MLB draft 2015: Diamondbacks draft Dansby Swanson first overall

With the first overall pick in the draft, the Diamondbacks have selected Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson. Swanson was a consensus top-five, maybe even top-two, pick in the draft. He was often mocked as the first player off the board to Arizona and almost always in the top three.

Arizona was widely expected to select Swanson or fellow shortstop Brendan Rodgers with the first overall pick, though some reports before the draft believed that the team could look to go with another player in an effort to save money for later picks. Swanson joins a pitcher-heavy farm system for the D-Backs that currently has right-handed pitchers as its first five draft picks.

Swanson was one of the top hitters in college baseball in 2015, hitting .348/.441/.648 in 64 games for the Commodores. Rodgers hit 14 home runs and had 164 total bases in 253 at bats this season, drawing 42 walks against just 45 strikeouts. Along with Vanderbilt teammate Carson Fulmer, he was named one of four finalists for the Golden Spikes Award.

Swanson is regarded by scouts as solid on both sides of the ball, but not spectacular either way and as having a high floor. He adjusted well to shortstop this season after playing second base for Vanderbilt last season and had a strong second half, including four home runs in the SEC Tournament.

The D-Backs pick next in the second round, with the 43rd overall pick.