Mariners select Kyle Lewis with 11th overall pick

With the 11th overall pick in the draft, the Mariners have selected Mercer outfielder Kyle Lewis. Prior to the draft, all three of ESPN, MLB.com, and Baseball America had Lewis going third overall to the Braves. Lewis worked out extensively for both the Phillies and Braves in the days leading up to the draft, but slid to the Mariners on draft day.

Seattle is likely thrilled to get Lewis, who slid on draft day after being projected as an option for the Phillies at No. 1 overall. Lewis joins Alex Jackson, who was the Mariners' sixth overall pick two years ago, as the top outfifeld prospects in Seattle's system.

Philadelphia considered Lewis for the first overall selection, as evidenced by his recent workout with the club. A 20-year old junior from Mercer, Lewis is drawing comparisons to Jason Heyward, but bats from the opposite side of the plate. His speed seems like it would be best suited for a corner outfield spot in the future, but the good news is, his power plays like a corner outfielder too. He hit .395/.535/.731 with 20 home runs in 61 games for the Bears this season and was recently named BA's College Baseball Player of the Year.

On both MLB.com and Baseball America's list of prospect rankings, Lewis is the top-rated position player, sitting third and fourth overall respectively. At 6-foot-4, 195 lbs, Lewis seems to be the most developed of the top outfielders this year, ahead of Corey Ray and high schoolers Mickey Moniak and Blake Rutherford.

For an introduction to Lewis, read our Chris Cotillo's extensive Q&A with him.