Padres Draft: Latest five-round mock draft is flawless

Prospects 365 released a full five-round mock draft, and Padres fans should feel very pleased if the draft went this way.

One day away from the 2020 MLB Draft, Prospects 365 went above and beyond, projecting all five rounds of the draft, and giving us a glimpse of what the Padres could come away with. I have to say that after reading through their picks for the home team, I would be thrilled if it played out this way.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the MLB Draft has been shortened to just five rounds; however, undrafted players can be signed for up to $20,000, which could offer another avenue to land gems that went overlooked. It’s very likely that the Padres – based general manager AJ Preller’s tendencies – will draft one of the top high school prep stars with the eighth overall pick.

MacKenzie Gore, Ryan Weathers, CJ Abrams. All names selected by the Padres in the first round within the last three years. And it looks like Prospects 365 is following suit as well:

Round one, 8th overall pick: Robert Hassell, CF

Hassell has a verbal commitment to Vanderbilt in the fall, but a first-round selection could make it an easy decision for him to start his professional career ahead of schedule. Perfect Game gave him a perfect 10/10 score at their annual showcase, as he ran a 6.54 60-yard dash, putting him in the 98th percentile. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Hassell has room to fill out his frame. Here’s what Prospects 365 has to say:

"Hassell has a fantastic left handed swing and lanky 6-foot-2 frame that appears ideal to add weight and additional raw power. A true center fielder currently with above average speed and a plus arm. Could eventually provide plus value at any outfield position."