The Dodgers made a surprise pick with their first pick in the 2017 MLB draft. Andrew Friedman and company went in the direction of best player available rather than minor league need.
With the 23rd overall pick, the Dodgers selected Jeren Kendall, left-handed outfielder out of Vanderbilt. The announcement was somewhat exciting because many projections had Kendall going in the top 20, so it appears that the Dodgers may have gotten a steal in the first round.
Let’s check out some fan reactions to the pick.
Jeren Kendall had top-10 potential and I was shocked to see him fall out of the top 15. Dodgers with a steal at 23.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 13, 2017
Dodgers just got the steal of the draft! Congrats @JerenKendall! Time to work!
— Jared Miller (@JaredMiller24) June 13, 2017
Nice to see the Dodgers draft a potential super star. With all their depth it give them flexibility to shoot for the home run. #2017MLBDraft
— Cesar Becerra (@cebass_LA) June 13, 2017
The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive for the Dodgers. As I tweeted out, the Dodgers have the luxury of having an already stacked farm system that they could afford to make a pick with superstar potential. Kendall brings real game changing potential with his speed and new found power.
He’ll now join his former teammates in Walker Buehler and Jordan Sheffield as former Vanderbilt baseball players in the Dodgers farm system.
Send us in your thoughts on the pick? Do you love it? Do you hate it? Keep us close as we’ll be making player comparisons once the MLB Draft concludes.