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  • Twins MLB Draft Preview: Brendan McKay, SP/1B

    Cody Christie

    By Cody Christie

    Since 2010, the Twins have selected three college players in the first round, right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers, shortstop Levi Michael and left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay. Wimmers and Michael have failed to transform into MLB regulars. Jay was drafted with the hopes of being a top tier starter. This spring the Twins announced he will be used as a relief pitcher moving forward.

    Today's profile looks at one of the players expect to come off the board with a top-three pick. His college experience and skills on both side of the ball make him an intriguing prospect. Will he be the Twins' choice at number one?

    Image courtesy of University of Louisville Sports Information

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    WHO IS HE?

    McKay is a left-handed pitcher and first baseman from the University of Louisville. He was originally drafted in the 34th round of the 2014 draft by the San Diego Padres. His commitment to Louisville was strong and that decision seems to have paid off. McKay is 6-2, 220 pounds and was born on December 18, 1995.

    WHY THE TWINS WILL DRAFT HIM

    McKay has been a legitimate two-way threat during his collegiate career. As a freshman, he hit .308/.418/.431. He followed that up by hitting .333/.415/.513 as a sophomore. On the mound, he was even more impressive. Over 97 innings during his first year, he posted a 1.77 ERA with a 117 to 34 strikeout to walk ratio. He avoided a sophomore slump with a 2.30 ERA and a 128 to 42 strikeout to walk ratio over 110 innings.

    During his junior campaign, McKay has made huge strides at the plate. He's combined for a 1.159 OPS and 17 home runs which is more homers than his first two seasons combined. On the mound, he ranks in the NCAA's top-10 for strikeouts despite having pitched fewer innings than all but one the other pitchers in the top-10.

    MLB.com columnist Jim Callis told USA Today that he doesn't believe there has been a prospect who was equally highly regarded as both a pitcher and a hitter as McKay since Dave Winfield out of the University of Minnesota in 1973. Winfield, a Minnesota native, went on to a Hall of Fame career as a hitter and that comparison could make the Twins want to pull the trigger on McKay.

    WHY THE TWINS WON'T DRAFT HIM

    As the season has stretched on, McKay has seen some wear and tear from playing on both sides of the ball. His fastball has dropped to 88-91 mph but he has also been working on adding a cut fastball. He hasn't been able to refine pitching or hitting since he has been spending time doing both. His velocity isn't overwhelming and it's not hard for big league teams to find a first baseman/DH who can hit for power.

    McKay's stock has definitely dropped as the spring has progressed. He doesn't have the athletic ability of some other top college picks from recent years like Kris Bryant or Dansby Swanson. If McKay's future is on the mound, there are better pitchers the Twins will look at before taking McKay. Baseball America also thinks McKay would be better suited to be part of a National League organization. This would allow him to continue to pitch and hit on a regular basis.

    Even with a slow end to his spring, McKay is still one of the first names Commissioner Manfred will announce on June 12. Will he be trading in a Cardinals jersey for new Twins digs?

    Other draft-related articles:

    Twins Daily Draft Preview

    Royce Lewis

    Pavin Smith

    10-Round Mock Draft

    Cody Christie is a Twins writer and content contributor. His writing can be found exclusively at Twins Daily and his voice can be heard on radio stations throughout the Upper Midwest. Outside of the Twins, he is a father, high school teacher, and avid runner.
    Follow Cody Christie on Twitter: nodaktwinsfan

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    David HK

    David HK 5,197

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    "Since 2010, the Twins have selected three college players in the first round, right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers, shortstop Levi Michael and left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay."

     

    My question to this method is, "How's that workin' out for ya?"

     

    The last 10 years or so, maybe the only #1's that have been or look promising are Bux, Gordon (Looking good so far), and Berrios-- all HS picks.  Oh, yes, and some cat named Aaron Hicks back in '08.  I seem to remember a guy by that name...

