Padres select Eric Lauer with 24th overall pick

With the 24th overall pick in the draft, the Padres have selected Kent State left-hander, Eric Lauer. Prior to the draft, Lauer was projected to go 25th to the Padres according to ESPN. Meanwhile, Baseball America had him going just one pick later to the White Sox, and MLB.com projected Lauer at 29th overall to the Nationals.

Most recently, the Padres have made some trades to help rebuild their farm system. That being said, their biggest haul has revolved around outfielder Manny Margot. The Padres system is by no means depleted of arms, but none of their pitchers rank in MLB.com’s top 100. Lauer will likely leap frog Logan Allen as the top left-handed pitcher in the Padres’ system.

After previously being ranked as one of the top high school pitchers available, his commitment to Kent State dropped him to the 17th round. The lefty pitched 86.1 innings last season allowing just 19 earned runs on 63 hits and 26 walks while striking out 103. At 6'3", 205lbs, Lauer is a well-rounded athlete and boasts four average-to-above-average pitches. Scouts believe he could handle the duties of a mid-rotation starter with his effortless and repeatable delivery.

Lauer ranks 27th among all prospects according to both MLB.com and Baseball America. While Lauer doesn't project to have a high ceiling, he could have the highest floor of any left-handed pitcher available in this year's draft.