Dodgers 2020 MLB Draft grades: What you need to know about each pick

Who the Dodgers picked: RHP Landon Knack, Eastern Tennessee State

Round 2 (60th overall)

Grade: B-

With their second round pick, the Dodgers went for college pitching again, selecting Landon Knack from Eastern Tennessee State. The right-hander went 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA with an amazing 51 strikeouts to only ONE walk during his shortened final season as a fifth-year college senior.

Los Angeles could save some money on his $1.2 million slot value by selecting him 60th overall. The former two-way player has a fastball that touches 98 MPH, explaining why he racked up the most K’s of any Division I hurler. Baseball America ranked him as the 113th best prospect entering the draft, worried that his advanced age could limit his ability to climb higher on the draft board.

The 6-foot-1, 215 pound pitcher set a program record with a career 2.29 ERA at Eastern Tennessee. He put his name on MLB teams’ radars with his strong start to his junior season, winning his first eight decisions.

MLB Pipeline analyst Jim Callis believes Knack is the best fifth-year senior prospect since David Freese.

While Knack is probably a reach with the 60th overall pick, the ability of the Dodgers to sign him below slot value should help them secure the rest of their picks. Based on his performance in 2020, it’s possible he could have risen up the draft board given more time for other teams to scout him. He could become a valuable piece who is ready to step into the Dodgers rotation sooner than later, or as a potential trade chip for a team looking for a more mature prospect.