     

    There's no guarantee a #1 pick will pan out, but Geez Louise, the Twinks' record of #1's have really not been too productive in this millenium so far, 2001 excepted.

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    Cody Christie

    Cody Christie 3,226

  • Twins Daily Contributor

    • Posted

     

    "Since 2010, the Twins have selected three college players in the first round, right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers, shortstop Levi Michael and left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay."

     

    My question to this method is, "How's that workin' out for ya?"

     

    The last 10 years or so, maybe the only #1's that have been or look promising are Bux, Gordon (Looking good so far), and Berrios-- all HS picks.  Oh, yes, and some cat named Aaron Hicks back in '08.  I seem to remember a guy by that name...

     

    There's no guarantee a #1 pick will pan out, but Geez Louise, the Twinks' record of #1's have really not been too productive in this millenium so far, 2001 excepted.

    It's a new front office with a different approach to drafting. Some of the scouts are the same but it's the dawn of a new era. Levine and Falvey know this pick could define their tenure as a front office duo. There needs to be a balance between risk and reward. You can't strikeout on the number one overall pick.

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    Cody Christie

    Cody Christie 3,226

  • Twins Daily Contributor

    • Posted

     

    Many get distracted by the fact that McKay is currently a two-way player. One thing they get distracted from is what he could become as a pitcher if that was all he focused on. Operative words = "could become".

    I tried to allude to that in the article. I feel like he could become a much better at being a hitter or a pitcher if he focused on one and not the other. It's too hard to be a two-way player as a professional. 

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    gunnarthor

    gunnarthor 11,234

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    I'm definitely more on Wright or Gore but I also don't have access to what Lavine has. It's possible our scouts think he's gonna be a great LH bat or pitcher once he concentrates on one.  I think he's a bit risky though. I want a pitcher and Wright checks all the boxes for me. But if McKay comes cheap enough where the Twins could add someone like Baz at 35 ... maybe I'm ok with that.

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    Willihammer

    Willihammer 4,021

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

    I was higher on McKay a month ago but today I'd pass. The velo drop around 55-60 pitches is a real problem IMO. Gotta be able to log innings to be a front of the rotation guy. I worry he'll end up a Gibson-like 4-5 or in the pen because of that.

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    Don't Feed the Greed Guy

    Don't Feed the Greed Guy 530

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

     

    I'm definitely more on Wright or Gore but I also don't have access to what Lavine has

    Yep. From my chair, 30,000 feet above all the data that scouts have, I am looking forward to how FaLvine "spin" http://m.mlb.com/glossary/statcast/spin-rate this draft pick, after the selection is made. I am fascinated by how the decision will be made, from an analytical perspective. Since Falvey and Levine have arrived they have tinkered with the roster, making small moves, rather than big splashes. Here's an excellent article on how they have painted over Terry Ryan's tableau with small strokes rather than with a broad brush http://www.twinkietown.com/2017/4/26/15430948/derek-falvey-thad-levine-smarter-front-office-terry-ryan-bill-smith-twins

     

    It will be a treat to see how this all plays out, and why.

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    Cody Christie

    Cody Christie 3,226

  • Twins Daily Contributor

    • Posted

    It's interesting to consider how much someone's stock can change in one spring. Many fans would have be fine with him being the first pick earlier in the year. He will certainly be a high pick but I think he has shown enough flaws that it's the right (or Wright) move to pass on him.

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    Vanimal46

    Vanimal46 28,724

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    I would be. As Willihammer posted, the velocity dip after 55-60 pitches isn't good. The velocity in general 88-91 isn't exciting. If he forgoes pitching all together, then they just spent the #1 overall pick on a 1B/DH type. 

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    Cody Christie

    Cody Christie 3,226

  • Twins Daily Contributor

    • Posted

     

    I would be. As Willihammer posted, the velocity dip after 55-60 pitches isn't good. The velocity in general 88-91 isn't exciting.

     

    Seems "blah." I feel like even with his two-way ability, he won't be more than a back-end starter or long reliever. His bat has been good this year but previous years he wasn't anything exciting at the plate. 

