings-Perfect Game All American Team. He posted a .449 batting average, and is predicted to be a 9^th or 15^th round pick for the draft. 

Governor Livingston’s shortstop Dan Serretti is a switch hitting North Carolina commit. Scouts were originally saying he wasn’t even in the running to be on the board for any round pick, but he has made a historic jump onto the draft board in recent months. Now scouts are saying he is a 15^th round and even a chance to be an 8^th round pick as well. 

St. Augustine High School also has a shining shortstop that is projected to be a 7^th to 15^th round pick after not being on the charts. Josh Hood finished his season with a 37 for 84 .441 batting average. Scouts are saying that he is “extremely signable” and categorized as one of the biggest surprises in the state of New Jersey. The Hermits also have a RHP Virginia Tech commit, Jack Billings. His fastball sits at 91 mph, and in 20.3 innings pitched, he has 45 strikeouts and only nine walks. 

Jack Carey from St. Peter’s Prep High School carries a 94 mph fastball that many scouts are looking at. In April, he projected to be a 6^th or even a 3^rd round pick for the draft. In June, he finishes standing at a 7^th to 15^th round pick. The Duke commit also has a curveball and a changeup, but can blow it by many great hitters with his fastball. 

There are many other talented young men in the running for a chance to get selected in tonight’s starting draft, but these are just a few. Hearing their names next week in the draft could be a dream come true for some. Find out tonight on MLB Network starting at 7 pm EST.