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    Cody Christie

    Cody Christie 3,226

  • Twins Daily Contributor

    • Posted

     

    Me personally, no.  I'm leaning towards Wright, but I don't have the data the Twins have. 

    Even though we don't have the same data as the Twins, it's easy for fans to find out that he has struggled to keep his velocity up into the late innings. It would have been nice for him to concentrate on being a pitcher or a hitter and not doing both. 

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    Thrylos

    Thrylos 8,325

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted (edited)

     

    "Since 2010, the Twins have selected three college players in the first round, right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers, shortstop Levi Michael and left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay."

     

    My question to this method is, "How's that workin' out for ya?"

     

    Cannot compare late first round picks to an 1-1 pick.  Period.

    Edited by Thrylos
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    Cody Christie

    Cody Christie 3,226

  • Twins Daily Contributor

    • Posted

     

    Probably a little but I really don't know enough to be upset.

    This is one of the things that makes the MLB Draft so much different from the NFL Draft. With the mix of college and high school players, there is a lot of projection

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    Cody Christie

    Cody Christie 3,226

  • Twins Daily Contributor

    • Posted

     

    Don't want any part of this guy. A first baseman or a third starter (most likely). No way! Wright or Greene.

    I feel like some one should make a Vote Wright and Vote Greene poster and bumper stickers

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    gunnarthor

    gunnarthor 11,234

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

     

    If I was the Twins my board would look like this:

    1. Wright

    2. Greene

    3. Lewis

    4. McKay

     

    Lucky enough for them, they won't have to go past the first option on their board

    I think mine is Wright, Gore, Greene, McKay, Adell but, yeah, they'll almost certainly take Wright.

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    chpettit19

    chpettit19 8,662

  • Community Leader

    • Posted

    I wouldn't be upset by a McKay pick at all. I think Wright would be my first choice, but I'd be ok with McKay. I'm not overly concerned about him being a 1B instead of a middle of the field player. I'd be fine with them taking him and putting him in A+ and letting him work on hitting and hitting alone. He's got a GREAT eye and approach at the plate and I think that goes a long way in a player being able to succeed as they move up the chain. Would everyone complain if he turns into a .300 30 hr 100+RBI middle of the order bat? He's a little smaller than Schwarber, but he reminds me a lot of Schwarber coming out of college. Would we be upset if we drafted Schwarber 1:1? I wouldn't be (yes I know he's struggling right now). And if he focuses on hitting for a 2-3 years and it's clear he's not going to be able to cut it it's pretty nice to know he isn't necessarily a complete bust at that point because you haven't used his arm since he's playing 1B and now you put him on the mound and see if he can become a rotation or bullpen piece. If Wright can't pitch his career is over. I think Wright has a much higher ceiling on the bump, but I'd be ok with McKay for his bat. When a middle of the rotation arm is your backup plan for a guy it's not a bad deal.

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    Einstein1

    Einstein1 68

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

    McKay is on ESPN right now.  I like him, very polished, sitting 91-94, good off speed stuff, lefthanded, I think he will be relatively quick to the majors.  I think he'd be a very safe pick.  That being said, he seems like more of a middle of the rotation starter and I don't know if that's good enough for 1-1.   If they are leaning his way I have to think it's to save money to spend on 35/37.  I guess I could live with it, but I would probably go with the higher upside of Wright or Greene if it was my decision.  

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    gunnarthor

    gunnarthor 11,234

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

     

    McKay is on ESPN right now.  I like him, very polished, sitting 91-94, good off speed stuff, lefthanded, I think he will be relatively quick to the majors.  I think he'd be a very safe pick.  That being said, he seems like more of a middle of the rotation starter and I don't know if that's good enough for 1-1.   If they are leaning his way I have to think it's to save money to spend on 35/37.  I guess I could live with it, but I would probably go with the higher upside of Wright or Greene if it was my decision.  

    This is pretty much how I feel.

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